guide de pays impose - Pays de Charente Limousine

POITOU-CHARENTES
P
A
Y
S
de Charente Limousine
www.charente-limousine.fr
An Atlantic adventure ...
This 370-kilometre stretch of the Atlantic coast boasts
some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in France with
long beaches of white sand alternating with rugged cliffs,
pine woods and marshes. Step back into history as you
gaze at all the coastal military fortifications that marked
the gateway to the New World, over a distance stretching
from La Rochelle to Fort Boyard and Brouage.Take your
time, go for a stroll or a sail and let yourself be gently
rocked by the sea-scented winds from a wonderful oceanic
adventure. Inland, there is an abundance of expertise.
Admire the skills of the salt pan workers.Take a look at our
square dip-nets and watch our fishermen at work. See our
mussel and oyster farmers.All these talents make our coastal food among the most varied and bestknown in France.
Adventure nestles
in the depths of the valleys ...
The valleys of Poitou-Charentes form an area of waterways,
history and legend, where a succession of contrasting landscapes unfurl along the banks of the rivers flowing through
them – the Boutonne, Thouet, Gartempe,Vienne, Charente,
Tardoire, and Seugne, not to mention the waterways known
as the Marais Poitevin. Go with the flow along our rivers dotted with fords, wash-houses, hamlets and villages steeped in
character. A thousand and one surprises await you. For millions of years, Man has shaped our valleys. Poitou-Charentes is
an area that knows how to extend a warm welcome.
A Romanesque adventure on the roads
to Santiago de Compostela ...
Along the 820 kilometres of road leading to Santiago de
Compostela, you will cross the most beautiful bridges and see
the most beautiful of all the Romanesque churches. There are
800 churches in all here and their porches, capitals and plethora
of modillions are sure to fire your imagination.You will be able
to combine history with our amazingly diverse landscapes,
flora and fauna on a trip that has all the quiet serenity of a time
you thought had gone for ever. On the way, enjoy some of our
local fare and stop over in some unusual accommodation.
In the Charente
Limousine
CONTENTS
> Heritage
• Of clay, granite... and moon-stone
4
• In living memory
16
> Out and about
• Around the water
18
• In the countryside
21
> The Land
• Cows and sheep
> Arts and crafts
• Know-how
26
28
“ADVENTURE”: Instructions for Use
Adventure is never far away here and it is first and foremost
linked to Nature.Travel along our waterways, our highways
and byways and discover some of our best-kept secrets.
Whether you prefer walking, riding or cycling, PoitouCharentes belongs to those who take the time to discover
its true essence.
The guide book will help you on your way.
Comité Régional du Tourisme
8, rue Riffault - BP 56 - F-86002 POITIERS CEDEX
Tel. (+33)(0)549501050 - Fax: (+33)(0)549413728
E-mail: [email protected]
www.visit-poitou-charentes.com
> Fêtes and festivals
• Diary
30
> Map
34
Photo credits : Pays de Charente Limousine - Région Poitou-Charentes, Inventaire général, C. Rome 2006 - OT du Confolentais - CdC du Confolentais OT de Haute-Charente - CdC de Haute-Charente - CDT de la Charente - les Amis de Chassenon - Festival de Confolens/P. Frétault - Aventure Parc® T. des Ouches - J.-L. Clavel - Image et couleur/Y. Chagnaud - J.-P. Boulesteix - les Ateliers Martron - P. Bertrand - Synchro-X/J.-D. Guillou.
Printed by Médiaprint (Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure) on PEFC paper bleached without chlorine
of clay, of granite...
Heritage
> Chassenon, Cassinomagus, archaeological park, the piscina
Cassinomagus, archaeological park
(Gallo-Roman site at Chassenon)
In order to pacify Gaul after its conquest in the 1st century, the Romans
allowed the Gauls to worship the gods of their choice. Standing on the
Agrippan Way which ran from Saintes to Lyon, Cassinomagus (now
called Chassenon) was a well-known place of healing, rest and worship.
Pilgrims taking the waters (as many Gauls as Romans) broke their journey in this vast thermal centre.The archaeological park at Chassenon
offers a wide range of activities associated with culture and heritage.
4
Of clay, granite... and moonstone
The earth here is red. This is the land of brick makers and tile makers.
The tiles cover all the roofs in the region and many other roofs all over
the world. Granite shows through everywhere. It appears in the village
walls along with moon-stone, a meteorite which fell from the sky 214 million
years ago.The violence of the impact transformed the rock into a sort of
lava. This dark porous rock has been used in many houses. Clay, granite,
moon-stone, the trio which form the walls, the roof, the history...
The vast group of buildings constructed in the 1st century AD stand
in 25 landscaped hectares. It includes thermal baths, a theatre, temples and 48 pits whose use remains a mystery and an aqueduct.The
thermal baths, listed as Historic Monuments, are among the largest
and best preserved in the Roman provinces in the West.The discovery trail and the educational facilities will enable the most inquiring
minds to understand the working of the site in antiquity.
5
I Tel. 05 45 89 32 21
www.cassinomagus.fr
Activities not to be missed !
Kids and grown-ups are welcome to catch up on the latest news
about the digs, attend concerts and shows, take the plunge in
plastic arts, learn Greco-Roman wrestling...
of clay, of granite...
Heritage
Les Gaulois d’Esse
The Paul Pellas meteorite museum at Rochechouart
6
Imagine an earthquake... only worse! That is the effect produced by the meteorite which fell to earth between Rochechouart (Haute-Vienne) and Chassenon
(Charente) 214 million years ago. This is all explained during the visit to the
Espace Météorite Paul Pellas. Plunge into the Solar System and explore these
objects called meteorites (displays of samples collected all over the world, a link
between space and the Earth).
Bathed in light, the rocks spring forth, the result of the meeting between heaven
and Earth... These rocks, called impactites, have always been used for building.
Today they shape in their own way the contours of a structure which has suffered
the passage of time. However, if you know how to listen, you will be enchanted !
A booklet is available at the entrance to help children glean useful information so
that that they can enjoy themselves while they explore the exhibition.
The protohistoric reconstitution group Les Gaulois d’Esse is devoted
to recalling the daily life of the Gaulish people of Lémovices at the
end of the second Iron Age.
