Saint-Saud-Lacoussière lies within the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin; the Dronne runs through the commune. Possible highlights for a stay include river activities, an arboretum, a waymarked trail and cultural heritage. You can give nature or architectural and art history different levels of emphasis, depending on your interests.

The Dronne and nature conservation

In the Saint-Saud-Lacoussière area, the Dronne offers opportunities for walking and fishing, as well as seasonal swimming. If you plan to swim, check the conditions in advance. The Dronne is also home to the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. To protect it, an extensive European programme was established in the Natura 2000 area of the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin.

Arboretum and hiking trail

The Arboretum de Montagnac is located in the commune and covers about two hectares. It contains 150 trees or woody plants from 110 different species. A sign at the foot of each plant identifies the species, creating a discovery trail. Here, the focus is on identifying individual species, while the Dronne caters to other nature and leisure interests. The arboretum can be visited free of charge throughout the year; check local access arrangements before your visit.

The waymarked Boucle du Tacot starts at Place de la Résistance in Saint-Saud and passes through woodland, along unpaved paths and beside the former Tacot railway line. The route links these different sections with a historical connection. Check trail conditions and waymarking locally before setting out.

Church art and rural history

The Église Saint-Étienne is a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. Its furnishings include frescoes by Laure Aynard and stained-glass windows by Marguerite Huré. It also houses four 18th-century wooden statues of the Evangelists, which were listed as protected objects on 22 October 2010. The church’s construction date and the statues’ dating offer different historical perspectives; the frescoes, stained-glass windows and sculptures add a range of art forms to this picture.

The Abbaye de Peyrouse was built in the 12th century and remained in existence for six centuries. Only modest remains survive. Another piece of rural history is Le Boviduc: a small tunnel beneath the former Tacot railway line that allowed cattle to move from one pasture to another. Alongside church art, you can also encounter traces of earlier construction and land use.

An autumn event

Every year in early October, Saint-Saud-Lacoussière hosts the Fête du cèpe et du veau sous la mère. Exact event dates may vary; if you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Brantôme, Savignac-Les-Églises, Saint-Pardoux-La-Rivière, Saint-Pierre-D'eyraud, Notre-Dame-De-Sanilhac, Lisle, Boisseuilh, La Dornac

For the broader travel guide: Dordogne.