Lanquais’
history, its lake, its castles and concerts, its festivals,
heritage and wooded countryside
are some of the many
reasons for visiting
the village of 520 people tucked snugly into a valley in the
«Périgord Pourpre» near the «Périgord Noir». Situated to the
south of Périgueux on the Bergerac-Sarlat route, LANQUAIS, a
village on the List of Historical Monuments, benefits from its
proximity to Bergerac (18km) and Lalinde (7km) while retaining
its rural character. Why not pay a visit
to the parish once known as « Linquaychs » (1276) ?
Tithe Barn
Coming from the
direction of Mouleydier or Saint Capraise de Lalinde, Château de
Laroque (private property) sets the tone.
Do not be surprised if on approaching Lanquais from Couze Saint
Front an air of saintliness descends upon you, as legend has it that
Saint Front was born at Lanquais and Saint Avit at Varennes : which
goes to show that the area must have something going for it... !
Take the time to fully explore the past and present riches of this
ancient haunt of the
nobility, dependant on the castellany of Beaumont.
The Village
The Romanesque
church contains a relic of Saint Eutrope (a fragment of a rib)
obtained in 1846 from the Bishop of La Rochelle. During the
busy era of pilgrimages, crutches were left outside as a sign
of healing every April 30th.
Over the course of your stay you will doubtless meet the
people of Lanquais, some of whom have slight Dutch, Scottish
or English accents ! Tools found in the area indicate that it
has been inhabited by man since prehistoric times. Fragments
of pottery, bricks and Romain coins stamped with the effigies
of early emperors have also been discovered.
A visit of the renowned Château de Lanquais, built on the
ruins of an ancient « castellum » and residence of the Bishops
of Périgueux and numerous Seigneurs, cannot fail to transport
you back into the past.
At the foot of the château stands an impressive tithe barn
which has been converted into a festival and concert hall and,
just nearby, your attention will doubtless be drawn by the
sound of laughter as children play on the sand beaches of the
lake created in 1986.
Ferns and bright-yellow gorse line the footpaths around the
villages, snaking through forests of pine, chestnut, oak and
hazelnut trees.
Nature and architecture, festivities and relaxation combine to
create a wonderful holiday spot and LANQUAIS and its
inhabitants already offer you their heartfelt welcome.
The commune has a population of 520.
Text translated by Pays du Grand Bergeracois (professional translator).
