Saint Crepin et Carlucet, Dordogne and the Château de Cipières

Visit Saint Crepin et Carlucet

Saint Crepin et Carlucet is a lovely little village to the north east of Sarlat. The centre of Saint Crepin consists of its chateau, church and presbytery, a very attractive ensemble.

Explore Saint Crepin et Carlucet

As you near the ancient centre of Saint Crepin you start descending a valley and below you is the Chateau de Lacypierre, also known as the Château de Cipières. This charming chateau was built and modified from the 13th to the 18th century and between Easter and early November its attractive gardens are open to the public allowing you to get a close up view of the castle.

It is small, more a large house than a castle, but is built in lovely yellow stone and has a square tower and a hexagonal tower. Its roof is made of lauze (stone) and apparently weighs more than 700 tonnes! These stone roofs were once very common in the area but there are not many left now.

The castle had various different owners over time but by the late 19th century was falling in to decline. It was bought in 1968 by Mr and Mrs Lebon who began to restore it and the private castle is open to the public from April to October every afternoon except Saturdays. As well as family heirlooms and furniture there is a collection of 18th century pottery and animal bronzes. The visit includes the attic in the lauze roof.

Some scenes from Ridley Scott's 'The Duelists' were shot in the castle.

Beyond the castle is the church and its very attractive presbytery. The church dates from the 12th century in Romanesque style and then modified in the 14 and 15th centuries. It is a very attractive building with its mullioned windows and deeply sloping lauze roof.

At nearby Carlucet there is a romano-byzantine church which is one of the oldest in the Perigord region. It dates back to the 12th century and has recently been beautifully restored. Inside is an ancient font and a superb altarpiece. It has an unusual cemetery with 'enfeus' which are tombs built into the cemetery walls.

Places to visit near to Saint Crepin et Carlucet

Les Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac, a beautiful garden full of topiary, is close to Saint Crepin et Carlucet.

There are lots of walks in the area and if you set off on one you are almost sure to see one of the little round, stone-built cabins which dot the countryside around here and were once used as shelters for shepherds or farmers when working away from home and also as a shelter for injured animals.

Other charming villages in the area include Saint-Genies and Carlux. The medieval town of Sarlat is absolutely stunning and definitely not to be missed whilst in the area.