The association is constructing an aristocratic farm from the 1st century
BC, based on archaeological information, in the Issoire valley.
Coriobona contains dwellings and agricultural buildings protected by
a murus gallicus, the Gallic wall, composed of earth, beams and stones.
After passing the guard post, visitors discover the daily life of the peasants, artisans and warriors at the time of the Gallic War. Les Gaulois
d’Esse have specialised in archaeological experimentation : construction, carpentry, weaving, leatherwork, basket-making, ironwork, ceramics, striking coins, sculpture and brewing beer are their favourite
activities.
They are intent on sharing these activities with the ever more enthusiastic audience.
7
I Tel. 05 45 84 13 61
lesgauloisdesse.free.fr
I Tel. 05 55 03 02 70
www.espacemeteorite.com
> The rock fallen from the sky : the impactite
Artisans and warriors !
Week of 15th August : everyday life in the village.
Artisan and warrior events inside the surrounding wall : weaving, pottery, basketmaking, dying, building work, combats and duels...
of clay, of granite...
> Confolens, half-timbered house
> Confolens,
the Pont Vieux on the Vienne
Heritage
> St-Germain de Confolens,
remains of the castle
8
> St-Germain de Confolens, the village and the castle
The Confolentais,
a Region of Art and History
Cities of character in the heart
of the Confolentais
> Confolens, a medieval city. Confolens, which has
appeared in records since 1000 AD, takes its name from the
term «confluence», a fitting name for several reasons. Firstly
of water (the Vienne and the Goire). Then of culture between the Oc and the Oïl, and an ethnic convergence
around the festival of folk arts and traditions from all over
the world. Numerous edifices have been preserved from
the medieval period and are best explored on foot : the
keep, the splendid half-timbered houses in the rue Pinaguet,
rue des Portes d’Ansac, rue du Soleil... A visit of the town
would not be complete without crossing the two medieval
bridges : the Pont Vieux, which straddles the Vienne and
leads to the Fontorse quarter with a fine fountain; and the
pont du Goire which leads to the old tanners’ quarter.
To see : the house of the Duke of Épernon which is a fine
15th century half-timbered building, the chapel of the
Commandery, the churches of St-Maxime and St-Barthélémy,
the Louis Quériaud mill on the Goire where people bring their
produce to have them turned into walnut and rape seed oil.
> Confolens :
the Pont Vieux
Since 2008, the Confolentais communauté de communes has held
the label «Pays d’Art et d’Histoire».
This label is in recognition of the rich
heritage of the Confolens area (architecture, scenery, local memory,
contemporary creation...).
> St-Germain de Confolens. The Vienne, strong and blue,
flows at the foot of the village through green dales. Saint-Germain
stands at the confluence of the Vienne and the Issoire. The castle
towers, standing in a strategic position on the promontory, overlook
the river and the village.The original fortress was built in the 12th century and restructured in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries.
Despite the ravages of time the fortress still has its towers which
mark out the inner courtyard and in the lower level, the arrow-slits,
loopholes and vaulted rooms.
To see : the Tanners’ quarter.
> Esse,
the Sully lime tree
9
> Heritage events :
All through the year, the Pays d’Art
et d’Histoire organises guided visits,
workshops for children, lectures,
shows and exhibitions.
As part of the regional «Nuits romanes»
programme, several churches are open
to the public with events on the theme
of heritage, live shows and local
gastronomy.
> Esse. This is a village of golden granite overlooking the dales hinting of the Limousin. A village which has kept its traditions and beliefs,
notably the processionary ritual of the ostentions. Every seven years,
the faithful venerate the bones and relics of Saint-Hilaire and SainteVictoire. In the village square, beside the church, reflect on the passage of time under the Sully lime tree.
I Infos : Confolentais tourist office.
I Tel. 05 45 84 11 46
Curiosities : the Repaire menhir : on the road to Confolens, this is
a fine rough standing stone over 2.60 m high which welcomes the
rising sun.The Celts came here to worship the trees, the springs, the
stones.
To see : the museum of the Ostentions, the permanent and temporary exhibition rooms.
The Binot bridge or the Devil’s bridge : this Romanesque bridge
spans the Issoire on the road to Brillac. Many travellers were robbed
there and the Devil was said to take part. Who knows ?
> Esse, the processionary rite
of the ostentions
> Rochechouart,
the museum of contemporary art
> Vitrac Saint-Vincent
Heritage
of clay, of granite...
> Brigueuil, a fortified village
> Rochechouart, the castle
> Rochechouart
Other cities of character
10
> Brigueuil. This fortified village, whose oldest parts date from the 12th century,
is perched on a hillock overlooking the surrounding hedged fields.
To see : the east gate, the church of Saint-Martial which contains the recumbent
effigy of Marguerite de Chabot, the logis de l’Espérance with its splendid pepper
pot tower, the graveyard lantern (12th century), the steep streets, the pyramidal
fountain built in the village square with stone from the abbey at Lesterps...
> Vitrac Saint-Vincent. A tiny village nestling in the valley of the Rivaillon, in
the heart of a natural area rich in fauna and flora.
To see : the Cluzeau cave, the 12th and 13th century church, the logis and its fountain
of devotion.
The town
It dates back to the 10th century. Much of the town has been built using
impactite breccia. The centre contains numerous vestiges from the
medieval and Renaissance periods : the rue Dorée, the charmilles,
the maison des Consuls... The Romanesque church of Saint-Sauveur
(11th and 13th century) has a magnificent twisted steeple covered in slate.
Guided visit of the town all year.
I Tel. 05 55 03 72 73
The castle and the county museum of contemporary art
The castle stands on a remarkable site at the confluence of the Graine
and the Vayres.The buildings date mainly from the 15th century, including the interior courtyard and its elegant Renaissance gallery.
To see : the keep, the entrance cour d’honneur and the 15th century
frescoes...
The castle houses the county museum of contemporary art. Arte
Povera, Land Art and the Dadaist Raoul Hausmann form one of the
major collections of contemporary art in France.
I Tel. county museum of contemporary art 05 55 03 77 91
www.musee-rochechouart.com
Not to be missed !
Fountains of devotion, balancing well,
wash houses, pigeon lofts... look for them
in the villages !
> Rochechouart, the twisted
church steeple
11
Heritage
of clay, of granite...
