Saint-Germain-de-Confolens

Visit Saint-Germain-de-Confolens, Poitou-Charentes

Saint-Germain-de-Confolens is a small village located at the meeting of the Vienne and Issoire rivers in the north-east of the Charente department (Poitou-Charentes region) to the north of Confolens.

The village stands below a hill that is dominated by the two most important monuments in Saint-Germain-de-Confolens - the castle and the 12th century Church of Saint-Vincent.

Exploring Saint Germain de Confolens

As you arrive in Saint Germain crossing the bridge over the river you have the village directly in front of you and up on the hill behind both the chateau and the large church.

The fortified castle of Saint-Germain, although in ruins, still has a substantial amount to see - especially the two large circular towers, with the remains of the main castle building in between them. The castle dates from the 14th-15th centuries and is built on the site of a 12th century fortress.

The Church of Saint Vincent was originally the chapel of the chateau. It is built in the form of a Greek cross and is a very substantial building.

Above the castle, be sure to see the views from the Bellevus Cross which looks out on the river Issoire and the lovely wooded countryside through which the river flows. Then head down to the bridges across the two rivers to see the views back up to the castle and church.

A medieval bridge links Saint Germain and Saint Radagonde over the Vienne river. Unfortunately the bridge has been spoiled when it was enlarged in the 19th century.

Places near Saint Germain de Confolens

The dolmen of Sainte-Madelaine is on an island on the River Vienne.

There is also a barrage on the River Vienne which was built in 1973.

Note: photo of Saint-Germain-de-Confolens is copyright

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

Suggested places to visit near Saint-Germain-de-Confolens, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Bellac 29km; Oradour-sur-Glane 30km; Le-Dorat 36km; Verteuil-sur-Charente 36km; Ruffec 38km; Bayers 38km; La Rochefoucauld 42km; Aixe-sur-Vienne 45km; Verneuil-Moustiers 47km; Tusson 49km;

Saint-Germain-de-Confolens tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Lesterps) - religious monument (9km) : Abbaye de la Réau (Saint-Martin-l'Ars) - religious monument (19km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chatain) - religious monument (20km) : Abbaye Bénédictine (Charroux) - religious monument (24km) : Abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux - national monument (24km) : Abbaye de Saint-Amand (Saint-Junien) - religious monument (25km) : Eglise d'Usson de Poitou (Usson-du-Poitou) - religious monument (28km) : Eglise de Genouillé (Genouille) - religious monument (28km) :

See more places and a map at places near Saint-Germain-de-Confolens