Charmant, Charente: tourism & sightseeing

Photo of Charmant (Poitou-Charentes region)

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Visit Charmant (Poitou-Charentes, France)

Charmant is a small village in the Charente countryside to the south of Angouleme and west of Villebois-Lavalette.

Exploring Charmant

Although small, it is a pleasure to take a stroll around Charmant (the name of the village translates as 'charming') taking in the atmosphere and admiring the setting and village centre.

There are a couple of notable sights to enjoy here, the most important of which is the Church of Notre-Dame, a picturesque church surrounded by ancient linden trees. The roman style church dates from the 12th-13th centuries, although the octagonal belltower is a 19th century reconstruction of the original, which was destroyed by a storm.

Inside the church you can see some wall murals and attractive capitals, while next to the church there is also a pretty garden.

The Chateau du Charmant, while much less ostentatious than many castles, has an impressive frontage with ornate stone doorway and windows, while the priory in the village is another notable historical building. The chateau is a private building and cannot be visited.

Charmant is also a source of the river Boeme, a small river that emerges at the bottom of the hill and then passes through Mouthiers-sur-Boeme before joining the Charente river.

Charmant is probably at its most lively in early September when it has a horse festival every year.

Close to Charmant

There are several small villages and castles to explore in the quiet countryside around Charmant village, such as at Mouthiers-sur-Boeme and Villebois-Lavalette. The quiet roads and gently rolling countryside also make this an excellent region for cycling holidays.

Angouleme itself is an attractive town and if you are in the area in September check to see if you have the possibility of going to Angouleme's excellent vintage car rally which takes place through the streets of the town itself during one weekend each September.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Charente guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.