Saint-Martin-De-Gurson: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Saint-Martin-de-Gurson lies in a landscape shaped by woodland and viticulture between the Isle and the Dordogne. In the village and its immediate surroundings, rural paths, religious architectural heritage, historical traces and an organically managed horticultural farm come together.

Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment can keep Saint-Martin-de-Gurson in mind as a destination.

Landscape

The washhouse and the Fontaine du Guinot are located 400 metres from the village centre in a green, rural valley. On the signposted circular trail, the Fontaine du Guinot is designated as a place to visit and rest. It is associated with ancient rites and millennia-old legends and is regarded as a cultural site for the curious.

Culture and History

The Church of Saint-Martin de Gurson dates from the 12th century. Its remarkable western façade is built in the Saintongeais style and features a portal with four archivolts, false window openings and seven semicircular blind arches.

The former name of the parish of Saint-Martin-de-Gurson was Sanctus Martinus de Heremus; it has been documented since the 13th century. An arbitration document from 1244 refers to Saint-Martin as one of the five parishes of the Gurson castellany, whose name the parish gradually adopted.

A cross visible from the Route des Gâtineaux marks the site of the former Plagnac priory. It was founded in 1615 by Jean-Frédéric de Foix, Count of Gurson, and inhabited by the Minims of the Franciscan order. During the Revolution, the priory was sold as a national asset and completely destroyed.

Garden and Produce

Le jardin biologique has been an organically managed vegetable-growing farm since 2012, with vegetables, fruit trees and medicinal plants. On Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the farm sells produce directly from the farm. Depending on availability, seasonal products are processed into kefir, plant balms, jams, juices and syrups.

Throughout the year, Le jardin biologique welcomes visitors for storytelling walks and themed workshops. On request, group visits to discover the garden, school projects and a summer placement called "from the vegetable garden to medicinal plants" are also possible.

Paths and Historical Traces

The only visible remnant of the former priory is the arch of a bridge. The medieval Talbot Way and, previously, a Roman road ran across it.

Other destinations: Larzac, Saint-Jory-las-Bloux, Pomport, Le Change, Anlhiac, Saint-Mesmin, Montagrier, Celles

To the higher-level travel overview: Dordogne.