Tayac along the Vézère
Tayac, a quaint village nestled in the heart of the Vallée de la Vézère, has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic era. For millennia, ancient peoples found refuge in the shelters and galleries carved out by the river, leaving indelible traces on the caves’ walls.
This fascinating region contains a wealth of exceptional archaeological sites, which led UNESCO to inscribe the Vézère Valley on the World Heritage List.
Tayac, stretches at the confluence of the Vézère and the Beune, and has one of the highest concentrations of prehistoric sites in the region.
Over the centuries, the municipality has changed its administrative boundaries. It merged with Les Eyzies in 1905, then with Sireuil in 1973. Together they now form the commune of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil.
Fortified Romanesque church of Tayac
Although Tayac was likely inhabited since antiquity, the first written records of the village date back to the 12th century. Its development was fostered by the founding of a monastery by monks from Paunat, located east of the town of Le Bugue.
Today, the only remaining vestige of this monastery is the fortified church, built of golden limestone, a stone typical of the region.
The church of Tayac is a remarkable example of fortified religious architecture, characterised by an austere style and massive walls pierced with arrow slits.
Two crenellated towers, covered with lauzes (limestone slabs), flank the main building, with the one above the entrance porch serving as the bell tower.
The porch boasts an amazing mix of Gallo-Roman and Neo-Oriental influences.
Supported by columns, it is indeed adorned with six arcades, among which two Gallo-Roman style Corinthian columns in blue marble. The inner arch, which frames the wooden door, shows an oriental influence, probably introduced during the early Crusades.
The church’s three naves are separated by arcades and supported by pillars and exposed timber frame.
At first glance, the church in Tayac appears to be quite sober and simple. However, it is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit when exploring Les Eyzies and its surroundings (if you are an architecture amateur).
A ten-minute walk from the village, along a country lane that runs alongside the cliff and the river, will take you there. The advantage of being slightly remote, is that crowds often overlook it, and it thus retains its calm and peace!
Dordogne department
Coordinates: Lat 44.943986 – Long 1.005152
