In Couze-Et-Saint-Front, the landscape along the Couze tells the story of papermaking: former mills, drying lofts for sheets of paper, brick chimneys and houses built partly into the rock all recall the town’s industrial past. Those interested in crafts and local history will find several different points of interest here, from a paper mill that is still operating to historic chapels and churches.
Paper Mills and Local History
Thirteen mills for making rag paper were built along the Couze. The former papermakers’ village preserves the memory of six centuries of workers and master papermaker families. The visible traces take many forms: alongside the former mills, drying lofts, brick chimneys and houses partly built into the rock all form part of the industrial landscape.
The Moulin de Larroque dates from the 13th century, and paper is still made there by hand. More than 150 different types of paper are available for painting, writing, albums, photographs, cards and writing paper. The mill, with its complete papermaking equipment, the drying-loft building and the millrace are listed as Monuments historiques. The relevant decree is dated 29 November 2013. The Moulin de la Rouzique offers another connection to the history of paper: it is documented from 1530 and is still operating today as an ecomuseum of rag paper.
The Anciennes papeteries are also part of the town’s historic heritage. They are partially listed as Monuments historiques; the listings date from 4 and 5 December 1989. The history of papermaking can thus be encountered in mills and technical facilities as well as in the life of the former village.
Chapels and Churches from Different Centuries
The Chapelle Saint-Front de Colubri was a 12th-century parish church. It stands at the end of a rocky spur overlooking the Dordogne and has been listed as a Monument historique since 11 May 2015. Its architectural qualities and the exceptional craftsmanship of its two figuratively decorated capitals were the reasons for its protection. Another industrial landmark is the Moulin de Larroque, which also combines historic architecture with the hand papermaking described there.
Other periods of construction can be seen in the churches. The Church of Saint-Pierre and its priory were built in the 12th or 13th century. The Church of Saint-Étienne was built in the last quarter of the 19th century; its large bell and stained-glass windows are precisely dated to 1895. Those who wish to explore the town’s history beyond papermaking can take in both medieval buildings and a later church complex.
Trails Along the Couze and Through the Countryside
The Boucle de Saint Front is an 11.5-kilometre circular trail starting in Couze-Et-Saint-Front. It is designated for hiking and mountain biking. Check local conditions before hiking. The Sentier du papetier follows the course of the Couze and offers a different focus: visits to the mills provide insights into rag-paper production. These offer two distinct ways to explore: a circular route with a stated distance, and a trail focused on the papermaking tradition along the river.
A description of the Font-Blanque circular trail published in 2017 locates the “Fauteuils des rois” there: two seats carved into the rock in the forest, on a rocky slope overlooking the valley. The description gives GR6, GR6E and an orange triangle as trail markers. Markers can change; check them before hiking. Font Chaude offers a quieter aspect of the landscape: springs flow down from the slopes and feed the Couze. This makes it a described place to relax between the springs and the river, without requiring a particular route.
Les Copains d'Abord is an association dedicated to hiking, discovering nature and access to culture. Membership in a hiking federation is required to take part. Organised association activities thus complement the opportunities to discover the area through its buildings, papermaking history and landscape.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Mesmin, Sainte-Orse, Nanteuil-Auriac-De-Bourzac, Creysse, Azerat, Valeuil, Thiviers, Beaumont-Du-PĂ©rigord
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
