Lempzours combines architectural history spanning several centuries with two named circular walks. Château de la Guionie stands on foundations dating from before the year 1000, the Church of Notre-Dame preserves a bell gable from the 12th century, and both circular walks start near the town hall. When planning your visit, access arrangements matter as well as the subject: the château is private, while Notre-Dame can be visited as part of a self-guided tour.

Templar History in Lempzours

Château de la Guionie is a 17th-century building, erected on foundations dating from before the year 1000. It was part of a significant Templar complex, construction of which began in 1139, and served as its commandery. The dates refer to different aspects: before the year 1000 for the foundations, from 1139 for the complex, and the 17th century for the château. The building's history can therefore be understood as a sequence of several historical references, rather than assigning all the dates to a single year of construction.

The Templar chapel of Lempzours is 200 metres from the château and is classified as a historic monument. The heritage designations distinguish between the two sites: the chapel is classified, while the château is not protected as a historic monument. The château is also private. If you are considering visiting the château, check access arrangements in advance.

Church of Notre-Dame

The Church of Notre-Dame is classified as a historic monument; the designation was granted on 2 June 1938. Despite several restoration campaigns, it has retained its 12th-century bell gable. Wall paintings were discovered inside. Its protected status and surviving architectural feature offer different points of interest for a visit: its legal designation on the one hand, and its architectural history on the other.

The church can be visited as part of a self-guided tour; opening arrangements may vary. Check the specific visiting arrangements before including it as a fixed item on your itinerary.

La Gentilhommière de Feydoux

La Gentilhommière de Feydoux also dates from the 17th century; its foundations are believed to be older. The manor house lies between plains and hills, on the edge of the forest. Its construction period provides a point of comparison with Château de la Guionie, which also dates from the 17th century; at Feydoux, however, the older foundations remain a possibility rather than a certainty.

During the seasonal opening period in 2026, guided visits for individual visitors are offered, with an average duration of 45 minutes. Check the specific dates before planning your visit. The visit therefore has a clear time frame, while the seasonal opening period determines when you can book.

Circular Walks and Visit Planning

Two circular walks make a separate addition to your itinerary: the Boucle du BosVert and the Boucle de la Fauconnie. Both start near Lempzours town hall. They therefore share a reference point for finding your way, while remaining two separate route options.

When choosing what to visit, the main consideration is the different formats on offer: the self-guided tour of Notre-Dame, the guided individual visit to La Gentilhommière de Feydoux during its seasonal opening period, or one of the two circular walks. You can first decide what kind of activity you would like to shape your stay around, then add the relevant visit dates or the walk's starting time to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Peyzac-Le-Moustier, Les Graulges, Carlux, Verteillac, Ligueux, Lanouaille, Archignac, Saint-Martin-De-Gurson.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.