The Manoir de la Tour, the Moulin de la Tour and the Church of Sainte-Nathalène represent different historical aspects of the area. Alongside its buildings, the landscape and its paths form a focus in their own right. If you are considering Sainte-Nathalène as a destination, you can choose between architectural history, the area's former milling activity and routes through valleys and terraces.
Énéa Valley and Routes
The entire Énéa Valley within the municipality of Sainte-Nathalène has been designated a protected landscape area since 1974. Part of the limestone slopes where holm oaks grow is protected as a Natura 2000 site.
The Chemin des Meuniers runs through the Énéa Valley, leading from mill to mill and across limestone slopes. Its family version is designed as a self-guided treasure hunt. The Sainte-Nathalène hiking trail passes through valleys and terraces and offers sweeping views towards the hills around Sarlat. One trail is associated with mills and limestone slopes, while the other focuses on valleys, terraces and views. So your choice may depend on whether you are more interested in the milling connection or the landscape.
Manor House and Milling History
The Manoir de la Tour is a 15th-century manor house with a slate roof. Its façades and roofs were protected by a decree dated 27 May 1952; the manor house is partially protected as a historic monument. The decree protecting the manor house predates the designation of the Énéa Valley by 22 years.
The privately owned Moulin de la Tour stands on the Énéa stream and dates from the 16th century. As a grain mill, it produced wheat, maize and rye flour; operations ended in 1994. From 1988, the oil mill initially produced walnut oil, followed by hazelnut oil. The mill thus brings together two aspects of former production: grain processing and oil making.
The manor house and the church can be compared by date and architectural features: both date back to the 15th century, but the manor house is notable for its slate roof and protected façades and roofs, while the church has a bell gable. They represent different types of buildings, while the mill adds a focus on former production.
Church and Use of the Landscape
The Church of Sainte-Nathalène dates from the 15th to 16th centuries and has a bell gable. Its period overlaps with that of the Manoir, while the tower is a distinctive architectural feature.
Along the paths through the countryside are stone huts typical of the Périgord, known as bories or cabanes. They once served as shelters for shepherds. Alongside buildings and mills, they offer a glimpse of how the landscape was used in the past: the stone huts are associated with sheep farming.
Discover more destinations: Campsegret, Saint-Martial-D'artenset, Proissans, Champagnac-De-Belair, Neuvic-sur-l'Isle, Sainte-Alvère, Carves, Thiviers.
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
