Confolens

Visit Confolens, Poitou-Charentes

Confolens is located in the Charente department of Poitou-Charentes, to the north-east of Angouleme and north-west of La Rochefoucauld. It is a very attractive town on the Vienne river, at its confluence with the Goire River, and surrounded by rolling pastoral countryside (the name Confolens comes originally from the word 'confluence').

Because it lacks major transport links Confolens is perhaps not usually high on the tourist trail, but if you are in the region there are several places of interest to visit in the town.

Exploring Confolens

The main 'highlight' of the town is the 'Old Bridge, a 13th century granite bridge with ten arches (although significantly modified and repaired in the 18th century). Since the bridge also has good views both along the river-front with its trees and ancient houses and also across the old town to the church it is a good place to start your visit.

While here make sure you see the Fontaine de la Fontorse, an ancient spring at the end of the bridge, then head into the adjacent old town.

Notable sites as you explore Confolens include the old donjon (only partially standing and all that remains of the original castle of Confolens); a 13th century stone gateway that originally allowed access to the old town through the fortifications; the 17th century town hall and the church of Saint-Maxime.

Overall though it is the old town itself, centred around the Rue du Soleil, which will keep your attention, with a good number of beautiful 15th and 16th century colombage houses lining the streets up the hill, with the House of the Duc of Epernon and its sculptures as a particular highlight.

Be sure to also follow the course of the River Goire a little way to see a small stone bridge, a traditional water mill, and some picturesque old stone houses.

Guided tours of the town are organised by the tourist office.

Confolens festival

In the middle of August each year the town hosts the International Folklore Festival, a week long event that attracts hundreds of performers and thousands of visitors to Confolens.

Note: photo is copyright

See Poitou-Charentes and Charente (the region and department for Confolens) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Confolens: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Confolens, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Oradour-sur-Glane 29km; Bellac 32km; Verteuil-sur-Charente 34km; Bayers 36km; Ruffec 37km; La Rochefoucauld 38km; Le-Dorat 39km; Aixe-sur-Vienne 43km; Tusson 48km; Marthon 48km;

Confolens tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Lesterps) - religious monument (8km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chatain) - religious monument (20km) : Abbaye de la Réau (Saint-Martin-l'Ars) - religious monument (22km) : Abbaye de Saint-Amand (Saint-Junien) - religious monument (23km) : Abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux - national monument (25km) : Abbaye Bénédictine (Charroux) - religious monument (25km) : Eglise de Genouillé (Genouille) - religious monument (28km) : Parc et jardin de l’Abrègement - remarkable garden (31km) :

See more places and a map at places near Confolens