School Tour – Historical Charente

Chalais is steeped in history and around every street corner there is a new story to discover. Upon first entering the village, visitors are greeted by an impressive castle perched high on top of the hill. Castle lovers will not be disappointed, as this Chateaux-Fort, known as L’Eglise Saint-Martial, has withstood the test of time.

From the ancient castle where Marguerite de Valois was born, to the Romanesque Cathedral dedicated to Saint Peter, Angoulême displays its rich architectural heritage at each street corner. Today, Angoulême is the capital of the Bande Dessinée (comic strips, cartoons and illustrations).

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne sits high above a bend in the river Dronne. Its charming narrow streets wind past white stone houses and ancient buildings.

Perhaps the most impressive monument in Aubeterre is the monolithic underground church dedicated to St. Jean, which is the largest underground church in Europe. Carved out of the rock by the disciples of Saint Maur in the 12th century, the structure reaches a height of 20m. In the centre of the apse stands a monolithic reliquary in the Romanesque style.

The commune of Chateaubernard borders that of Cognac to the east. There is an excellent viewing point over the Charente and as well as the former Knights Templar Church dating from the 12th Century.

Cognac is situated on the river Charente between the towns of Angoulême and Saintes. The majority of the town has been built on the river’s left bank. The smaller right bank area is known as the Saint Jacques district. Some important heritage sites to be explored in Cognac include the Musée des Arts du Cognac, Le Château de Cognac and La Porte Saint-Jacques.

Covering nearly 4 hectares, Etang Vallier is a tranquil pond with excellent water quality. Here you can spend your days lounging on the sandy beach or relaxing under the pines near the water. Canoe and sailboat rentals (in season) complement the water-based activities.