Loubejac (sometimes spelled "Loubéjac") is a commune in the Dordogne department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, 18 km north-east of Fumel.
Its territory of 18 km² borders the departments of Lot to the south-east, and Lot-et-Garonne to the south-west.
It has a resolutely rural and verdant character, mostly covered with forests (58% of its area) but also agricultural land (26%) and meadows (16%).
This small town, the southernmost in the department, has been occupied by man since prehistoric times. The village really developed in the Middle Ages around its Romanesque church and to the west of the current town, a fortified place established by the Hospitallers.
Nowadays, the agricultural and forestry vocation of Loubejac remains, even if the town has paid a heavy price for the rural exodus: there are only 280 inhabitants left compared to 960 in the 1860s…
On the borders du Quercy, the Périgord lifestyle of the village and the bucolic countryside that surrounds it will delight lovers of green tourism, close to other famous sites between the Lot and Dordogne and Bouriane valleys.
In terms of heritage, the parish church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens is the only site listed in the inventory of the town. The building has retained its Romanesque choir from the 13th century, vaulted in "ass of oven", and lit by narrow windows. We also note that the side chapels, for their part, have cross vaults. The bell tower for its part was remodeled at the end of the 17th century. Until then, it was open on three sides via pointed arches. From now on, it serves as a vestibule at its base, surmounting the richly decorated arched porch. In the round tower, a spiral staircase leads to a gallery which includes a fireplace…
In addition to the charming and typical Périgord-style dwellings in the village and the nearby hamlets, the other major site of Loubejac in terms of heritage is the Château de Sermet, to the west of the village, on a hillside. Its foundation is attributed to the Templars who would then have wanted to monitor the road linking the region of Agen to Villefranche-du-Périgord (14th century). Another thesis attributes to the King of France the construction of a first square tower equipped with machicolations in order to "face" the stronghold of Sauveterre held by the English. Still, after the Wars of Religion, a Renaissance-style dwelling was built for the lords of the place. In the 17th century, terraces were laid out, a second dwelling was erected in a classic Louis XIII style as well as two pavilions with high roofs. The whole has been restored and with its exteriors, it is now a private domain owned by a club of old car enthusiasts. During the season, we come across magnificent vintage cars in the village and the small roads in the surroundings... Information on +33 6 53 28 56 65.
Then it's time to discover the discreetly hilly landscapes of the locality. Two thematic marked trails are laid out on the municipal territory and are dedicated to hiking enthusiasts. The first is called the "Boucle des Griffoulières, in the footsteps of René, the woodcutter". 9 km long, it allows you to discover the rich forest heritage of Loubejac and highlights several centuries of exploitation and woodworking (especially chestnut trees). The second, with a length of 5.5 km, is simply called "The loop of barns" and is more focused on agricultural landscapes and rural heritage.
Other larger routes, some accessible to mountain bikers, are also possible, including incursions into Villefranche-de-Périgord or joining the banks of the Dordogne to the north or the Lot to the south. Maps and information on +33 5 53 29 98 37.
In July and August, every Thursday from 6.30 p.m., local producers' market with the possibility of dining on site (bring your own cutlery). An opportunity to discover and appreciate the products and rich gastronomy of Périgord!