> Cellefrouin, the church of Saint-Nicolas
12
> Roumazières-Loubert,
château de Peyras
> Lesterps, a back street
and the abbey church of Saint-Pierre
> Lesterps, the porch bell-tower in
the abbey church of Saint-Pierre
> Étagnac, château de Rochebrune
The castles
Romanesque architecture
> Château de Peyras, Roumazières-Loubert. Standing
The Christian fervour which developed about the year one thousand was nomadic, and the Romanesque architecture of the
Charente limousine was influenced by the great abbeys nearby
(Charroux, Poitiers...). The hard granite was not an encouragement for sculptors.Yet they were able to express the faith of the
people of the Middle Ages in a very unadorned style.
on the banks of the Charente, this castle, which was the seat of
the lords of Roumazières, kept watch. It witnessed the ride of the
Black Prince towards Bourges during the Hundred Years’ War.
To see : the logis (16th century), the guard room with its Romanesque
arcades, in the tower (13th century), the spiral staircase, the chapel,
the exhibition of objects discovered during renovation work.
I Tel. 05 45 71 25 25
> Château de Rochebrune, Étagnac. Standing in the heart
of Étagnac forest, the castle is flanked by four round towers and
surrounded by a moat. Formerly the property of the lords of
Chabanais, it was substantially reworked and embellished in the
16th century by the Montluc family. In 1803 it was acquired by
general Dupont who had distinguished himself at the battles of
Marengo and Pozzolo.The castle contains a wealth of furniture
from the period of the First Empire and memorabilia from the
Napoleonic campaigns.
I Tel. 05 45 65 26 69
> Abbey church of Saint-Pierre, Lesterps. Founded in the year one
> Roumazières-Loubert,
château de Peyras
thousand by Jourdain I, lord of Chabanais, all that remains of this ancient
abbey is the impressive porch bell-tower followed by the three naves of the
church.The granite bell-tower, which towers over the landscape at 43 m in
height, is organised in three levels marked out by columns.Very fine capitals
(on the theme of the Holy Women at the Entombment) and sculpted
medallions have been placed inside.
> Church of Saint-Nicolas and the graveyard lantern,
Cellefrouin. This vast edifice (late 11th century) seems to be trapped
> Suaux, the castle
Also to see in summer...
• Exideuil, château de la Chétardie : a 16th and 17th century castle
with its two pepper pot towers, the logis reconstructed in the
17th century. Please ring, if the owner is in, he will show you round.
I Tel. 05 45 89 02 25
• Suaux, the castle. This massive building of military appearance (16th and
17th century) is surrounded by old farm buildings including a magnificent
pigeon loft with over 190 holes.
I Tel. 05 45 65 26 69
by the earth as a result of a rise in soil level which spoiled the beautiful
original elevation. The façade is plain and accentuated with high arcades
and column buttresses. Inside, the nave and collaterals are supported by
powerful pillars.The capitals are simple as is usual with early Romanesque
architecture and depict leaves and familiar animals (horses, sheep...).
To see : in the village cemetery, a fine graveyard lantern with a conical roof
of stone scales.
> Cellefrouin, graveyard lantern
13
> Brigueuil, church of Saint-Martial
> Confolens, church
of Saint-Barthélémy
> Church of Saint-Barthélémy, Confolens. It was built
in the 12th century in the quarter of the tanners and butchers.
The severity of its plain granite facade is softened by the sculptures above the portal (the sheep in a halo is flanked by the
figures of the lion and the bull, symbols of the evangelists).
> Church of Saint-André, Exideuil-sur-Vienne. It is charac-
14
teristic of the Romanesque in the Limousin : all in granite with severe
architecture : a rectangle leading to a rectangular apse.
To see : the baptismal pool (13th century) uncovered during renovation work and the statue of Saint-Éloi (12th century).
Curiosity : Mme de Maintenon made a gift of vestments embroi-
> Les Salles Lavauguyon, the priory and
frescoes in the church of Saint-Eutrope
> Les Salles Lavauguyon. The frescoes in the church of Saint-Eutrope,
which date from the middle of the 12th century, are among the most beautiful medieval paintings in France and Europe. They were uncovered from
1986 onwards and contain a surprising richness of colour.
I Info : www.lavauguyon.com
dered at Saint-Cyr which can be seen in the sacristy.
> Church of Saint-Martial, Brigueuil. Its first foundations date
from about the year one thousand. At 35 metres long, it dominates
the village.The nave is preceded by a porch bell-tower and the apse
is rectangular.
To see : the Gothic portal sculpted with fruit, flowers and birds, the
tomb of Marguérite de Chabot, and the 12th century graveyard lantern
in the cemetery.
> Chapel of the Commanderie du Saint-Esprit,Confolens.
This 13th century building in the Saint-Michel area is one of the few
remaining edifices in France of the order of the Hospitallers of the
Holy Spirit.
To see : the portal with its pointed arch. Inside, the cross of the
order of Hospitallers (a rare motif, it resembles a two-pointed cross
of Lorraine). Ask for the key at the tourist office in Confolens.
15
Far removed from the usual palette of Romanesque frescoes are the intense
greens and blues here. These hues of blue, from lapis lazuli, a very costly
gemstone, indicate the rich endowment of the priory at Salles Lavauguyon.
To see also
Heritage
of clay, of granite...
> Exideuil-sur-Vienne,
church of Saint-André
Romanesque architecture
by the wayside…
> The templar
chapel at
Petit Madieu
<Grenord> the small chapel (12th century) and the tombstone
bearing the coat of arms of the Lord of Chabanais.
<Manot> the capitals and modillions depicting animals.
<Chassenon> the church built with moon-stone.
<Saulgond> the church of Saint-Genest and its five-arch portal.
<Saint-Germain de Confolens> the castle chapel
of Saint-Vincent in the shape of a Greek cross.
<Alloue> the church of Notre-Dame (12th century).
<Saint-Maurice-des-Lions> the church of Saint-Maurice
(dating from the high Middle Ages 1100) and its granite lion.
<The templar chapels at Petit and Grand Madieu>
<Esse> the church of Saint-Étienne and the reliefs above the portal.
<Étagnac> the 12th century chapel of Grand Montaigne d’Étricor,
the statue of Saint-Pardoux, the fountain of devotion.
