Saint-Cyprien is a commune in Dordogne, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, 17 km west of Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Located on the right bank of the course of the Dordogne which forms its southern limit, the territory of the locality with an area of 21 km² belongs to the natural and historical region of Périgord Noir.
The village developed on the hillside at the beginning of the 7th century after a hermit, Cyprien, founded a first monastery at the level of the Fages caves which overlook the current village.
Fortified after the barbarian invasions, Saint-Cyprien saw its abbey attached to the Augustinian order and controlled by the Archbishop of Bordeaux in the 11th century. Flourishing, it will be several centuries during the object of greed related to income and therefore to the taxes it generates. The Hundred Years War first and above all the Wars of Religion are however synonymous with serious damage. The monastery was thus rebuilt in 1685. Sold to the town during the Revolution, it was partly transformed into a warehouse...
From this rich past, the town which now has nearly 1700 inhabitants has retained a heritage of interest and the village itself is a typical example of Perigord charm, in a green environment conducive to "nature" leisure. What make a pleasant stopover or stay in season near other major sites in the region...
The heritage of the village is discovered on the heights overlooking the main street. In addition to the alleys lined with beautiful stone dwellings (some with medieval or Renaissance decorations or elements), and even some vestiges of the ramparts of yesteryear, several sites deserve attention or visit.
Now a parish, the abbey church Saint-Cyprien renowned for its bell tower with a walkway (accessible during Heritage Days in autumn) dates for its oldest parts from the 13th and 14th centuries. Built on a hill, you can access the interior of the building, which has been altered several times by an imposing staircase. The furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries is remarkable there, such as the 32 choir stalls intended for the monks, the polychrome marble altar, two beautiful wooden statues of Saint Cyprian and Saint Augustine and a pulpit in carved woodwork, adorned with the four Gospels. In one of the four chapels, the heart of Mgr de Beaumont, Archbishop of Paris, born in the region, is preserved. We will also notice the stained glass windows on the south facade made in 1965 by Henri Guérin (1929-2009) in a resolutely contemporary style (tinted glass and reinforced concrete) as well as the organ and its Louis XIII style walnut sideboard. The instrument has been restored and concerts are given in summer.
Adjoining the church protected as historical monuments, the current presbytery turns out to be in fact an old noble house from the 13th and 14th centuries, with Renaissance windows, which also housed the town hall in the 19th century.
In terms of civil heritage, two castles are listed in the Inventory. Like the old seigneurial castle of Fages (15th and 16th centuries). Note the Renaissance pavilion, the chapel and the remains of the previous medieval castle.
As for the castle of Saint-Cyprien (or Beaumont), it presents a Louis XVI style for the oldest part (18th century), like the portico of four columns surmounted by a window itself framed by columns (Greek influences). On the other hand, the angled wing dates from the 19th and 20th centuries. As for the park, also protected, it was designed by the landscape designer Edouard André at the beginning of the 20th century.
An artistic exhibition space set up in a former courthouse, the "upper quarters" of the village nicknamed the Montmartre of Saint-Cyprien, houses from the 16th and 17th centuries below, the Garrit metal bridge built in 1894 to cross the Dordogne (which is no longer used today except by pedestrians) complete this overview.
Guided tours of Saint-Cyprien are offered in season, and nighttime guided tours also possible on certain Tuesdays in July and August. Information on +33 5 53 30 36 09 or +33 5 53 29 10 20.
It is also possible to explore the small town in a fun way via a digital treasure hunt (geocaching): the Terra Aventura route (application to be downloaded from the Tourist Office). Information on +33 5 53 30 36 09 or +33 5 53 29 10 20.
In terms of sports or "nature" recreation, an 11 km long hiking trail is available in the locality, including the bridges and the banks of the Dordogne. A walk via a path can also be done from the village to the caves where the hermit founder of the town took shelter. Maps and information on +33 5 53 30 36 09 or +33 5 53 29 10 20.
It is also possible to join the outings of the local hiking club (contact on +33 6 71 99 81 37) or to discover the village and its green surroundings during a horse ride (contact the equestrian center Equi Périgord on +33 5 53 29 61 45).
For a fishing trip, especially from the banks of the river, join the municipal association on +33 6 31 64 13 47 and in another register, finally, visitors and holidaymakers have the possibility of reserving a tennis court at +33 6 43 38 01 38.
