Ruffec

Visit Ruffec, Poitou-Charentes

The town of Ruffec is situated on the Lien River in the quiet countryside to the north-west of the Charente department of Poitou-Charentes (hence north of Angouleme).

Exploring Ruffec

A quiet town, Ruffec has maintained a small historical centre around Armes Square and the church (the focus of your visit). The square itself is overlooked by a grand Town Hall.

The highlight in Ruffec is the Church of Saint-André. Built in the roman style the church dates from the 12th century and once belonged to the abbey at nearby Nanteuil-en-Vallee, although substantial alterations and additions were made in the 15th century - the carved decorative facade, featuring some inset statuary, is the oldest and most interesting part of the church.

Also in Ruffec you can see the traditional washhouse, the ruins of a the small Chapel Saint-Blaise and the remains of a castle.

Note: on the banks of the River Lien there is access to the river where children can have a paddle.

Attractions near Ruffec

Enthusiasts of religious architecture will certainly want to visit the abbey and treasury at Nanteuil-en-Vallee just a few kilometres from here and the benedictine abbey at Charroux. We also suggest a trip to see the churches at Civray, Genouille, Chatain and Saint-Pierre-d'Exideuil, clustered together to the north-east of Ruffec.

Close to the town visit the Aire de Rejallant to hire a canoe to explore along the river and to enjoy a picnic.

Note: photo of Ruffec is copyright

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

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

Suggested places to visit near Ruffec, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Melle 34km; La Rochefoucauld 35km; Confolens 37km; Saint-Germain-de-Confolens 38km; Angouleme 40km; Saint-Simon 47km; Jarnac 48km;

Ruffec tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint André (Ruffec) - religious monument (0km) : Parc et jardin de l’Abrègement - remarkable garden (6km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Saint-Pierre-d'Exideuil) - religious monument (14km) : Eglise de Genouillé (Genouille) - religious monument (14km) : Eglise de Saint Nicolas (Civray) - religious monument (15km) : Jardin monastique médiéval - remarkable garden (15km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chatain) - religious monument (19km) : Abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux - national monument (20km) :

See more places and a map at places near Ruffec