Visit Charente

Magnac-sur-Touvre (km 0)

The town stands on the banks of the Touvre, an astonishing river which results from the water of two other rivers, the Tardoire and the Bandiat, being forced under the karst. The waters of the Touvre spring forth at four points : the Bouillant, the Dormant, Front Lussac and the Lèche which form the two re-emergences in France. They are an ideal place for a refreshing walk.

Things to see :

• the Romanesque church Saint-Cybard laid out in the shape of a Greek cross with its square bell-tower.

Fly fishing :

• in the waters of the Touvre.

Dirac (km 8)

Dirac is reached through the valley of the Anguienne, flanked by white cliffs. In the village, which still contains houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, the Romanesque church of Saint-Martial, through the quality of its lines and its sculpted décor, is one of the most elegant in the Charente.

Puymoyen (km 14)

The cliffs

This is the valley of the Eaux Claires (clear waters) with its holm oaks and limestone cliffs dotted with grottos and shelters. The best walk is along the cliff tops which overlook the surrounding woods.

Climbing the rocks :

• the Eaux Clairessite is well-known for rock-climbing.
  Info : +33 5 45 68 75 49
  

Le Moulin du verger

Standing on the banks of the river Eaux Claires at the foot of the cliffs, this mill has been producing its celebrated laid paper since the 16th century.
This high-quality hand-made paper is used in the restoration of old books and fine bookbinding.

Enter the mill :

• to see the production workshops, stroll through the driers and the exhibition gallery.

Deer at the Eaux Claires

Observe the deer in the wild on the 15 hectares farm at Mont Riant.
Info : +33 5 45 61 35 52

La Couronne (km 23)

The castle at the Oisellerie dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. After lying abandoned for years, it was bought and renovated by the county council.

Things to see :

• the crenelated portal set between round towers, the main building, the mullioned windows, the vaulted chambers which open onto the garden sown with antique plants.
• the planetarium.

The abbey ruins

All that remains of this abbey, whose first church dates from the 11th century, and which was one of the most prosperous in the Aquitaine area in the 14th century, are some ruins. It is nevertheless worth making a halt here to take in what was the largest abbey church in the Charente.

Saint-Michel d'Entraygues (km 28)

On the hillside not far from the locks at Basseau, the village contains a rare church of octagonal form surmounted by a cupola. It was formerly a chapel of refuge for pilgrims on their way to Compostelle, but is now worth the visit, both inside and out, for the richness of its sculptures (heads of human beings and animals), its portal decorated with palm leaves, acanthus leaves, tracery and the scene of Saint-Michel fighting the dragon in the tympanum.

Nersac (km 33)

Another mill, representative of the paper-making tradition of the Angoumois area, Fleurac stands on the banks of the Charente. The techniques of the 17th century are used here to produce handmade paper (vellum, laid paper) destined for the National Library among others.

Cross the wooden bridge :

• the little wooden bridge across the Charente leads from island to lock.

Le château de Fleurac

A Roman fortress was rebuilt in the 16th century in the Italian Renaissance style (gallery with arcades, vast stairs) There is a magnificent view of the valley of the Charente from the terrace.
Info : +33 5 45 91 89 54

Trois Palis (km 36)

The Romanesque church of Notre-Dame with its façade sculpted in high reliefs stands among tall trees on the square. It has a square three storey bell-tower with a conical spire covered in stone fish scale tiles.

Taste the chocolates :

• for those who have a sweet tooth and those with them, pay a visit to the Letuffe chocolate factory which produces chocolates flavoured with nougat and cream fillings.

Saint-Yrieix (km 44)

Fresh water and the beach

There are beaches of sand and grassy areas beside a lake which is ideal for bathing, canoeing and sailing... There is also Nautilis, a centre for fun and relaxation where you can take a dip all year round (balneotherapy, water sport facilities).
Info : +33 5 45 95 50 00

Walking by the river :

• for those who like walking, the "coulee verte", a shady path on the edge of the river goes all the way to Angoulême.

Balzac (km 51)

The castle

This sombre castle is built on the banks of the Charente where Guez de Balzac withdrew and wrote his letters on the French language.

Things to see :

• the great vaulted hall, the 17th century frescoes, the small chapel.

Discover the fjords :

• these horses, which come from Norway, are bred in the castle.

Angoulême (km 59)