<Chéronnac> the church of Saint-Sauveur.
<Pressignac> the church of Saint-Martin.
> Alloue, the church
of Notre-Dame
> Saint-Laurent de Ceris, the Lafont memorial
> Oradour-sur-Glane, the Remembrance Centre
in living memory
> Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure, Memorial to the Resistance
Heritage,
> Saint-Claud,
the Négret memorial
> The Memorial at Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure. It was built in
1945 on land donated by the Pascaud family and offers a panoramic
view of the forests which sheltered the maquis. The monumental cross
of Lorraine (over 20 m high) stands over the crypt where 22 martyrs of
the Charente Resistance are interred. At the foot of the National
Necropolis lie over 2000 resistance fighters, French and foreign soldiers
of the Second World War.
I Tel. 06 83 53 68 98
> The Memorial at Négret, near Saint-Claud. It is dedicated to
the 33 Négret maquisards who were captured in a barn at Andourchapt
and shot in Poitiers on 8th May 1944.
16
17
> The Remembrance Centre at Oradour-sur-Glane. As you head
towards Limoges you will come to Oradour-sur-Glane, a village whose
inhabitants were massacred by the Das Reich division in June 1944.
The memory of Nazi barbarity is kept alive in the remembrance centre.
I Tel. 05 55 43 04 30
In remembrance
When forced labour (STO) was introduced in 1943, hundreds of people
who refused to be sent to work in Germany joined the ranks of the maquis
in Charente Limousine : the Bir’Hacheim maquis around Chasseneuil and
Cherves Chatelars,the Foch maquis around Confolens,the maquis at Brigueuil,
the FTP maquis from Chabanais...The rough terrain and the dense forests
were ideal for installing hiding places. From this year on the Resistance in
the Charente became more structured. Claude Bonnier, under the code
> On the Route de
la Résistance in Charente
> The maison de la Résistance at Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure.
It contains a collection of the personal belongings of the maquisards
(clothing, letters, weapons...) as well as posters and portraits of the
Resistance leaders.
I Tel. 05 45 39 60 71
> Maison de la Résistance
renovated and with a new
scenography
name «Hypoténuse», was landed by parachute at Angeac-Charente on the
banks of the Charente. He was charged by general de Gaulle with the reorganisation. He was arrested by the Gestapo in 1944 and committed suicide
to ensure that he did not talk.The actions of the Resistance were effective.
The repression was terrible, over 250 were shot and hundreds were deported... The men and women of the «army of shadows» are remembered in
several places which simply must be visited or revisited.
Paths of remembrance
in the footsteps of the Bir’Hacheim maquis
If you wish to find out more about the Resistance in the Charente, an itinerary with an explanatory leaflet and map is
available from the Upper Charente tourist office.
The Négret and Lafont memorials at Saint-Laurent de Ceris, gourbis (maquis huts in the woods) at Cherves Châtelars.
I Tel. Upper Charente tourist office : 05 45 65 26 69
around the water
Out and about
> Lakes at Lavaud and Mas Chaban
The lakes of the Upper Charente
Two great lakes, Lavaud and Mas Chaban form the largest freshwater site in the Poitou-Charentes.The banks are lined with alder
and golden iris. The waterways wend through the hedged fields
in the dales. Herons and cormorants make life hard for the fish.
18
> At the lakes water sports centre : sailing (dinghies, catamarans
and optimists for the very young), canoeing, rowing, windsurfing. Water
sports are available on both lakes, under the supervision of qualified monitors for beginners and the adept, on request or for rental.
I Tel. 05 45 65 30 62
Around the water...
The Charente Limousine is a land of water, trees, grass...The hedged fields, dotted with
oak and sweet chestnut, stretch over the dales and hillsides.The countryside is forever
changing, there are bumps, peaks (345 m !!), torrents, rocks, lakes, foxgloves, rivulets
rushing down the lush meadows, the musical names of the streams (the Son, the
Sonnette...) which announce good luck (the Or, the Argent).Then there are the dense
forests and the wandering paths where the Devil and the mandrake prowl...Welcome
to the great outdoors !
active summer for all
Boats and bathing...
> On the Vienne. The fast-flowing waters rush over their bed of
granite. The river is wide, magnificent rocks are dotted here and there
along the way.Tackle the river in a canoe, a kayak or a raft.
I Departure : Exideuil-sur-Vienne, the water sports base or Confolens
on request : 05 45 84 43 70. Pedals and canoes for hire at the Roches
bleues in Confolens.
> Other lake bathing : at the prés de Peyras (RoumazièresLoubert) and the Féculerie lake (Étagnac).
Sports and outdoor activities with qualified
instructors, all through the summer
I Info : tourist information offices
> On the beach at La Guerlie : the meadows run down to the
beach where the sand is fine, white and soft. The trees nearby provide
some welcome shade. The water is mild and just right for swimming.
Bathing is supervised in July and August.
> Swimming pools :
> Swimming pool at
Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure
• outdoor : Brillac, Chabanais, Confolens, Montemboeuf, Saint-Claud,
• covered : Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure.
19
Handi Cap Holidays
> The beach at La Guerlie is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Special facilities are available to make
the most of the water (audioplage,
tiralo (floating beach chairs on wheels
for bathing); pontoon at the water
sports centre for boarding boats;
pontoon with angling facilities for
the disabled).
In the countryside
around the water
> The Issoire valley
> The Bonnieure at the logis
du Chatelars
A fisherman was fishing...
In the countryside
Hiking
> The crisscross network of theVienne and the Charente.
Night fishing for carp :
The fast-flowing rivers and brooks weave a network of tributaries
of the Vienne and the Charente.
The Goire, Issoire, Or, Argentor, Marchadaine, Bonnieure, Bellonne,
Son, Sonnette, Grêne are all first category rivers where it is a delight
to indulge in a spot of fishing.The banks of the rivers abound with
the remains of an ancestral rural economy and way of life with its
humpback bridges, mills, wash houses...
>
>
>
>
>
Pradelles, Roumazières- Loubert
Lake Lavaud
Lake Mas Chaban
Sérail, Abzac
River Vienne, Exideuil and
Confolens.
