The watermill on the Auvézère, traces of the past, botanical sites and specific activities give Génis many different facets. When looking for hotels in Génis, you can first consider whether heritage, nature, hiking or a pottery class should shape your stay. The local highlights offer different ways to explore the area.

Watermill and traces of the past

The Moulin de Pervendoux is a watermill on the Auvézère River in Génis. It once had four pairs of millstones; one pair of grain millstones remains. This detail gives a tangible impression of the mill’s former equipment, but does not mean that it can be visited today.

At Moruscles on the Dalon, a small fortified castle is said to have stood on a nearby hill in the 9th century. A dam created a water-filled moat around the fortification. Modest remains of the castle survive; traces of the fortifications are visible today on the Chemin des Anglais. Pays d’Auvézère maintains this path. The cautious historical dating is important: the castle is said to have stood there, while the traces are visible today.

Another part of the local heritage is the Fontaine Saint-Gilles. It can still be seen at the edge of the road to Salagnac and has been restored. The mill, castle remains and fountain represent different forms of heritage: the former use of water power, traces of a fortification and a restored structure.

Botanical highlights near Génis

The plant life is another area of interest. The rare fern Anogramma leptophylla has been recorded at Pervendoux and La Roche Pécout in Génis and is protected throughout Aquitaine. The Auvézère valley near Génis also has remarkable botanical sites, including orchids, royal ferns, wood anemones and wild hyacinths.

Another find is the gametophyte of Vandenboschia speciosa (synonym: Trichomanes speciosum Willd.) in the Dalon valley in the commune of Génis. The distinction is precise: the gametophyte has been recorded; the protected status applies to the species and extends throughout France. Together, these plant records give the nature theme in Génis a specific botanical focus.

Hiking, kayaking and pottery

Rand’Auvézère offers three signposted hiking routes. At one edition of the event, routes of 14 and 11 km were planned for the morning, along with a shared 7 km route in the afternoon and a 6 km family route. The two morning routes differ by 3 km; the family route is 1 km shorter than the afternoon route. These distances and start arrangements may vary from one edition to another. So check the schedule for the event you plan to attend.

The 35th Rand’Auvézère is a hiking event held in Génis. Dates and arrangements may change, so check the details for the edition you wish to attend. Kayaking has a different, clear condition: when water levels are sufficient, the upper section of the Auvézère up to Génis is reserved exclusively for kayaking with a qualified guide.

The Atelier du Brin d’herbe offers pottery classes and workshops for adults throughout the year, as well as sessions for parents and children. In July and August, it offers introductions to pottery and working at the potter’s wheel. On Tuesdays, there are workshops for adults in ceramics, mandala and land art. The summer program is seasonal; if a particular class is important to your trip, confirm the type of class and date before your visit.

If a hiking event or class is the reason for your trip, factor the applicable dates and arrangements into your search for hotels in Génis. This will help you plan your stay around the specific program that interests you.

Discover more destinations: Allas-Les-Mines, Saint-Pierre-De-Côle, Saint-Romain-de-Monpazier, Coulounieix-Chamiers, Paunat, Prats-du-Périgord, Mialet, La Chapelle-Aubareil.

For the broader travel guide: Dordogne.