Best attractions and places to see around Beaussac, a former commune now part of Mareuil en Périgord, offer a mix of historical landmarks and natural beauty. Located within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, the area provides a picturesque setting for exploration. Visitors can discover a variety of sites, from ancient churches and castles to natural caves and scenic trails. The region is characterized by its rich history and diverse landscapes.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Javerlhac Castle was rebuilt around 1498 by Dauphin Pastoureau, a master blacksmith in Nontron. It is typical of Périgord manor houses, with a rectangular dwelling, a large round tower with machicolations decorated with trefoils, and a polygonal tower housing a spiral staircase. The castle retains defensive features such as gun ports, despite modernization in the early 19th century. It burned down in 1369 during the Hundred Years' War and has undergone several reconstructions. Privately owned, its facades and roofs have been listed as historic monuments since 1974.
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The Romanesque church of Saint-Martin d'Argentineau was built in three different eras. The bell tower and a small choir were built in the 11th century. The choir was enlarged in the 12th century and the church and side aisle to the north were built in the 15th century. The church was listed as a historical monument in 1974. The modern church windows, which bathe the church in a special light, are particularly noteworthy. The neighboring cemetery is also worth seeing.
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Very beautiful castle. Unfortunately you can only visit it from the outside
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Very beautiful mill from the 18th century. Beautifully embedded in the landscape.
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention that dates back to pre-Christian times. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by a watercourse - natural or artificial - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: either the water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or the water is guided above the wheel and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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Cluzeaux are shelters made by man in the rock. They are typical of Périgord. In the village of Argentina, perched on a rocky spur above the Nizonne valley, we find some dating from the Middle Ages. Grain silos, but also a huge necropolis have been built there. The site, free to access and very impressive, can be visited all year round.
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The Moulin Martin, which dates from the 18th century, is located in Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-Saint-Robert. It is a working water mill for walnut oil. It is equipped with a moving paddle wheel. It is possible to visit it by appointment.
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Very beautiful castle discovered at the bend of a path.
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The region offers a rich history. You can visit the impressive Javerlhac Castle, a private manor house rebuilt around 1498. Another significant site is the Saint-Martin Church of Argentine, a Romanesque church with parts dating back to the 11th century. Don't miss the unique Cluzeaux of Argentine, man-made shelters carved into rock from the Middle Ages, which are free to access year-round. Slightly further afield, you can find the private Château d'Aucors, a registered historic monument overlooking the Nizonne valley, and the impressive Brantôme Abbey.
Yes, you can visit Le Moulin Martin, an 18th-century working water mill for walnut oil in Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-Saint-Robert. It features a moving paddle wheel and can be visited by appointment. This offers a glimpse into traditional Périgord industry.
Beaussac is located within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, offering beautiful landscapes. You can explore the Grotte de Beaussac, a cave with natural concretions offering guided visits on speleology and prehistoric man. The Lizonne River and its affluents form a protected natural area known for its diverse fauna.
The area is excellent for cycling and walking. The Coulée d'OC is a 15-kilometer paved path suitable for cycling, connecting to Marthon via the Flow Vélo, with picnic areas. For walking, consider the Boucle de Beaussac, a 7.0 km cultural, historical, and nature trail starting from Mareuil en Périgord.
Yes, there are numerous cycling opportunities. For touring cyclists, routes like the "Javerlhac Castle – Le Moulin Martin loop" are available. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as "Nontron – Javerlhac Castle loop." Mountain bikers will find trails like the "River Crossing – Le Chambon loop." You can find more details and specific routes in the Cycling around Beaussac guide, the Road Cycling Routes around Beaussac guide, and the MTB Trails around Beaussac guide.
The region is generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. However, if you plan to cycle on paths like the Coulée d'OC, be aware that it can become very slippery in rainy weather due to permanent shade, so avoid slick tires during wet conditions.
Absolutely. The Moulin Martin, a working water mill, is categorized as family-friendly and offers an engaging historical experience. The Coulée d'OC paved path is also suitable for families with children who enjoy cycling, offering an easy route with little elevation change and picnic areas. The Grotte de Beaussac can also be an exciting educational visit for families.
The region is known for its vibrant local markets. You can find markets in nearby towns such as Mareuil (Tuesdays), Brantôme (Mondays and Fridays), Piégut-Pluviers (Wednesdays), and Angoulême (daily except Mondays). These are great places to experience local culture and find regional products.
Mareuil-en-Périgord, just 6 km away, was historically one of the four baronies of the Périgord. Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-Saint-Robert, about 10 km from Beaussac, is a charming village with a church and castle, set by a lovely riverside. Varaignes, approximately 12 km away, features a castle at its center. Nontron, within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, is a quiet town about 13 km from Beaussac.
The Grotte de Beaussac offers guided visits. Visitors are advised to bring boots and a change of clothes, as it is a natural cave environment.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, you can explore several other notable castles. These include Château de Puyguilhem, which has undergone extensive renovation, and Château de Bourdeilles, which features both a medieval defensive castle and a Renaissance castle. Château de la Mercerie, a manor house with a substantial added wing, is also within a reasonable distance.


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