Lake fishing :
> Fishing in lakes large and small : the Féculerie at Étagnac,
> Beaulieu-sur-Sonnette
> Rod licence : Féculerie at Étagnac,
This is a land of hedged fields and steep-sided valleys, forests of tall
trees (oak, sweet chestnut, hornbeam...).The paths and tracks are
legion, resulting from a strong farming tradition.They run through
the villages, the hamlets, the dewy meadows, and slip along the
river banks.
The valleys of the Son and the Sonnette. On the banks of the Son and
the Sonnette, head off in search of the benefits of spring water.
An entertaining circuit dotted with fountains, wash houses and devotion
springs.
I Tel. 05 45 65 26 69
Pradelles at Roumazières-Loubert, Chauffie at Pressignac, Sérail at
Abzac, Millauds and Chambon at Saint-Maurice-des-Lions, Boischenu
at Rochechouart, the Mordorée reservoir at Ansac-sur-Vienne, the
lakes at Lavaud and Mas Chaban.
I Info : Charente angling federation
> Night fishing for carp. On signposted trails by the lakes at
05 45 69 33 91
www.federationpeche.fr/16
Around the lakes of the Upper Charente. The lanes and «greenways» run
round the lakes at Lavaud and Mas Chaban and through the surrounding
countryside.A splendid opportunity to meet the grey heron, the widgeon...
Lavaud and Mas Chaban, Pradelles at Roumazières-Louvert, on the
Vienne.
> Permits : Chauffie at Pressignac,
On the trail of the mandrake. The GR48 follows the banks of theVienne
the Mordorée reservoir at LalutAnsac, Millauds and Chambon at
St-Maurice-des-Lions, the public lake
at Ansac-sur-Vienne.
as its heads towards the Limousin.The mandrake is keeping watch !
I Tel. 05 45 65 26 69 / 05 45 69 33 91
Pradelles at Roumazières-Loubert,
Lavaud, Mas Chaban, Boischenu
at Rochechouart, Sérail at Abzac.
I Info : tourist information offices.
Follow the cows in Upper Charente : explore the countryside (7 km)
to learn all about the limousin cow (its life, food, calves, mating etc...).
Start : Maison des Lacs in Massignac where you will be given a quiz (children/adults). A little present will be waiting for you at the finish !
Cows’ meadow LandArt, Massignac. A hiking trail «La Fontaine de
Chéronnac, at the source of the Charente
The river Charente rises at Chéronnac in Haute Vienne. It has given its
name to the village. Come and see where the source bubbles up between
stone slabs.
21
> Hikes : Routes not to be missed
l’âne», an artistic and educational tour on the theme of the limousin cow
and its environment. Unexpected, poetic, surreal and humorous sculptures and objects await along the 6 km trail.
> GR 48 at Confolens
Info !
Hiking
Out and about
20
> Lake Lavaud
Explore the numerous
hiking paths in the area
with the guide maps
available in the tourist
information offices.
in the countryside
Out and about
22
> Vayres-les-Roses,
botanical trail
> Near Épenède
> Mountain bike near the lakes
in the Upper Charente
> Vélo rail
> By bike...
> The Issoire valley
> The discovery trails
On horse back !
> Jallais riding centre in Confolens
(tourism, club pony and club horse).
05 45 84 13 45
Bicycles on rails ! Between Roumazières and Confolens, there is new traffic on the old
railway lines. Rather unusual bicycles run on the tracks. A fine outing through the countryside as you travel between pastures, the steep slopes of the Vienne valley, across the high
viaducts such as at Laplaud (160 m high, 6 arches). Accessible for people with restricted
mobility.
I Tel. 05 45 71 16 64 / www.velorail16.com
The discovery trails are educational trails for all the family with information signs on the fauna, flora and history...
> Mons riding centre in Brigueuil
Cycle routes. Charente county council has developed a network of cycle loops in asso-
(club pony, club horse).
05 45 71 23 04
In the Confolens area :
> Lavaud riding centre in Pressignac
ciation with local tourist offices.These are bicycle routes which only use roads where there
is very little traffic.The loops in Charente Limousine are numbered from 41 to 49.
Each local loop has three itineraries with different degrees of difficulty :
1. Family route : 4 to 8 km, for children.
2. Discovery route : 15 to 30 km.
3. Exploration route : 30 to 70 km, for experienced cyclists.
• Paule Lavergne trail à Esse (4 km). Set in the Issoire valley (zone classi-
fied Natura 2000) on steep granite slopes. Discover the exceptional
fauna and flora (digitalis, monkshood...).
Start : Binot bridge, Esse,
• Le Frény trail at Saint-Coutant (4 km). Explore the valley of the Or,
its exceptional geology (a karstic area), flora and history.
Start : church in Saint-Coutant.
In the land of the Meteorite :
• botanical trail at Vayres-les-Roses (2.8 km). Discover the wild flowers
and especially the many members of the Rosacea family. A botanical booklet is available on request at the town hall and in the tourist information offices.
Start : place du Champ de Foire.
(tourism).
05 45 89 04 77 or 06 08 36 41 90
> Upper Charente Lakes riding
centre in Pressignac (tourism, club
pony, club horse).
06 88 67 80 76 or 06 85 60 36 34
> Le Grand Verger riding centre
in Roumazières-Loubert (tourism,
club pony).
05 45 71 57 69
> Les Célestines in Beaulieu-surSonnette (tourism, club horse).
05 45 85 75 15 or 06 19 38 19 94
> Ranch L in Mazerolles (tourism,
club pony, club horse).
05 45 62 11 40
> Châtelars riding centre
in Mazerolles (tourism, club pony,
club horse).
05 45 63 06 40
9 loops in Charente Limousine :
• Chassenon/Chabanais no. 41
• Confolens West no. 43
• Massignac no. 45
• Roumazières South/Montemboeuf no. 47
• Brigueuil/Saint-Maurice des Lions no. 49
• Confolens East no. 42
• Exideuil/Manot no. 44
• Roumazières North/Saint-Claud no. 46
• Champagne-Mouton no. 48
23
> Veloroute signposts
Signposted trails. Information points at start of each trail.
I Info : maps are available in tourist information offices and town halls and can be downloaded at www.charente-limousine.fr and www.lacharente.com
FFC approved mountain bike trails in Charente
Limousine
• Mountain bike trails in the Confolens area :
9 trails,
• Mountain bike trails in Upper Charente
Lakes area : 11 trails.
