Prieuré de Notre-Dame de Puymartin

Prieuré de Notre-Dame de Puymartin is a small, partly ruined monastic priory in the commune of La Chapelle-Faucher, in the Dordogne department of southwestern France. It should not be confused with the well-known Château de Puymartin near Sarlat, a completely different property located in another part of the department. The priory was listed as a historic monument in 1948 and remains private property today, though its ruins are visible from the outside during a walk around the village.

Where does the name of the village come from?

The priory dates back to the early twelfth century. Local tradition credits its foundation to a monk named Fuchurius, whose name is said to have evolved over time into the name of the village itself, La Chapelle-Faucher. The priory church was originally dependent on the abbey of Charroux, and this dependency was confirmed before 1101 by Bishop Guillaume II of Auberoche. This monastic origin explains why the site functioned from the start as a place of worship rather than a defensive stronghold.

How did the priory's role change over the centuries?

Over time the priory became a commandery of the Order of Saint John (the Knights Hospitaller), and in 1373 it was annexed to the commandery of La Roche-Saint-Paul. Despite its modest size, the priory long remained the main place of worship for the surrounding community. The Hundred Years' War left its mark on the building, which was partly destroyed by the forces of the Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock. That damage later required a substantial rebuilding campaign.

What can visitors see of the architecture today?

The priory church has a simple layout: a single nave with a flat chevet, to which a lateral chapel was added. Behind this chapel stands a square tower housing a spiral staircase. In the fifteenth century, following the wartime destruction, the building underwent a major reconstruction. In 1485 the west gable wall was rebuilt and the entrance was relocated to the south-west wall, reusing older carved stonework in the process, including a relief of the Virgin and Child set above the doorway. The porch is crowned by a carved head supporting a cross, and three further carved stones depicting human figures survive on the façade.

Can the priory be visited?

The ruins stand on private land in the commune of La Chapelle-Faucher, not far from the village's own château (Château de la Chapelle-Faucher, itself a separate monument). Access to the interior is generally not possible, but the outline of the church and its carved stone details can be admired from outside. The site will appeal mainly to visitors with an interest in medieval religious architecture and regional history who are looking for lesser-known Dordogne landmarks away from the crowds drawn to the area's larger castles.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same place as Château de Puymartin near Sarlat? No. These are two distinct properties with similar names. Château de Puymartin lies in another part of the Dordogne, close to Sarlat, while the priory described here is located in the commune of La Chapelle-Faucher.

How old is the priory? Its origins go back to the early twelfth century, though the building's current appearance owes much to the 1485 reconstruction carried out after the damage inflicted during the Hundred Years' War.

Is the priory a protected monument? Yes. The ruins were listed as a historic monument (monument historique) by a decree dated 12 October 1948.

Can visitors go inside? The priory is privately owned, so visits are generally limited to viewing the building from the outside.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The same commune is also home to the Château de la Chapelle-Faucher, a separate historic building that can easily be combined with a visit to the priory as part of a wider tour of the region.