Laruscade can be discovered through several distinct themes: the Église Saint-Exupère offers a look at the history of its architecture, Pontaupin brings together a historic building type and the history of mills, and Lac des Vergnes is associated with fishing, tranquility and route options. There is also a pump track for getting started in wheeled sports. When planning, it is therefore worth weighing up a simple choice: would you mainly like to explore architecture, plan some active time, or take into account a September event at the lake?
Church architecture in several stages
The Église Saint-Exupère dates from the late 11th or early 12th century. Its single-nave hall has a semicircular apse. The west façade was rebuilt in the 16th century; a stair tower and a porch were also added, and an axial opening was created in the choir. This makes it possible to distinguish two construction phases far apart in time: the church’s origins and the extensive changes made several centuries later.
The axial opening in the choir contains a stained-glass window by Raymond Mirande depicting the miracle of Saint Exupère. This adds a specific work of religious art to the building’s history. Since a decree dated 10 December 2007, the Église Saint-Exupère has been listed as a historic monument; the surviving parts of the entrance porch and the access steps are also included.
Pontaupin: Manor house and historic mills
Pontaupin is a manor house in Laruscade. A mantelpiece there is dated 1705, while the Gentilhommière probably dates from the late 17th century. The comparison brings two different points in time into focus: the building’s date remains approximate, while a specific year is given for the mantelpiece. Those interested in architectural history will therefore find both the classification of a building and a dated detail here.
In addition to a watermill, Pontaupin also had a windmill, which was still operating at the beginning of the 19th century. This historical detail adds another aspect of local history to the building features. Together, these offer various points of interest for a cultural stay: the manor house’s architectural style, the mantelpiece and the mills, whose operation at the time is dated.
Pump track: Getting started in wheeled sports
The pump track in Laruscade consists of rollers and dips and is intended primarily to introduce beginners to wheeled sports. Its main focus is therefore on getting started with these activities. The pump track is open to the general public at any time during the day. Check local conditions before your visit.
Lac des Vergnes: Fishing, tranquility and route options
Lac des Vergnes is known as a lake for trout fishing. Those who do not fish can take a break there and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Fishing and a quiet break thus offer two different ways to include the lake in your travel plans. If you plan to go fishing, check the applicable rules.
The “Rando VTT et pédestre Lac des Vergnes” is one of the events held annually in September. At this hiking event at Lac des Vergnes, mountain bike routes of 20, 35 or 50 kilometres run between the lakeshore and the woods. Routes of 8, 12 or 16 kilometres are offered on foot; trail runners and dog walkers are also welcome. The options therefore vary both by mode of travel and distance. The programme may vary from one edition to the next. Check the dates and routes for the current edition if you would like to plan your trip around it.
Discover more destinations: Baron, Camblanes-Et-Meynac, Le Bouscat, Saint-Genès-De-Fronsac, Donnezac, Saint-Quentin-De-Baron, Saint-Gervais, Ambarès-Et-Lagrave.
See the main travel overview: Gironde.