I Info : maps available in tourist
information offices
More hiking info !
Renting bikes and mountain bikes
Bikes : La Cassotte restaurant in Nieuil.
Mountain bikes : Upper Charente lakes water sports centre
inVerneuil (summer), Cycl’o moto culture services in Confolens.
in the countryside
Out and about
> Aventure Parc® at Massignac
> The Bramefan oak
at Rochechouart
> Viaduc at Champagne Mouton
> The Chêne Vert arboretum
at Chabanais
Climbing
> Aventure Parc® at Massignac. On the banks of lake Mas Chaban, climbing
> Remarkable trees !
can be tried among the treetops. Over 70 different activities make up obstacle courses
of increasing difficulty (rope bridges...).There is a gravity cableway where you can slide
above the lake and, for those who feel like flying, there is bungee jumping. For the very
young there is a pitchoun’ parc. Catering on site.
The Limousin is famous for its forests of tall trees.
There are some fine specimens to be seen around Rochechouart
and Chéronnac.
I Tel. 05 45 24 07 43 / www.aventure-parc.fr
24
> The viaduc at Champagne-Mouton. This former railway viaduct has become
a home for climbing. Several ways corresponding to different levels of difficulty have
been installed. Open all year. Supervised climbing during the «active summer for all».
Suitable for children aged 8 and over.
Rochechouart forest :
• the chêne de Brafeman (circumference : 4.60 m),
• the chêne de la Lune (near the Couffiégas farm. Circumference :
3.05 m),
• the chêne des Dindons (near the grange du Noir. Circumference :
3.20 m).
I Tel. 05 45 84 14 08
Forest in the commune of Chéronnac at Peyrassoulat :
• 2 plane trees over 250 years old,
• 4 yew trees over 500 years old.
Exploring the flora and fauna
I Info : Pays de la Météorite tourist information office 05 55 03 72 73
> The Chêne Vert arboretum. This is a large garden with neither barriers nor
banners, a landscaped arboretum. Over 3000 varieties of indigenous and exotic plants
thrive as they will on almost 3 hectares.
I Tel. 05 45 65 26 69
> Bird watching. Almost 170 species of birds (nesting species and migratory species)
use the lakes of the Upper Charente as a resting place or source of food.The Foucherie
hide on the banks of Lake Lavaud makes it possible to get close enough to observe the
life and flight of the lake birds.
I Tel. 05 45 65 26 69
> The enchanted hill. Bison, llamas, mouflons, deer, the wildlife park at Hiesse has
animals from here and elsewhere.
I Tel. 05 45 89 65 45
Domaine de la Mordorée
Numerous leisure activities are available on this12-hectare site
wooded with oaks and set round a lake : angling, 18-hole mini-golf
(with springboard, loop, slide), a swingolf (golf on a rustic grass course,
10 holes open to all), a vélobyrinthe (labyrinth on a mountain bike
in a maize field).
I Tel. 05 45 84 92 26 or 06 76 14 38 64
> The Peyressoulat plane tree
at Chéronnac
25
of cattle and sheep...
Land
Going to the market all year round !
26
Cows and sheep
The rolling valleys, hedged fields and lush dewy pastures of the Charente
Limousine Have made it a land for livestock since the dawn of time.
The limousin cow and sheep reign in the fields.
Only to be seen in the summer…
There are great markets and fairs :
> Chabanais : everyThursday morning, with a fair on the firstThursday of each month.
> Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure : on Wednesday and Saturday mornings with a fair
on the 22nd of each month (if the 22nd falls on a Sunday, the fair is brought forward
to Saturday 21st).
> Roumazières-Loubert : every Sunday morning.The fair takes place when the
2nd of the month falls on a Sunday.
> Confolens : fair on the 12th of each month (if the 12th falls on a Sunday, the fair
is brought forward to Saturday 11th) and on 23rd August.
> Champagne-Mouton : fair on the 7th of each month.
27
... and small markets :
> Alloue : every Thursday.
> Ansac et Brillac : every Tuesday morning.
> Champagne-Mouton : every Tuesday and Friday morning.
> Confolens : market on Wednesday morning and Saturday morning.
> Esse : every Wednesday morning.
> Rochechouart : every Friday morning.
> Saint-Claud : every Friday morning.
Local producers’ markets
You will find the fruit and vegetables of the season, meat, goat’s milk and cow’s milk cheeses,
honey, fruit juices, chestnut gateau. All these products are made by our farmers.The markets
are also a festive occasion as you can taste what you have just bought seated at large tables.
It is an opportunity to meet the producers.
I Information : tourist information offices.
Farm visits
They throw open their farm doors : Michel Antoine at Saint-Mary (organic dairy products),
Laloi livestock farm, Domaine des Étangs, Javernac farm (production of yoghurts and farmhouse cheeses), «Charmille» farms.
I Visits/information : tourist information offices.
Kroumirs and éphémères,
sweet delicacies from Confolens
Jean-Auguste Redon, the son of a confectioner in Confolens, spent five
years with the Chasseurs d’Afrique.He took part in theTunisia campaign
against the Kroumirs. On his return, he recalled some of the oriental
confectionery and created the kroumirs.These sweets are made with
marzipan, praline, cooked sugar, chocolate... Éphémères are another local
speciality.The take their name from an insect, the ephemera or mayfly, present on theVienne which lives and dies in an
instant. Ephémères are composed of a chocolate cream filling coated with fondant icing... for an instant of pleasure !
I Where to find them : Fort confectionery, rue Émile Roux, Confolens.
Arts and crafts
know-how
> Art gallery, Luce Bodinaud
> Sculptures by Fabrice Pressigout
Art and crafts
<Art Image/Atelier Corozo>
14, rue du Soleil 16500 Confolens.
Restoration workshop and sale of antique
furniture.
I Info : 05 45 85 91 12
ZI La Croix Saint-Georges
16500 Confolens. Picture framers and
restorers, D. Giraud and C. Pascaud have
developed an original process for
reproducing antique frescoes.
I Info : 05 45 85 43 22 (guided visit,
reservation at least 48hr before the visit).
Art gallery
<Philippe Mocaer>
Le Bourg 16500 St-Maurice-des-Lions.
Exhibitions of paintings, courses.
