Discover Saint-Crépin-et-Carlucet through the different traces of its history: a château built on older foundations, churches with their own architectural histories, dry-stone huts and cavities excavated into limestone. There are also two walking routes with different focuses. You can shape your stay around architecture, local history or a riddle trail.
Château architecture and guided tours
Château de Lacypierre is a typical Périgord château dating from the early 16th century. It was built on older foundations dating from the 13th century; its architecture also features a hexagonal tower. Isabelle and Florence lead visitors around the château themselves. Check the guided-tour schedule before your trip. Several aspects come together here: the sequence from the foundations to the château’s construction, the distinctive shape of the tower, and a visit led by the guides themselves.
Churches and history in Carlucet
The Church of Sainte-Marie-Sainte-Anne in Carlucet dates from the 11th century and was built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style. Several information panels explain the history of the building and elements of its retable. The church also provides access to a cemetery with enfeus, where graves are set into the thickness of the wall. The former priory and the cemetery in Carlucet have been listed as historic monuments since 12 October 1948. The themes range from the building’s architecture and retable to the distinctive arrangement of the graves and the site’s heritage designation.
Dry-stone structures and protected sites
The commune’s dry-stone huts also offer a glimpse of traditional building methods. They are usually round, require neither a timber framework nor mortar, and are made mostly from materials gathered locally. In fields, such huts could be used to store tools. In forests, some provided shelter for woodcutters, shepherds, charcoal burners and even poachers. Their shape, building materials and former uses offer different ways to explore the subject, showing how the huts could vary according to their location and purpose.
Another historic site is the Église de Saint-Crépin, which has been listed as a historic monument since 12 December 1975. The Cluzeaux of Carlucet comprise caves excavated into limestone or cavities enlarged and adapted by people. They served as refuges in the Middle Ages and during difficult times. Important for planning your visit: the Cluzeaux are now difficult to access and are on private property. Other wells lie along the commune’s walking trails; check the routes locally before setting out.
Walking routes and riddle trails
Randoland – St Crépin et Carlucet is a riddle trail exploring the area’s historical and natural heritage. The route is listed as taking 2.5 hours and covering 6.6 kilometres. A Terra Aventura trail follows the commune’s paths, starting in the village of Carlucet and passing Château de Lacypierre, walnut groves and washhouses. The two options have different emphases: Randoland focuses on riddles and discovery, and provides a stated duration and distance; the Terra Aventura trail is defined by its starting point in Carlucet and the listed stops. If you want to choose based on a specific time and distance, Randoland provides that guidance. If you prefer to follow named stops, Terra Aventura describes its route by listing the places along the way.
Discover more destinations: Rouffignac-De-Sigoulès, Étouars, Les Eyzies-De-Tayac-Sireuil, Saint-Jory-las-Bloux, Boulazac, Saint-Pantaly-D'ans, Génis, Bourdeilles.
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
