Verteuil-sur-Charente

Visit Verteuil-sur-Charente, Poitou-Charentes

Verteuil-sur-Charente is a village situated on the banks of the river Charente, in the quiet countryside to the north of Angouleme in the Poitou-Charentes region. It is on the pilgrimage route that leads from Tours to Santiago de Compostelle.

Dominated by the castle that stands above the picturesque river banks, Verteuil is a pretty place to explore with several interesting highlights to discover.

Exploring Verteuil

You can park in the centre of the village, and first take a look along the river banks and at the water mill. The riverbanks here are very picturesque with gardens, trees and shady willows along the water side, and a small dam and waterfall next to the castle.

The 15th century Convent of the Cordeliers is on an island in the river, and various other interesting stone houses can be seen both in the village and along the river.

In Verteuil centre you can also see the 12th century roman style Church of Saint-Médard, which contains an impressive 16th century decorated pottery artefact representing Christ being placed in the tomb (a 'mise au tombeau), and a carved wooden tabernacle.

Chateau de Verteuil

The castle is a very impressive site, with several imposing towers capped by conical slate roofs and dominating both Verteuil-sur-Charente itself and the river below. It is generally considered to be one of the finest castles in the Charente region.

Built by the locally important Rochefoucauld family the castle dates from the 15th century, having largely replaced an earlier 12th century castle in the same location. The square castle keep is the main part of the original medieval castle still to be seen, while the round towers with their conical roofs are the 15th century additions.

Set in attractive parkland, the castle was further substantially modified in the 19th century at the time the parkland was created.

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

Suggested places to visit near Verteuil-sur-Charente, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: La Rochefoucauld 29km; Confolens 34km; Angouleme 35km; Saint-Germain-de-Confolens 36km; Melle 39km; Saint-Simon 44km; Marthon 44km; Jarnac 46km; Torsac 47km; Mouthiers-sur-Boeme 48km; Brigueuil 49km;

Verteuil-sur-Charente tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint André (Ruffec) - religious monument (5km) : Parc et jardin de l’Abrègement - remarkable garden (6km) : Jardin monastique médiéval - remarkable garden (14km) : Eglise de Genouillé (Genouille) - religious monument (16km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chatain) - religious monument (18km) : Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (Coulgens) - religious monument (19km) : Eglise de Saint Nicolas (Civray) - religious monument (19km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Saint-Pierre-d'Exideuil) - religious monument (19km) :

See more places and a map at places near Verteuil-sur-Charente