I Info : 05 45 31 12 18
28
<Luce Bodinaud>
Château de Nieuil 16270 Nieuil.
In the castle at Nieuil, art deco objects and
furniture rub shoulders with a fine collection
of old posters and work by contemporary
artists.
I Info : 05 45 71 36 38
www.chateaunieuilhotel.com
Know-how
Arts and crafts
Ceramist <Jacques Marchand>
La Métairie 16420 Brigueuil.This engineer and ceramist has been creating
decorative and functional objects for the last fifteen years.
Sculptor/visual artist <Fabrice Pressigout>
Le Chatelars 16310 Mazerolles. Sculptures in all materials, interior and
exterior. Outside landscaping, scenography.
Arts workshops.Totem Association.
I Info : 05 45 62 09 85 - [email protected]
Stringed instrument maker <Bruno Torrès>
Le Bourg 16500 Saint-Germain-de-Confolens. Hand-crafted banjos,
mandolins, guitars, banjoleles. Restoration of violins, cellos and other stringed
instruments.
I Info : 05 45 31 26 56 - http://brunotorres.ifrance.com
Brewer <La Cervoisière>
6 handmade beers + barley beer
Le bourg 16500 Esse.
I Info : 05 45 71 44 06
Wrought-iron craftsman
<Christian Boudal>
16150 Pressignac.
I Info : 05 45 89 11 08
Company visits
I Info : 05 45 71 06 34
> Tile-making, an ancestral
local craft
> Bruno Torrès,
instrument maker
Antique furniture restorer
<Mathieu Soupizet>
<Monier tileworks> Roumazières-Loubert
<Meubles Délias> Suris
<Malmanche tileworks> Abzac
Here and nowhere else : kilns at Benest for earthenware
washing tubs
The kilns at Benest for earthenware washing tubs form part of the industrial
heritage of the Confolens area. In 1881 more that fifty people were employed in the village of Benest to produce «ponnes», earthenware tubs used for washing clothes.Visit
the preserved kiln : every Sunday morning in August from 10 a.m. to noon.
I Info : Benest town hall 05 45 31 80 39
29
Fêtes and festivals
diary
> Rokia Traoré
> Imprévu
> Confolens festival
April
(contd.)
> Festival régional limousin - Chabanais,
market square. 2nd weekend. Festival of limousin
livestock farming : livestock competitions, tastings,
events.
I Info : 05 45 65 26 69
> Festival laitier - Chabanais, market square.
3rd weekend. Dairy producers, local produce
(butter, cheese), farm produce.
I Info : 05 45 65 26 69
Numerous events are organised all through the year.They reflect the vitality
of our region. Our traditions, our art of living, our know-how, our history
and our heritage are celebrated in style ! In a wider sense, they are open
to the world notably with the festival in Confolens, Folk arts and traditions
from around the World, which attracts over 200,000 visitors each year.
Join the party...
March
>
April
>
Mouton. Hundreds of motocross riders
Easter Monday, A traditional folk fête, the village crowns with roses a deserving young girl,
known for her qualities.
I Info : Upper Charente tourist office.
Enduro de l’Argentor - Champagne-
confront each other in a day-long competition
on a particularly hilly, winding course around
Champagne-Mouton.
I Info : www.motoclubdesorchidees.com
Fête de la Rosière - Brigueuil.
> Jumbo Run - Start at Brillac, a course through
the Confolens area. 3rd weekend in June.A mee-
ting to bring together the world of motorbikes,
and sidecars in particular, and the disabled.
I Info : 06 82 94 94 64
> Festi’Bois - Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure. 2nd
period costumes, exhibition in the castle.
I Info : 05 45 31 81 22
> Rue en fête - Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure.
> Rencontres d’été - Alloue. First and
> Fête du 1er mai - Château de Saint-Germainde-Confolens. May Day. Medieval fête, show in
Diary
> Enfant qui rêve - Lessac. 1st weekend in
June. Festival for children.
week-end in June, next edition in 2011.
Wood in the home, wood for energy, wood
for art. Wood is everywhere at the Festi’Bois.
Events, exhibitions and demonstrations of trades
in the timber sector.
I Info : Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure town hall.
05 45 39 55 36
May
30
June-July
8th May.To celebrate the Chasseneuil bypass, the
inhabitants take to the grand’rue, closed to traffic for the occasion. Street entertainment and
events organised by «Tout par Terre».
> Artgila - Roumazières-Loubert. Every 2 years,
3rd week-end in May, next edition in 2010.
International festival of clay and ceramic sculptures. Exhibitions, demonstrations, events, potters’ market...
I Info : 05 45 71 20 54
> Musiques Métisses - a town in the Charente
Limousine. Concerts as part of the Musiques
Metisses festival in Angoulême. Artists in residence in the Charente Limousine and concerts.
I Info : www.musiques-metisses.com
> Fête de la Rosière - Saulgond. Ascension
Day, a traditional folk fête, the village crowns
with roses a deserving young girl, known for
her qualities.
second weekends in July. Theatrical encounters at the «maison du comédien».
Other performances all through the year.
I Info : 05 45 31 81 22
July-August
> Festi’band - Pays de la Météorite,Rochechouart
7th edition. 1st weekend in July. Musical groups
take to the streets before appearing on stage
in the castle square.
I Info : 05 55 03 72 73
> Medieval day
«La Péruse, RoumazièresLoubert : if the Charente could talk...» - La Péruse,
Roumazières-Loubert. Early July.
I Info : centre social culturel et sportif de
Haute-Charente.Tel. 05 45 71 18 59
31
diary
Fêtes and festivals
32
> Marie Cherrier
July-August (contd.)
> Fête du Cheval - Massignac. 1st Sunday
in July every two years, edition in 2011.
> Le pré de laVache® - Upper Charente.
Exhibitions, farm visits, an entertaining trail
on foot, a creative workshop for children, a
jeu de la vache* : to learn all about the limousin cow.
*Jeu de la vache (free) : in July and August, 24
illustrated squares like a game of snakes and
ladders, recounting the life of a limousin cow,
on the beach at Guerlie.
I Info : Upper Charente tourist office
05 45 65 26 69
> Journée des peigneurs de girafes
> Gaulois d’Esse -
Esse «le pont Binot».
