The Église Saint-Jacques tells a story of several building phases: its floor plan is Romanesque, the choir is rounded and the tower is built on a dome. Side aisles with Gothic rib vaults were added later; the portal features Renaissance motifs. This church shows how different stylistic elements came together over time.
Churches and architectural history
The Renaissance portal and capitals on the west façade of the Église Saint-Jacques have been partially listed as a historic monument under a decree dated 6 December 1948. The Église Saint-Etienne has a different history: it is now the parish church and was formerly a Benedictine priory. The priory was fortified during the Hundred Years’ War. A walkway above the Romanesque apse is a reminder of these fortifications.
The Ferme de la Reynerie also offers a glimpse of different building periods. The farm was built in the 18th century around a square tower dating from the previous century. Its rectangular foundations, one storey and attic define the structure. The walls are made of limestone rubble, with ashlar details on the façade. In Bourzac is the site of the former Château de Bourzac, overlooking the Lizonne—a sign of the site’s historical importance, not a castle that still stands.
Mills and traces of earlier work
The history of the mills reflects different uses and states of preservation. The Moulin du Pont served as a grain and oil mill in the second half of the 18th century and was largely rebuilt in the 19th century. In 1865, it had two undershot vertical waterwheels, two millstones and an oil press. The Moulin Poirier was a grain and oil mill as well as a paper mill. The paper mill has disappeared; only the millrace remains from the grain-milling operation, while the oil mill is fully preserved.
The Moulin d’Auriac was also a grain and oil mill. Its history dates back to the first half of the 18th century; grain milling ended in the 1950s. The Moulin du Treuil is in a different condition today: it is a ruin, with parts of the main masonry still standing, along with the remains of an undershot waterwheel and the sluice gates. Together, these sites do not present a single picture of a mill, but rather different chapters in the region’s working history.
Wetland and natural environment
Nanteuil-Auriac-De-Bourzac is one of the municipalities included in the 148.62-hectare Type 1 ZNIEFF area of Tourbières de Vendoire. The wetland complex in the surrounding area includes former peat cuttings, aquatic and amphibious communities, alkaline fens, wet meadows and alluvial ash woodland. The variety of these habitats makes the area another destination for discovery, alongside its churches and mills.
Species recorded in the surrounding area include rare wetland plants, threatened butterflies, the European mink, the European pond turtle and the common lizard. The otter is an occasional visitor. These records give an impression of the wetland’s importance; they do not guarantee that individual animals will be seen during a visit. Thirty hectares of the area have been acquired and are managed by Espaces Naturels d’Aquitaine. The Maison des tourbières serves as a base for educational programmes. Check before your trip which public activities are currently available.
Hiking and guided discoveries
The Boucle de Nanteuil-Auriac-de-Bourzac – Le Petit Bourzac is a 5.6-kilometre circular hike starting in Nanteuil-Auriac-De-Bourzac. Its length, circular route and starting point provide practical guidance for planning; these details do not specify a walking time or difficulty level. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Other guided activities focus on different themes. Les Échappées Vertes offers a playful discovery of the area’s historical, architectural and natural heritage; check in advance whether it is available on your travel dates. The guided donkey hike “Les dos d’ânes de la Lizonne” starts in Auriac-de-Bourzac and leads through the landscapes of the Lizonne valley. For this activity too, check current availability and booking options with the provider. The options are clearly distinct: the circular hike is described by its length and format, while the guided experiences focus on a particular theme or a donkey hike.
Discover more destinations: Le Pizou, Saint-Sulpice-De-Roumagnac, Petit-Bersac, Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare, Mensignac, Boulazac, La Cassagne, Douville.
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
