The village

Les Salles-Lavauguyon (Occitan: Las Salas La Vau Guion) is a commune in Haute-Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in west-central France. The municipal area covers about 12 km²; the population was 157 at the 2023 reference census (Insee). It lies in the Rochechouart arrondissement and belongs to the Porte Océane du Limousin community of communes. It lies within the Périgord–Limousin regional nature park.

Heritage and history

The village is dominated by a remarkable church dedicated to Saint Eutrope, historically linked to a priory. From the Middle Ages, its location near an ancient route between Périgueux and Poitiers helped it become a place of devotion. The building is especially noted for its Romanesque frescoes. In 1997, the French post office issued a stamp featuring these frescoes.

Landscape and setting

The commune lies in the Rochechouart–Chassenon meteorite impact structure and borders Charente. The terrain blends the eastern foothills of the Monts de Châlus with the western edge of the Massif de l’Arbre. The Tardoire river and its tributaries cut through the valleys; settlement remains dispersed across the commune.

At a glance

  • Major heritage: Church of Saint Eutrope and Romanesque frescoes
  • Protected setting: Périgord–Limousin regional nature park
  • Character: rural Limousin commune between Charente and the Tardoire valley

Learn more

Population figures: Insee reference data; other points summarise the encyclopedia articles linked above — confirm details for official use.