The orchid trail - Gurat

Gurat is a charming little town on the banks of the River Nizonne, where nature, water and people come together. At the gateway to the Dordogne, discover this undulating route full of light and colour, between forests and orchid-filled dry grasslands.

First of all, in the village, you'll discover the church of Saint Roch, built around the 10th and 11th centuries and dedicated to "Notre Dame de l'Assomption" (Our Lady of the Assumption), then the Paul Déroulède square where his bust (Charente MP and poet) is enthroned, and the Château de Gurat, an architectural ensemble dating from the 15th century. Along the trail, you can discover vast natural horizons, as well as many elements of the region's small built and natural heritage, and maybe you'll be lucky enough to see wild orchids.

Take the time to visit the monolithic church, known as the chapel of Saint-Georges, located just above the village centre in the Lizonne Valley. Carved into the rock face, it can be reached by walking along the stream from the wash-house and taking the short interpretation trail, which will tell you more about the building and the surrounding Natura 2000 environment. The underground church at Gurat has been listed as a historic monument since 1963.

Further down, towards the Vendoire peat bogs (a reserve of rare flora and fauna) and on the banks of the Ronsenac canal, the village wash-house supplies water to the Moulin du Roc.