Champniers-Et-Reilhac brings together a range of interests: church architecture and history, a château, a hiking route, a fishing spot and visits to Alpaganie. The two churches differ in their architectural forms and features; the Boucle des Templiers combines scenic views and ponds with architectural heritage. You can plan your trip around what interests you most.
Churches with distinct architectural styles
The Church of Saint-Paul de Reilhac served as the chapel of a Templar commandery from the 13th century onwards. Its rectangular layout comprises a nave, a choir vaulted by a dome and a semicircular apse. Straight and rounded forms meet here, while the dome adds a striking feature to the simple layout.
The Church of Saint-Paixent has different architectural features: it was built of granite in the 12th century and has a fortified square bell tower in a typically Limousin style. Inside, a round baptismal font and an altarpiece have been preserved. An altarpiece is a structure placed behind an altar. At Saint-Paixent, the building material, tower shape and furnishings take centre stage, whereas the layout, dome and apse define the architecture of Saint-Paul.
Château and hiking route
The Château de Champniers was built in the 14th century. A residential wing and a square tower, reduced to one-third of its original height, have survived. The château is in the village centre, near the church. The period of construction and the surviving parts offer different clues for understanding the building: its history is one aspect, while its present-day appearance can be described in terms of the residential wing and tower. Together with the churches, they form a chronological sequence from the 12th to the 14th century.
The Boucle des Templiers Champniers-Reilhac is a hiking route. Scenic views and ponds are part of the experience, along with the chance to explore the architectural heritage of Champniers-Et-Reilhac. The route brings landscape and architectural history together in a hiking experience, rather than focusing only on individual buildings. If you plan to hike it, check the current route description beforehand.
Fishing and an alpaca visit
The Étang municipal du Pouyol in Champniers-Et-Reilhac is a fishing spot. If you want to fish there, check the applicable permits and conditions in advance; both can change. Alpaganie offers visits where you can meet alpacas. Visits are by prior appointment only. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for a visit; you can confirm the duration when booking. Fishing and an alpaca visit therefore require different preparations: book your visit to Alpaganie in advance, and check the applicable conditions at the fishing spot.
Discover more destinations: Salagnac, Queyssac, Saint-Germain-Du-Salembre, Monplaisant, Saint-André-Et-Appelles, Beauregard-de-Terrasson, Champs-Romain, Lusignac.
Return to the main travel overview: Dordogne.