One week around the 15th August. Evocation
of the Lémovices, the Gaulish people of the
Limousin : craftwork (dyeing, spinning and weaving, woodworking, smithy, manufacture of
tools and weapons, basket-making, coins, pottery, food); a Gaulish village (presentation of
daily life, displays of combat...).
I Info : 05 45 84 13 61 lesgauloisdesse.free.fr
> Labyrinthe de la voix - Pays de la Météorite.
1st week in August.A festival to discover the human
voice in many different guises : from cabaret to lyric
singing, polyphonies, world songs, blues and gospel.
I Info : www.labyrinthedelavoix.com
> Rencontre de potiers -
Pays de la
September
> L’imprévu festival - Montemboeuf Communauté de communes libre de PougnéHérisson. Week-end around 10th September.
Creations by specialised institutes (circus,
theatre, dance, music) backed by French
artists (principally the new French stage) for
this festival which addresses the issue of disability. The central point of the village, the bar
«Chez Mamie», the headquarters of the
Consulat du Grosland, a satirical TV series
whose cast is present during the festival.
I Info : http://imprevumontemboeuf.free.fr
Tel. 05 45 65 15 28
«Le Châtelars», Mazerolles.
Météorite, Rochechouart. 14, 15 August.
1st Sunday in July every two years, edition in
2011. A celebration of plastic arts. A festive
day in the heart of the countryside, devoted
to ephemeral and more durable creations.
> Salon des peintres - Chasseneuil-sur-
14th : evening market from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
15th : market from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
I Info : 05 55 03 72 73
Bonnieure. Last weekend in September. Exhibition
> Prelude to the Confolens Festival Charente Limousine. In a preview, three groups
from the Confolens festival come to perform
in three communes in Charente Limousine.
I Info : 05 45 84 01 68
> Festival de Confolens - Arts et
traditions populaires du Monde
One week around the 15th August. Dance,
music and parades by about fifteen nations
from the five continents. A world reference in
its field, the most popular event of the summer in the Limousin Poitou-Charentes region.
I Info :05 45 84 00 77 - www.festivaldeconfolens.org
> Harvest festival - Vayres. 3rd weekend.
Harvest festival over two days with an evening
market on Saturday.
I Info : 05 55 03 72 73
> Saint-Barthélémy - Confolens. 23 August.
Fête for sheep and cattle farmers, competitions,
tastings.
> Festival des Lacs - Lakes of the Upper
Charente. August. Concert of classical music.
> Cassinomagus,archaeological park -
Chassenon. Concerts and shows during the summer.
I Info : 05 45 89 32 21
and demonstration of painting techniques.
October
> Journées de la Quintinie - Chabanais.
First week-end in October. Festival of vegetables of yesterday and today, in the birthplace
of La Quintinie, the gardener to the Sun King.
I Info : 05 45 89 03 99
> Fête du pain - Gîtes du Cruzeau, LésignacDurand. 2nd Sunday in October. On the shore
of Lake Mas Chaban in the hamlet of Cruzeau
at Lésignac-Durand, bread ovens, bakers, crispy
bread...
I Info : 05 45 65 26 69
> Les Automnales - Saint-Maurice des Lions.
Last Sunday in October. Local producers and
craftsmen but also street entertainment all
through the day. Taste the roasted chestnuts,
pancakes and fresh cider on site. Rustic meal at
midday.
I Info : 05 45 85 55 83
> Marché de la Saint-Martin - OradourFanais. 3rd weekend in October. Art and craft
market, gourmet produce.
November
> Salon «la plume et la lettre» Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure. 3rd weekend in November.
Fair for writers and stamp collecting. Book signings,
workshops, encounters...
I Info : 05 45 22 79 74
> Jeux m’amuze -
Covered market and
gymnasium in Roumazières-Loubert. 3rd weekend
in November. Free admission to events on the
theme of play and toys. Creative workshops,
modelling workshops, painting on clay and plaster, story-telling, drawing competition...
> Odeurs et saveurs d’automne - Étagnac. Each year in November. Gourmet market,
local produce.
> Domaine de Boisbuchet (design) -
Lessac. Visit to the domain on Saturdays and
Sundays from July to October.
The Maria Casarès actor’s house
J.-B. de la Quintinie : the gardener to Louis XIV
Maria Casarès chose Alloue as a place to recharge her batteries.
Her property -the domaine de la Vergne- which she left to the
commune after her death (1996) is now a place where actors
come to stay and work.The Summer Encounters take place there
in late June and early July (theatre).
Born in Chabanais in 1626, la Quintinie became the director of all the royal
fruit gardens and kitchen gardens in 1670. He introduced revolutionary
techniques which enabled the production of early fruit and vegetables.
He transformed gardening into a scientific art. Chabanais pays tribute
to him each year in October.
33
The map
Discover
the Charente Limousine
with Zaza Luma*
34
35
*for children aged
8 and over
!
s
a
e
d
i
d
Goo
Ask for your
pass book
Get reduced admission for sites and activities. It is available
in the tourist information offices.
Extract from IGN map no. R 521 - © IGN - 2010 - Authorisation no. 2010002
Confolens regional
tourist office
CONFOLENS
8, rue Fontaine des Jardins 16500
Tel. 05 45 84 22 22 - Fax : 05 45 85 58 38
[email protected] - www.charente-limousine.fr
Upper Charente tourist office
Pays de
la Météorite
MASSIGNAC
Maison des Lacs - le Bourg 16310
Tel. 05 45 65 26 69 - Fax : 05 45 67 72 69
[email protected]
www.lacshautecharente.com
LOCAL OFFICES
Chabanais
1, place du Marché 16150 - Tel./Fax : 05 45 89 08 29
Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure
6, rue Bir’Hacheim 16260 - Tel. /Fax : 05 45 39 60 71
Roumazières-Loubert
Place du Marché 16270 - Interactive terminal available
Tel. 05 45 65 26 69
Pays de la Météorite
tourist office
Brochure produced by the Pays
de Charente Limousine
with the regional tourist offices
and the Poitou-Charente Region
ROCHECHOUART
6, rue Victor Hugo 87600 - Tel. 05 55 03 72 73
[email protected]
www.rochechouart.com/ccpaysmeteorite
LOCAL OFFICE :
Les Salles-Lavauguyon
Prieuré 87400 - Interactive terminal available