Nantheuil brings together an easy circular hike, Romanesque and Neo-Gothic architecture, and summer stargazing. The conditions vary depending on what you have planned: the circular route takes about two hours, visits to the Ferme de découverte de la Tuilière are by appointment only, and swimming at Plan d’eau Les Grésilles is supervised in July and August. You can tailor your stay to hiking, architecture, nature experiences or time by the water.
Hiking and stargazing
The Boucle de l’observatoire is an easy circular hike starting in Nantheuil. It is 6.4 kilometers long, takes about two hours and is designated as a PDIPR hiking route. This clearly specifies the distance, approximate walking time and circular nature of the route.
The Observatoire du Haut PĂ©rigord is located at an altitude of 270 meters. Its distance from the city lights makes it particularly suitable for stargazing. In summer, open stargazing sessions for everyone are held there on Friday evenings. As this is a seasonal offering, it is advisable to check the dates before you travel.
Church and chapel: different architectural styles
The Church of Saint-Étienne is Romanesque and features 16th-century Gothic rib vaults. It also houses a 17th-century altar tabernacle classified as a historic monument. This brings together Romanesque architecture, Gothic vaults and a significant piece of furnishings from a later period in one building.
The Chapelle des Castilloux offers a different architectural accent: it is Neo-Gothic and was probably built in the 19th century. At the same time, it is set in natural surroundings and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Those interested in architectural styles can compare the Romanesque church with its Gothic vaults to the Neo-Gothic chapel; the chapel also offers views of the landscape.
Visits to the Ferme de découverte de la Tuilière
The Ferme de découverte de la Tuilière offers educational workshops and guided tours by appointment only. Families can enjoy visits with animals and nature experiences. Horse rides for children and adults, as well as pony taster rides for children aged two and up, are also available. If you are planning a visit or activity, confirm the appointment and current availability in advance.
Picnics and swimming at Plan d’eau Les Grésilles
Plan d’eau Les Grésilles has shaded picnic tables, and the guinguette offers food and entertainment. Both offerings may vary by season, so it is worth checking what is currently available before your visit. The water is clear, and swimming is supervised in July and August. If you are planning a day of swimming, check the current swimming conditions and whether supervision will be in place on your chosen date.
The activities also differ in how far in advance you need to plan: the circular hike is listed as taking around two hours, while a farm visit requires an appointment and stargazing is tied to the summer program. By the water, the focus is on picnics and swimming, with seasonal offerings from the guinguette and lifeguard supervision in July and August.
Discover more destinations: Monpazier, Saint-Capraise-D'eymet, Saint-Pardoux-La-Rivière, Notre-Dame-De-Sanilhac, Savignac-De-Miremont, Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, Manzac-Sur-Vern, Lembras.
Return to the main travel overview: Dordogne.
