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).
Explore Ruffec
A quiet town, Ruffec has maintained a small historical centre around Armes Square and the church (the focus of your visit). Armes Square is dominated by its grand Town Hall which was built in the 1830s.
Although not an obvious tourist town it clearly gets plenty of English-speaking visitors as the majority of the shops have "English spoken" signs. It has a useful selection of shops and restaurants if you are holidaying in this area.
The highlight in Ruffec is the Church of Saint-André, a little lower down the hill from the main square. 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 following a fire that destroyed all but the facade.
The beautiful carved decorative facade, featuring some inset statuary is the most interesting part of the church. The inset statues are the 12 apostles and you will notice that most have been decapitated. This occured to many religious statues and carvings in France during the revolution.
Notice the beautiful stained glass windows which are a contemporary addition by Vivian Oël, a student of Salvador Dali.
Carry on down hill and you get to a lavoir on the river. The lavoir (communal wash area) was built in the mid 19th century.
Also in Ruffec you can see the ruins of a the small Chapel Saint-Blaise and the remains of a castle. The castle building that remains is private and is just a part of the original chateau that dates back to the 10th century.
The river in front of the castle was canalised by the Comte de Broglie in the mid 19th century to improve the waterway which up until then was very marshy. Building the lavoir was a part of this improvement.
Note: on the banks of the River Lien there is access to the river where children can have a paddle.
Also in Ruffec which I enjoyed is a pretty rose garden near to the main square. A charming and peaceful place to sit.
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.
Our favourite village in the area is Verteuil-sur-Charente with its beautiful castle and pretty riverside. Be sure to visit.
Close to the town visit the Aire de Rejallant to hire a canoe to explore along the river and to enjoy a picnic.
The village of Bayers has an interesting castle that you can visit.
You can find more travel ideas in the Charente guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.
Photos of Ruffec
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Map of Ruffec and places nearby
Visit near Ruffec with France This Way reviews
Verteuil-sur-Charente
At Verteuil-sur-Charente you will enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Charente River and a look at the substantial castle
Verteuil-sur-Charente guide
Nanteuil-en-Vallee
Here at Nanteuil-en-Vallee it is the Nanteuil Abbey and Treasury that is of most interest to visitors
Nanteuil-en-Vallee guide
Bayers
The Chateau de Bayers is the principal monument here, and thers are several other smaller sites of interest
Bayers guide
Tusson
Tusson is a very typical town of the Charente and has several impressive Renaissance townhouses to admire
Tusson guide
Melle
The town of Melle is best known for its three roman style churches, built in the 12th century
Melle guide
Chateau de La Rochefoucauld
The Chateau de La Rochefoucauld is the most important castle in Charente, with both medieval and renaissance parts to the castle
Chateau de La Rochefoucauld guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Charente
Address: Ruffec, Angoulême, Poitou-Charentes, 16700, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.0294, longitude 0.2
Plan your visit to Ruffec, Charente
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eglise de Saint André (Ruffec): religious monument
- Parc et jardin de l’Abrègement: remarkable garden (6 km)
- Eglise de Genouillé (Genouille): religious monument (14 km)
- Eglise de Saint Pierre (Saint-Pierre-d'Exideuil): religious monument (14 km)
- Jardin monastique médiéval: remarkable garden (15 km)
- Eglise de Saint Nicolas (Civray): religious monument (15 km)
- Eglise de Saint Pierre (Chatain): religious monument (19 km)
- Abbaye Bénédictine (Charroux): religious monument (20 km)
- Abbey Saint-Sauveur de Charroux: national monument (20 km)
- Vallée des singes (monkeys): zoo or wildlife park (25 km)
- Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (Coulgens): religious monument (25 km)
- Abbaye de la Réau (Saint-Martin-l'Ars): religious monument (33 km)
Market days in Ruffec, France
Regular market(s) are held in Ruffec each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Ruffec (Francais)