Couze-et-Saint-Front, Perigord Pourpre
Sitting on the Dordogne and Couze rivers, east of Bergerac
Couze used to be a paper-making village and a number of its old mills are still in existence, using the power of the Couze river to turn the water wheel.
The attractive Moulin de la Rouzique still produces paper the old-fashioned way and houses a small museum. Nearby, you can see cave engravings dating back over 30,000 years at the Grotte de la Cavaille.
History & Culture in Couze-et-Saint-Front
The name of Saint Front exists from the first centuries. The chapel that stands on top of a promontory over the Dordogne was dedicated to a Périgord apostle who defeated the dragon that was said to be terrorising local people. However, the name Couze will not be known until much later and we now believe that it meant "water course" or "river".
Sights & Attractions in Couze-et-Saint-Front
Although the village is not huge, there are a few attractions that are worth visiting in the area.
There are two paper mills, where you can get a tour of how this historic industry worked and even have a go yourself.
A visit to the area is not complete without venturing to the Chapelle Saint Front de Colubri, which sits atop a hill overlooking the Dordogne river. It has a fascinating history.
Sights in Couze-et-Saint-Front
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Moulin de la Rouzique Papermaking Mill & Museum, Couze-et-Saint-Front
In the paper-making village of Couze-et-Saint-Front, this traditional mill still makes paper by hand.
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Chateau de Lanquais, Couze-et-Saint-Front
Self-titled as the "Unfinished Louvre in Périgord", this château combines medieval fortifications with an incomplete Renaissance palace.
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Chapelle Saint Front de Colubri, Lalinde
Although it is believed to have dated back to the eighth century, Father Goustat wrote in 1883 that this building could date back to VIII, XI or even the fourteenth century. It has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt in part or in whole over the years.
Things to do in Couze-et-Saint-Front
There are several pretty walks around the area and some mountain biking trails just at the back of the neighbouring town of Lalinde. It's worth exploring this beautiful area by foot as you may well be surprised by some of the historic monuments that you come across.
