Gintrac lies in a rocky hollow in the valley on the banks of the Dordogne; its houses are tiered along the slopes beside a stream. This settlement pattern connects the village with its landscape. The church of Saint-Martin, the ruins of the Château de Taillefer and the “Autour des ruines de Taillefer” route also shape the village’s cultural and landscape themes. This gives you a clear focus when planning your trip: Gintrac can be explored through both architectural history and art, as well as the Dordogne landscape.

Saint-Martin Church: architectural history and art

The oldest surviving phase of construction at Saint-Martin Church probably dates from the late 13th or early 14th century. The west façade features a bell gable that was originally pierced by three pointed-arch openings; two are now walled up. The number three therefore describes the original structure, not three openings that are still open today. In the apse vault, the curved area of the apse, there is a 20th-century painting depicting three scenes from the life of Saint Martin. Thus, a probably medieval building and a distinctly later artistic depiction stand side by side in one place. Those interested in church architecture will find both a feature of the façade and an image relating to the church’s patron saint.

Château de Taillefer and views over the Dordogne Valley

The ruins of the Château de Taillefer probably date from the 13th century. In the past, the château was used to monitor the salt route and the port of Sal de Gintrac. This historical role connects the ruins with a transport route and a port. The site also has a strong connection to the landscape: the ruins offer panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley and towards the Château de Castelnau. Two different interests therefore come together here—the history of the building and the expansive views across the landscape. The probable date remains an approximate timeframe.

A route between riverbanks, plateau and cliffs

The “Autour des ruines de Taillefer” route follows the banks of the Dordogne and then crosses a plateau to a rocky corniche. Its course links different types of landscape in sequence: first the riverbank, then the plateau and finally the rocky ridge. This change of scenery gives the route a clear landscape theme. If you are interested in Gintrac for the Dordogne and the area around the ruins, you can make this route a focus of your travel plans.

Farm sales and an artists’ house

Moulin Grand grows potatoes, lettuce and tomatoes; production may vary by season. The farm’s produce is sold from Easter to All Saints’ Day by prior reservation. If you plan to buy directly from the farm, take the seasonal window into account and arrange your reservation in advance.

Another cultural point of interest is Le Labyrinthe OKX - van Dongen, an artists’ house with a museum-like character. Unlike Saint-Martin and the ruins of Taillefer, the artists’ house itself is the main focus here. Together, these themes show different sides of Gintrac: its tiered hillside settlement, historic buildings, art and a route connecting riverbanks with rocky scenery.

Discover more destinations: Marminiac, Corn, Valprionde, Lascabanes, Flaujac-Poujols, Anglars, Vaillac, Cuzance

For the broader travel overview: Lot.