Carlux

Carlux is a small village located in the Black Perigord, not far from Sarlat and Sainte-Nathalène. I decide to do a stopover and discover all its secrets! This stone built village with a medieval atmosphere seduced me straight away. Time did not stop in Carlux, since the bell of the Sainte-Catherine Church continues to chime, but some of the houses look like they are from another time I get parked close to the town hall. I love the coat of arms of the town which is displayed on the floor, just in the front entrance of this important institution.

The devise of the village is written on it « CLARUS CARLUX », it is the first time that I have seen a coat of arms displayed on the ground in a village of the Perigord. The medieval roots are never far away!!

I then head towards the castle. It is open to all and free of charge. It is a castle that has been more or less preserved, though a bit is in ruins too. The watch tower has established itself on the landscapes and the flag with the village’s colours still floats away, a legacy of a tumultuous past and ancient prosperity.

Small boards explain the architecture in front of me. From the top, I have a very beautiful view of the lower part of the village. I admire a string of rooftops, I see a few villagers leaving the grocery shop with their bread …In brief, I have the vague impression to be the lady of the manor looking at her lands and her people! Despite its « ruined » state, I can guess the different rooms of the castle, the openings, the partition walls and with a bit of concentration, it is possible to imagine the old structure. I remake my own Carlux Castle, do it too;) Canons? Barbican? Covered way? Loopholes?

If you wish to have more information on the castle, a booklet is on sale at the Town Hall, at the grocery shop and even at the Bar. For €5, get all the historical information on the development of this castle and the village.

I am heading down now in order to visit the church dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. It is a beautiful and imposing church. The inside is really simple but there are lovely arches at the chancel level. It allows me to admire the castle from a different point of view. A bit further, I discover the market hall of the village, dating from the 19th century. The roof is well preserved and made of lauze (thin stones) …everything I like!

Carlux also has many hiking paths. There is the GR 6 crossing the village as well as the Vézelay way in Rocamadour. The last crosses Domme, Belvès, Cadouin, Saint-Avit-Seigneur, Beaumont-du-Périgord and Eymet. To sum up, you cross many beautiful Périgourdines bastides as well as many villages labelled « Plus Beaux Villages de France » (Most beautiful Villages in France). If you want a shorter way, there is a path taking you to Saint-Julien-de-Lampon, at 3,1 kilometres.

Carlux is a small typical village of the Perigord with many beautiful surprises. Each house has an eye-catching feature, its architecture is at times typical and atypical and we are never bored of the surrounding landscapes. It is a small peaceful haven not far from the greatest sites of the Black Perigord. It is an ideal stopover for a stay in the Perigord, especially if you like that part of the region. Discover also the not to be missed Jardins de Cadiot!

Enjoy Carlux!

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