Dournazac is a town in Haute-Vienne, in the Aquitaine region, 35 km south-west of Limoges, and 5 km west of Châlus.
The municipal area of 30 km² is bordering the Dordogne, and is part of the Regional Natural Park Périgord-Limousin. Bordered by the Dronne, the village has developed in a preserved environment, in the heart of a hilly landscape, dedicated for centuries to the cultivation of chestnut.
As evidenced by the castle of Montbrun, example of fortified architecture of medieval times, Dournazac was also marked by the conflicts of which the war of Hundred years and the wars of Religion. It was precisely the lord of Montbrun who led in 1199 with the knight Basil the garrison of Châlus during the siege where Richard Lionheart died.
Although having paid a heavy price for the rural exodus (about 650 inhabitants now against 2500 at the edge of the twentieth century), the village has kept an authentic charm and remains lively.
The wealth of the historic and environmental heritage of the locality makes it a step or even a resort of choice for lovers of green tourism.
A discovery of the built heritage of Dournazac can begin with the church Saint-Sulpice, built in a Romanesque style in the twelfth century. It should be noted that the bell tower is covered with chestnut shingles. The nave and choir have been restored and enhanced.
To the north-west of the village, the castle of Montbrun is definitely worth a visit... It was built in the twelfth century on the basis of a mound. Burned in the fifteenth century, it is rebuilt around the original keep, Romanesque style, which rises to 45 m. Mistreated during the Revolution, the castle is restored in the nineteenth century before a fire ravage in 1917. Restored once again, a good example of defensive castle whose facilities have also made it a comfortable residence, it is one of the jewels of the region with its inner courtyard, its wells and drawbridge and the battlements and machicolations adorning the towers... Guided tours by reservation all year round. Price: 5 and 10 euros. Information on +33 5 55 78 75 11 and +33 6 29 40 24 10.
To see also, the ruins of Thavaud Abbey, which never recovered from the damage caused during the Wars of Religion, and many elements of small heritage, staking the territory of the town: wells, bread ovens, crosses and fountains of devotion, which were once used healing virtues, both for men and livestock, and which also testify to the rich hydrography... Finally, both in the village and hamlets, there are many homes old with traditional charm.
In a different register, but equally representative of the rich local history, we will visit with interest the conservatory orchard dedicated to the old chestnut varieties of the Limousin, created in 1996. Free entry. Free visit by following the explanatory panels or guided tour. Information on +33 5 55 78 49 92.
In terms of the environment, the entire municipality is included in the Dordogne Basin Biosphere Reserve. Areas are particularly protected for their fragile ecosystem, such as the banks of the Dronne.
Finally, we must mention the site of Grand Puyconnieux, near the castle of Montbrun, which rises to 498 m. You can enjoy an unparalleled panorama of the surrounding countryside and in good weather, you can see from this natural balcony the Auvergne mountains. The site is also protected for its fauna and flora. Orientation tables have been installed.
All these historical or natural sites are included in several hiking trails very well marked, suitable for some Nordic walking. A theme trail is also dedicated to botany. Documentation and information +33 5 55 78 43 08 and +33 9 60 07 30 07. Note also that the town is crossed by the GR4 linking Royan Grasse whose route then follows the old road to Saint-Jacques.
For horse riding excursions, join the Cavaliers de la Tardoire club on +33 5 55 78 76 28.
Fishing enthusiasts will also find in the locality rivers and ponds favorable to their favorite pastime. Contact the local association to find suitable places and regulations to follow +33 5 55 78 56 72.
The second Sunday of May, feast of flowers and garage sale.
In mid-August, over three days, the Feuyas'Tival is a musical festival (rock, world music, folklore) in nature, near the mill of Feuyas. Workshops and exhibitions are also on the program.
The last weekend of October, celebration of the chestnut with the program exhibitions, gourmet and musical events...
Randonnée Les Gandilles
- On 27 april 2024
- Parking de l'église
- Hike departs from Dournazac church parking lot at 1:45pm. For further information, please contact the Viure dins la Nauta Drona association.
Un Dimanche à Dournazac - Marché de Printemps et Vide-Greniers
- On 5 may 2024
- Place du Champ de Foire
- Spring market and garage sale : local craftsmen & producers, flower and plant sales (Vival grocery store), Auto-Rétro Périgeux vintage cars, nurserymen and horse-drawn carriage rides. On-site refreshments and catering with food trucks, savoury/sweet galettes, burgers from the village brasserie, and the presence of local associations. - The Nos Villages et Nos Chemins and Gym Volontaire associations will also accompany you on a discovery tour of wild flowers. Departure 10.30 a.m. from church square. Approx. 4 km/2h.
Vide-Greniers
- On 5 may 2024
- Place du Champs de Foire
- The Nos Villages & Nos Chemins and Gym Volontaire associations are holding a garage sale to mark Dournazac's traditional spring festival, "Un Dimanche à la campagne". Don't forget to reserve your space.
A la Rencontre des Producteurs : La Distillerie Dandelion
- On 10 may 2024
- 10 Vge de la Bussiere Montbrun
- Meet the producers : La Miellerie/Distillerie Dandelion - Red fruit ? Fresh vegetable ? Woody scent ? Come and test your olfactory and tasting skills in the company of Martin and Chloé, producer-distillers at Dournazac. With the help of a flavor wheel and tasting equipment, discover the liqueurs, eaux-de-vie and meads produced on the farm, take notes, test your analytical and identification skills, and indulge yourself ! By reservation only - only adults over 18 years of age may take part. Registration required.
A la Rencontre des Producteurs : La Miellerie Dandelion
- On 2 july 2024
- 10 Vge de la Bussiere Montbrun
- Meet the producers : discover a diversified professional beekeeping activity at Miellerie Dandelion. Established as a beekeeper in the commune of Dournazac since 2016, Chloé will introduce you to the different stages of the beekeeping season, as well as the methods used to produce honey, pollen, propolis and beeswax. Discover the bee colony through the observation of a glass hive, identify the melliferous plants around you, taste the products of the hive and ask all your questions ! Activities for younger children. - Places are limited. Registration strongly advised.
A la Rencontre des Producteurs : La Distillerie Dandelion
- On 19 july 2024
- 10 Vge de la Bussiere Montbrun
- Meet the producers : La Miellerie/Distillerie Dandelion - Red fruit ? Fresh vegetable ? Woody scent ? Come and test your olfactory and tasting skills in the company of Martin and Chloé, producer-distillers at Dournazac. With the help of a flavor wheel and tasting equipment, discover the liqueurs, eaux-de-vie and meads produced on the farm, take notes, test your analytical and identification skills, and indulge yourself ! By reservation only - only adults over 18 years of age may take part. Registration required.
