Unchecked Designation of Origin
CC HCC
Davignac

Unchecked Designation of Origin

Heritage site and architecture
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If emigration often rhymes in Limousin with mason, this walk reveals another less well-known sector, that of wine.
In Haute-Corrèze in the 19th century, agriculture did not allow families to ensure their survival. So, emigration seemed to be the solution. A network of Bordeaux wine merchants was set up, mainly in the north of France. This walk, rich in heritage, sums up this story, and we pass without missing a beat from a remarkable traditional granite building typical of our countryside to the beautiful, opulent residences built by these wealthy merchants.

6 points of interest

  • Le bourg
    Le bourg - G.Salat - CC HCC
    History

    The village

    The village of Davignac offers a remarkable wealth of architecture with, in addition to its town hall-school typical of our countryside, the St-Sernin church (listed altarpiece), the Château des Ventadour and its agricultural outbuildings and the chapel of Notre-Dame.
  • Le pont gallo-romain
    Le pont gallo-romain - G.Salat - CC HCC
    Small patrimony

    The Gallo-Roman bridge

    Although it is not certain that this small bridge spanning the Jacquet stream dates back to the Gallo-Roman period, this site brings a note of freshness before the ascent into the woodland.
  • G.Salat - CC HCC
    Heritage site

    Village of Chavetourte

    The villages of Haute-Corrèze are all involved in agriculture. Walking through these hamlets always produces interesting discoveries during a hike: barns, mansions, crosses and monuments, traditional local architecture... At Chavetourte, note the recently restored ironwork and the cross. Behind the latter is an early merchant's house.
  • La Mongie
    La Mongie - G.Salat - CC HCC
    Panorama

    The mountains of Auvergne

    In the village of La Mongie, be sure to make a small detour to the bakery (carved window lintel) and the viewpoint offering a remarkable view of the highest volcano in mainland France, the Puy de Sancy. At 1885 metres above sea level, this summit is the highest point of the Massif Central. The two streams, the Dore and the Dogne, originate there and their confluence forms the Dordogne.
  • G.Salat - CC HCC
    Heritage site

    The village of Mongie

    Beautiful wine merchant's house on your right. It was in the village of Laval, located in Davignac, that Jean Gaye-Bordas, known as the father of the wine trade, was born in 1826. He started as a simple peddler of umbrellas and kerosene lamps in the north of France. He then developed a trade in Bordeaux wines, which he marketed as far away as Wallonia. And this is how a generation of Corrézians experienced a degree of success that even allowed some to buy back vineyards in Bordeaux.
  • G.Salat - CC HCC
    Heritage site

    Village of la Bachellerie

    Beautiful wine merchant's house on your right. It was in the village of Laval, located in Davignac, that Jean Gaye-Bordas, known as the father of the wine trade, was born in 1826. He started as a simple peddler of umbrellas and kerosene lamps in the north of France. He then developed trade in Bordeaux wines, which he marketed as far afield as Wallonia. And this is how a generation of Corrézians experienced a degree of success that even allowed some to buy back vineyards in Bordeaux.

Description

Departure: in front of the town hall, head right towards the cemetery. Go down an alley on the left to the chapel and turn right onto the path. Go over the bridge and at the forest crossing turn right, then, very soon after, turn left up the trail to return to the road. Follow it to the right for 400 m.

  1. Follow the path to the left. Then take the road to the right towards Chavetourte.
  2. In Chavetourte, turn left at the first barn (go ahead for a few metres to see the merchant's house, the cross and the place where animals were shod). Outside the circuit: a round trip to the Mas (panoramic view of the Monts d'Auvergne) and Le Massoubre (bakeries, old chestnut tree).
  3. The trail crosses a stream. A few metres later, leave the main path and turn left onto a trail that climbs towards La Mongie. Take the road on the right (go a few metres to the left towards the bakery and the view of the Massif du Sancy).
  4. At the edge of the village, take a trail on the right which passes in front of a drinking trough; continue to the left at the old bakery. Find the road and follow on the right until you reach the Bachellerie.
  5. In the village, turn left and go back to the fountain-washhouse, passing in front of a merchant's house. Return to the centre of the village: take the road to the left and, at the last house, follow the path to the right. Find the road on the right that returns to Davignac.
  • Departure : Car park at Place de la Mairie in Davignac
  • Arrival : Car park at Place de la Mairie in Davignac
  • Towns crossed : Davignac

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