Marquay combines a church that is open to visitors, a prehistoric site, a château within the commune and two circular walks that start in Marquay. This gives you a choice of architecture, history, archaeological art and time outdoors during your stay. Which of these interests takes priority can shape how you plan your days: the walks differ in length, estimated duration and stated difficulty, while each cultural site has its own historical features.
The church and the château’s history
At the heart of Marquay is the Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-liens, which is open to visitors free of charge. Its Romanesque choir dates from the 12th century. Notable features include a stone dome, a five-sided apse and unusually vaulted transept arms. These details provide specific points to look out for during your visit, including the shape of the choir and its architectural features.
During the Heritage Days, the association “Les Amis de l'Église de Marquay” offers guided tours of the church. If you plan to join a tour, check the event dates in advance. The Château de Puymartin is also among the châteaux within the commune of Marquay. Remains of the original château, dating from the 13th century, have survived. The mythological cabinet contains grisaille paintings from the 17th century that are listed as historic monuments. The Romanesque architecture of the church and the château’s surviving structural and painted details therefore offer different ways to explore the past.
Abri de Cap Blanc and the Vézère Valley
The Abri de Cap Blanc is located in the Grande Beune valley, a tributary of the Vézère, whose valley is home to numerous Palaeolithic sites. The sculpted frieze at the Abri de Cap Blanc was the first Palaeolithic sculptural ensemble to be discovered. The site is part of the prehistoric sites and decorated caves in the Vézère Valley, which have been inscribed on the World Heritage List since 1979. The site thus links a specific work of art with the wider group of prehistoric sites in the valley.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the Abri de Cap Blanc was open to the public on 17 August 2026. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit. This allows you to plan a visit to the site alongside your other cultural interests in Marquay, while distinguishing its archaeological significance from the very different historical evidence found at the church or Château de Puymartin.
Two circular walks starting in Marquay
Both circular walks start in Marquay, but differ in length, stated difficulty and time required. The Boucle de Callabout is an easy 9.1-kilometre loop that takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes. The Boucle des Hauts de Marquay is longer at 12.7 kilometres, rated moderate and takes around 3 hours and 55 minutes. If you are choosing between the two, these details can help you decide based on your available time and the stated difficulty.
The landscape descriptions also highlight different features: the Boucle des Hauts de Marquay passes through hilly, wooded terrain with hamlets and small meadows. The Boucle de Callabout also crosses hilly, wooded terrain; its hamlets bear witness to the area’s rich farming history. Route information for the Boucle des Hauts de Marquay may change, so check the latest route guide before setting out.
Producers’ market in Marquay
Marquay’s producers’ market offers vegetables, fruit, cheese, fish, wine and local handicrafts. The selection may vary depending on the season and the vendors. If you would like to include the market in your day’s plans, bear in mind this seasonal variation rather than expecting the selection to remain unchanged.
Discover more destinations: Sarrazac, Carlucet, Chancelade, Minzac, Coly, Champagne-Et-Fontaine, Cercles, Grives
For the full travel overview: Dordogne.
