La Rochefoucauld

Visit La Rochefoucauld, Poitou-Charentes

La Rochefoucauld is a small town situated to the north-east of Angouleme in the Charente department (Poitou-Charentes region) of France.

Exploring La Rochefoucauld

The town is best known for (and most visited because of) the Chateau de La Rochefoucauld, which stands above the Tardoire River.

Chateau de La Rochefoucauld

Originally dating from the 11th century the castle stands on the edge of La Rochefoucauld. It was modified many times in the following centuries to become the impressive renaissance monument we see today, which was mostly constructed between the 14th and 17th centuries and is certainly one of the most picturesque castles in Poitou-Charentes.

The donjon is the oldest part of the castle that we see today (11th century, although a part of the donjon collapsed in 1960) while the newest part is the substantial wing added in the 18th century.

An impressive site from the outside, you enter the castle between two imposing round towers. Inside, particular highlights include a grand spiral staircase, the inner courtyard with three tiers of arcades, and various other decorative features and carefully furnished rooms.

Other highlights in La Rochefoucauld

The arched bridge across the river Tardoire below the castle dates from the 15th century (one of the best views of the castle is from the other side of the bridge).

There are several other interesting buildings to discover in La Rochefoucauld itself, such as the gothic style Collegiale Notre Dame de l'Assomption which dates from the 13th century. The cloisters and other buildings at the 'Carmes Convent' were central to the religious community of carmes that were established here during the 14th century.

You can also see some medieval half-timbered houses, the 19th century grain trading hall and the small Olerat Church with its facade including carvings of animals and dating from the 12th century.

Attractions nearby

Be sure to ask at the La Rochefoucauld tourist office for information about the best route to follow when exploring the old town - they also have details of two pleasant walks that pass through the surrounding countryside.

We also suggest a trip to the village at Coulgens, about 12 kilometres north-west of La Rochefoucauld, to see the roman style Church of Saint-John the baptist, built in the 12th century, and the tower and entrance that remain of the Sigogne castle.

Note: photo of La Rochefoucauld is copyright

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

Suggested places to visit near La Rochefoucauld, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Mouthiers-sur-Boeme 29km; Nanteuil-en-Vallee 29km; Verteuil-sur-Charente 29km; Villebois-Lavalette 30km; Charmant 31km; Nontron 32km; Tusson 33km; Rochechouart 35km; Ruffec 35km; Saint-Simon 37km; Confolens 38km;

La Rochefoucauld tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (Coulgens) - religious monument (11km) : Cathédrale Saint Pierre (Angouleme) - religious monument (21km) : Eglise de Saint Vincent (Puymoyen) - religious monument (21km) : Eglise de Saint Michel (Saint-Michel) - religious monument (24km) : Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (La Couronne) - religious monument (27km) : Eglise de Notre Dame (Trois-Palis) - religious monument (28km) : Logis de Forge - remarkable garden (29km) : Eglise de Saint Cybard (Roullet-Saint-Estephe) - religious monument (32km) :

See more places and a map at places near La Rochefoucauld