Sainte-Alauzie combines architectural and local history with two distinct circular routes: a cycling circuit starts and ends in the village, while the Quercy Blanc driving circuit also includes a stop here. Notable buildings include the Moulin Ă vent de Boisse and the parish church. You can choose to visit the village based on your cultural interests or as part of a cycling or driving tour.
Windmill and Parish Church
The Moulin Ă vent de Boisse is protected as a historic monument. It was listed by ministerial decree on May 2, 1979. Its origins are linked to a mill in the neighboring commune of CĂ©zac: the Moulin Ă vent de Boisse was built in 1813 to replace it after it had been struck by lightning repeatedly.
The mill was restored in the late 1960s. During the work, the roof was renewed and the drive shaft replaced. Its construction in 1813 and this restoration more than a century and a half later mark two distinct phases in its history: its construction as a replacement for the mill in CĂ©zac and later structural work on the roof and drive mechanism.
A stop in the village offers the chance to visit a beautiful church built of white stone. The parish church of Sainte-Alauzie retains architectural features dating from the late 15th or early 16th century. Its south portal is decorated with carved branch motifs and a coat of arms bearing the IHS monogram. Alongside the history of the mill, the focus here is on sacred architecture, with a specific date range and named portal decorations.
Other Protected Sites
The Lavoir du village de Sainte-Alauzie is also part of the protected heritage. In the PLUi du Quercy Blanc, approved on September 30, 2024, it is designated as a protected architectural and landscape feature under Article L151-19. The Borne milliaire du moulin de Ramps milestone monument is also located in Sainte-Alauzie; it was listed by decree on September 24, 2015.
The windmill, parish church, washhouse and milestone represent different aspects of the local architectural and cultural heritage. Visitors interested in historic buildings will find both sacred architecture and evidence of the history of the mill and village. The names help distinguish these places as separate stops, rather than grouping them together as a single attraction.
Cycling Circuit and Driving Route
Sur la Route des Moulins is a cycling circuit that starts and ends in Sainte-Alauzie. Along the route, vineyards on the Causses alternate with broad fields of sunflowers and rapeseed. The circuit thus connects the village with a landscape characterized by vineyards and open fields planted with these two crops. If you are planning the ride, it is advisable to check local conditions before setting off.
The Quercy Blanc driving circuit offers a different focus: it includes a stop in Sainte-Alauzie, with its lanes lined with lavender. This puts a cycling circuit that starts and ends in the village alongside a road trip that includes a village stop as two different ways to travel. When planning, choose according to what you are looking for: a circuit by bike or a stop along the drive.
Discover more destinations: Capdenac, Valprionde, Mayrac, Les Arques, Cardaillac, Lauresses, Lachapelle-Auzac, Lalbenque
For the main travel overview: Lot.
