Saint-Martin-De-Gurson lies in a landscape shaped by woodland and vineyards, between the Isle and Dordogne rivers. Highlights for a stay include Saint-Martin Church, the history of the parish, the Fontaine du Guinot valley and the organically farmed business Le jardin biologique. As well as your own interests, seasonal offerings and visiting arrangements also play a part in planning.
Landscape and the Fontaine du Guinot
The wash house and the Fontaine du Guinot are set in a green, rural valley, 400 metres from the village centre. On the signposted circular trail, the fountain is designated as a place to visit and rest. It is associated with ancient rites and age-old legends, and is considered a cultural site for the curious. If you plan to follow the trail, check the path conditions before setting out; they may change.
Church and parish history
Saint-Martin de Gurson Church dates from the 12th century and has a remarkable western façade in the Saintongeais style. Its portal has four archivolts; the façade also features false window openings and seven semi-circular blind arches. These different forms add distinctive architectural details to the exterior. Opening arrangements may vary, so check them before visiting.
The parish’s former name, Sanctus Martinus de Heremus, is recorded from the 13th century. An arbitration document from 1244 identified Saint-Martin as one of the five parishes in the Lordship of Gurson. The parish gradually adopted the name Gurson. The local history can thus be traced through a specific change: the former parish name gradually developed into the name used today.
The former Priory of Plagnac
A cross visible from the Route des Gâtineaux marks the site of the former Priory of Plagnac. Jean-Frédéric de Foix, Count of Gurson, founded it in 1615. Minim friars lived at the priory; during the Revolution, it was sold as national property and completely destroyed.
Traces of former routes
Another historical trace relates to former routes: the only visible remnant is the arch of a bridge, over which the medieval Talbot road ran and, before that, a Roman road. These two references to routes therefore point to different periods.
Garden, produce and activities
Le jardin biologique has been an organically farmed market garden since 2012, with vegetables, fruit trees and medicinal plants. The mix of produce may change. On Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the business sells its produce directly from the farm. Depending on availability, it uses seasonal produce to make kefir, plant balms, jams, juices and syrups.
Throughout the year, the business welcomes visitors for storytelling walks and themed workshops. Group garden visits, school projects and a summer placement titled “de la potagère à la médicinale” are available on request. If you have a specific activity in mind, check the date in advance; programmes and arrangements may change.
Highlights for your stay
When looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide which themes you would like to shape your stay. The church, parish history and priory offer a cultural and historical focus; the Fontaine du Guinot and the market garden provide other ways to connect with the landscape and local life. The timing also varies: farm sales take place on Saturday mornings, walks and workshops run throughout the year, and group activities are available on request. If a particular offering is important to your plans, check the date in advance.
Discover more destinations: Coubjours, Saint-Vivien, Calviac-En-PĂ©rigord, Salagnac, Valojoulx, Peyzac-Le-Moustier, Fonroque, Issac.
For the main travel guide: Dordogne.
