La Boissière-D'ans combines the history of the Forges d'Ans with Romanesque-Gothic church architecture and two castles with distinct historical associations. The Blâme stream links a historical aspect of the forge with the landscape along the Auvézère; there is also a scenic drive in the region and a selection of sheep's milk products. When looking for a hotel, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
The Blacksmithing History of the Forges d'Ans
The Forges d'Ans were founded at the end of the 17th century by Jacques-François de Hautefort d'Ajat, Seigneur d'Ans. They were listed as a Monument historique by decree on 21 December 2018. The protected complex includes a manor house, a foundry, a park with hydraulic sluices and former blast furnaces. The Blâme stream supplied water to the forge from 1691 to 1830. The surviving blast furnaces can be visited on certain open days organized by the « La route des canons » association. Check the dates before your visit.
Church and Castles
The Église Saint-Martin in La Boissière-D'ans is Romanesque and Gothic, and has a portal with capitals. Medieval wall paintings were discovered during restoration work in 2011. For the latest information on restoration work, check locally before visiting.
The Château des Brouillets, near the village center, dates from the 15th century and belonged to Jeanne d'Albret, the mother of Henry IV. Machicolations and a wall walk are still clearly visible at the Château des Brouillets. The Château d'Ans has a different historical association: in the 15th century, it formed the basis of the political and military authority of the Châtellenie d'Ans and served as the residence of its captain.
Waterfall and Landscape
The Cascade du Blâme is located at the foot of the bridge in La Boissière-D'ans, where the stream of the same name flows into the Auvézère. On a broader scale, the Causse de Cubjac is a natural feature of the municipality of Cubjac-Auvézère-Val d'Ans: it is a type 2 ZNIEFF and covers 56.9 percent of the municipal area. The Cascade refers to a specific location in La Boissière-D'ans, while the area figure refers to the entire municipality.
Routes and Regional Products
The “La Châtellenie d'Ans” loop is a scenic drive in the Vézère Périgord Noir. The Route des Canons starts at the surviving forge in La Boissière-D'ans. The two routes offer different starting points for planning: “La Châtellenie d'Ans” refers to the type of trip, while the Route des Canons starts at the forge.
For a culinary focus, Brebis d'Ans offers farm-made ice cream and dairy products made with milk from Basque-breed sheep. Availability may vary; check the current selection if you would like to include these products in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon, Excideuil, Creysse, Saint-Michel-De-Double, Issac, Savignac-Les-Églises, Cénac-Et-Saint-Julien, Chassaignes.
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
