Monfaucon combines a landscape shaped by valleys and forests with walking routes, religious cultural heritage and viticulture. The commune stretches across slopes along and above the Dordogne Valley; it lies between the Isle Valley and the Dordogne Valley. The Lidoire forms Monfaucon’s northern boundary. This highly winding river has a deeply incised riverbed.
Slopes, Valleys and Forest
Around 1,500 hectares of Monfaucon are covered by the Landais forest landscape. This includes coniferous forest, broadleaf forest and coppice woodland. Those looking to explore the area through its landscape will find extensive wooded areas, alongside the slopes and river valley, as defining features.
Hiking in and around Monfaucon
Four hiking loops start from Monfaucon: three run within the commune, and one outside it. This distinction can help you choose if keeping your route within the commune is important. The Boucle de la Mallevieille is a 7.3-kilometre circular walk within the commune. As route details may be updated locally, check the latest information before setting out.
The routes of the two well-known trails also differ: the Way of St. James passes through Monfaucon, while the GR 6D runs along the edge of the commune. In the wooded areas, marked and maintained DFCI tracks also form an extensive network of walking paths. Circular walks, routes through the commune, a trail that runs along it and woodland paths therefore offer different ways to explore the area.
Church and Historical Traces
Monfaucon’s church has an 18th-century bell gable in the form of a campanile. It also features a restored wooden altarpiece that was originally polychrome. Its architecture and furnishings thus offer two different ways to discover the area’s religious cultural heritage.
Gabastou is a recorded Palaeolithic site in the commune. The manor house of La Mallevieille dates from the 18th century and served as a post station in the 19th century on the road between Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and Mussidan. In chronological terms, the story spans prehistory, 18th-century buildings and the former role of a post station in the 19th century.
Local Viticulture
Local viticulture includes Bergerac and Côtes-de-Bergerac wines with a protected designation of origin. Red and white wines are produced in sweet or semi-dry styles. This general overview of viticulture in Monfaucon offers a different perspective on the area alongside its landscape, hiking and history.
Vignobles Biau cultivates a 30-hectare vineyard in La Mallevieille, Monfaucon, with the appellations Montravel, Bergerac, Haut-Montravel and Côtes-de-Bergerac. These appellations distinguish the winery’s vineyard from the general description of Bergerac and Côtes-de-Bergerac wines in Monfaucon. If you are considering a visit to the winery, check the visiting arrangements before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Coursac, Clermont-D'excideuil, Lavaur, Besse, Nanteuil-Auriac-De-Bourzac, Marsaneix, Ginestet, Mouzens
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
