This multimedia route invites you to discover the land’s heritage and artistic treasures as well as the skills of craftsmen who perpetuate activities that have taken place here for a very long time.
This video introduces you to the 13th century Caesar tower. Thanks to reproductions and drawings, you will understand its initial structure.
The presence of slates on Allassac’s rooftops is linked to the town’s slate quarrying and carving activity. Slate is everpresent undergound, in and around Allassac. Discover this activity by listening to an interview of Jean-François Bugeat, a slate-worker whose comapny is located in both Allassac and Donzenac.
This audioguide sequence introduces the tower manor, a 16th century building which is now home to the Vézère Ardoise Art and History land.
With its two 12th century Romanesque doorways and its fortified stair tower, Allassac church attracts many visitors. This sequence will show you its main features.
The church houses several remarkable pieces of furniture, and particularly a great 17th century sculpted wooden altarpiece, as well as a pulpit, presented by this audioguide.
The history of medieval Le Saillant bridge, which connects the town of Allassac, on the left river bank, to Voutezac, on the right.
Le Saillant chapel is linked to the nearby castle, owned by the Lasteyrie du Saillant family. Learn about its history thanks to this audioguide and discover the surprising Notre Dame de Laurette, hidden inside the chapel.
Le Saillant chapel is special because it is entirely decorated with stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. This audioguide explains the context in which they were created.
Now that you are aware of the context in which they were created, you are ready to find out the meaning of these stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, as well as the technical secrets involved. This video is quite detailed and shows elements which are not visible, unless pointed out.
On the right, you can see le Saillant castel. It was built in the 15th century and revised later. His roof is supported by corbels, remains of ancient defensive elements. Do you know what elements ?
On the right, you can see le Saillant castel. It was built in the 15th century and revised later. His roof is supported by corbels, remains of ancient defensive elements. Do you know what elements ?
Congratulations ! The crows you see were the lower part of the machicolations by which projectiles could be sent to defend the immediate surroundings of the castle.
Sorry but it is incorrect ! It was machicolations, of which only the lower part remains. This construction made it possible to send projectiles to the foot of the castle to defend it from the attackers.
Sorry but it is incorrect ! It was machicolations. Like the hoardings, they served to overhang the enemy located at the foot of the building. But the hoardings are rather deep wooden balconies while machicolations are shallow stone constructions.
The area’s hills and climate are ideal for vineyards, which have been growing here for many years. Discover the history and specificity of le Saillant vineyards thanks to this filmed interview of wine-grower, René Maury.
Learn about the architecture of Saint-Viance church, whose oldest part dates back to the 12th century, thanks to this audio sequence.
A remarkable 13th century enamelled shrine and holy oil container can be found in Saint Viance church. Discover these two gorgeous objects thanks in this video, before you get a chance to actually visit the church and see them “for real”!
This short documentary tells you all about the champlevé enamel technique. This particular skill was a Limoges speciality during the middle ages.
Relive the adventure linked to the construction of this bridge, thanks to this audioguide, which also explains how people used to cross the river, before the bridge was built.
