La Douze is a town in the Dordogne, in the region of New Aquitaine, about fifteen kilometers south-east of Périgueux.
Crossed by the brook of Saint-Geyrac, the municipal territory marked out by numerous hamlets presents a predominantly agricultural and forest landscape.
Near the agglomeration of Périgueux, in border of the white Perigord and the black Périgord, close to the valley of Vézère and its prehistoric riches, La Douze counts nearly 1200 inhabitants.
Remains of the Neolithic have been brought to light, but it is in the Middle Ages that the locality takes off with the development of three feudal clumps whose traces are still visible (ditches). In the fourteenth century, the lords of Abzac erect a castle and go to reign on these lands until the Revolution. The fief is even erected as a marquisate in the seventeenth century, a royal favor granted for services rendered during the wars of religion.
The craft of glassmaking developed in the nineteenth century, while the arrival of the railroad boosts agricultural production (fruits and vegetables). An activity completed, still today, by the production of foie gras.
The historical heritage and the rich natural environment of La Douze make it a stage of quality during a stay in Périgord.
A discovery of La Douze can begin with a tour including its main heritage riches.
From the old castle built in the 14th century and then with a drawbridge, only vestiges survive after the conviction of the Marquis d'Abzac in 1669 for poisoning his wife. After this judgment, the building was dismantled. A manor replaced the eighteenth century, with a main building similar to that of the first castle. This is a private property.
To see then, the church of Saint-Pierre-es-Links, erected in the 15th century in a Gothic style, on the bases of a first building of the thirteenth century. Among the rich furniture it houses, an astonishing Gallo-Roman column dating from the end of the first century, richly carved, from a temple or baths and which is unknown how it was transferred to the parish. It was used for a long time as a holy water font... Also note the altarpiece and the pulpit to be dated 1547, both in stone, but also two statues in walnut depicting Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Dominic, a painting and tombstones of the old lords.
In terms of civil architecture, a beautiful hall of imposing dimensions rebuilt in the mid-nineteenth century to replace a building of the sixteenth reflects the commercial vitality of the town that hosted fairs and markets. The hall once adjoined a building, the floor, where the lord rendered justice.
The chartreuse (or mansion) of Martinies (seventeenth century), the house of beggars built by the lord to shelter the poorest of the village, pretty fountains will still mark this visit of the town.
In terms of nature, many hiking and mountain bike trails can include the main sites of the town and its surroundings. Foie gras production farms and bucolic points of view will also enliven these circuits. Documentation and information on +33 5 53 06 71 33 or +33 5 53 53 10 63.
It is also possible to join the outings of the local club by contacting the +33 6 17 86 02 95. As for the amateurs of petanque, they can join +33 6 82 07 37 65.
A karting circuit is also located in the town. Information on +33 5 53 35 28 55.
As for fishing enthusiasts who wish to practice their favorite hobby while enjoying the peaceful setting of river banks, they must contact the +33 5 53 06 84 20 to know the developed sites and the regulations to respect.
The first weekend of August, patronal feast with the program musical and fun entertainment, gourmet meal friendly under the hall, flea market, fireworks.
The road of the thousand and one castles, with castles of Hautefort, Beynac, Castelnaud, Milandes ...
Prehistoric sites such as Lascaux, La Roque-Saint-Christophe, La Madeleine, and many caves and sinkholes.
Down the Dordogne or the Vezere in canoeing in barge.
And many other activities.
