A Romanesque origin, a Gothic reconstruction and a carved, polychrome wooden altarpiece from the 17th century give the Église Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes several layers of history. There are also listed buildings, an easy 5.0-kilometre circular walk and a footpath along the Canal de la Filolie. When planning your trip, you can choose between architectural history, a themed trail and exploring the Forêt de la Double.

Church and listed buildings

The Église Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes was originally Romanesque, was destroyed in 1362 and was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 15th century. It was ransacked after the Battle of Coutras and restored in the 19th century. The church has been listed as a historic monument since 1997. Inside, it preserves a carved and polychrome wooden altarpiece from the 17th century. Anyone interested in architectural history will find several distinct chapters here: the Romanesque origins, the Gothic reconstruction, the later ransacking and restoration, and its more recent protection as a listed monument.

The Château de Fournils is also listed as a historic monument, along with its outbuildings, the former chapel and the entire park. The protected features are located in Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes and Beaupouyet. The town hall of Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes offers a different perspective on the past: the building dates from the 16th and 17th centuries, has a wooden gallery and has been listed as a historic monument since 1948. The different dates show that the town’s architectural and protection history spans several centuries.

Circular walk or themed trail

The Boucle de l’écluse is an easy, 5.0-kilometre circular walk that starts in Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes. If you consider distance and difficulty when choosing a route, this one has clearly stated details: it is circular, five kilometres long and rated easy. Route distances and difficulty ratings may change with future updates, so check these details before setting out.

The Boucle de l’étang focuses on historical and natural-history themes and runs along the Canal de la Filolie. The two routes therefore differ in what they highlight: the Boucle de l’écluse is defined by its circular route, distance and difficulty rating, while the Boucle de l’étang focuses on its theme and course along the canal.

The lock system on the Canal de la Filolie also offers a seasonal point of interest: it has been fully restored and is used by a Gabare boat in summer. The specific operating days may vary. If you would like to include this in your plans, check the dates in advance.

Forêt de la Double and Parc de Fournils

From Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes, you can explore the Forêt de la Double on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. These different ways of getting around offer a range of options for including the forest in your plans. Alongside the historic buildings, exploring the landscape is another distinct option.

The Parc de Fournils has been listed by DREAL since 1980 and features numerous hundred-year-old trees. Here, landscape and monument protection sit alongside the architectural history of the church and town hall: the trees give the park its natural character, while the historic buildings reflect different periods and listing dates.

Discover more destinations: Lanouaille, Mouleydier, Mensignac, Vezac, Sigoules, Les Farges, Montignac, Saint-Nexans.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.