Charente places to visit and attractions
Below you can explore some of the most popular highlights and places of interest in the Charente department of Poitou-Charentes. See also our Charente travel guide
Angouleme
Angouleme is one of our favourite Charente towns, with several interesting historic monuments to see and nice views See guide
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
The attractive village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is also well known for its imposing troglodyte church See guide
Barbezieux
Here in the small town of Barbezieux it is the castle that dominates the town, and your visit... See guide
Bayers
The Chateau de Bayers is the principal monument here, and thers are several other smaller sites of interest See guide
Brigueuil
Here in Brigueuil it is the roman style church that is the most interesting highlight for visitors See guide
Charmant
Charmant is another pleasant Charente town, with a small castle and a church as well as the source of the river Boeme See guide
Chateau de la Mercerie
The Chateau de la Mercerie is a manor house with a substantial wing added in the 20th century, and now recently restored See 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 See guide
Cognac
Cognac has an extensive old twon and town centre, nice riverside walk and lots of Cognac distilleries. Definitely recommended. See guide
Confolens
Confolens has several sites of interest including an ancient bridge and fountain and some medieval houses See guide
Jarnac
Visitors to Jarnac can explore the small old town, walk along the riverside, and sample the local Cognac! See guide
La Rochefoucauld
After exploring the Chateau de Rochefoucauld be sure to stroll around the rest of the historic town centre See guide
Marthon
In Marthon there is no single monument that dominates, but rather several small buildings and historic sites of interest See guide
Mouthiers-sur-Boeme
The 12th century church in roman style is the principal monument here in Mouthiers-sur-Boeme See guide
Nanteuil-en-Vallee
Here at Nanteuil-en-Vallee it is the Nanteuil Abbey and Treasury that is of most interest to visitors See guide
Ruffec
The highlight in the quiet town of Ruffec is the facade of the 12th century church See guide
Saint-Germain-de-Confolens
In the village of Saint-Germain-de-Confolens you can see the substantial ruins of an ancient castle See guide
Saint-Simon
In the Charente town of Saint-Simon you will enjoy a stroll along the river, and perhps then a boat trip along the river See guide
The Subterranean Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean
The Monolithic Subterranean Church of Saint-Jean in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a magnificent underground church hewn from the rock. See guide
Torsac
Torsac is one of several small but interesting villages to stroll around in Charente See guide
Tusson
Tusson is a very typical town of the Charente and has several impressive Renaissance townhouses to admire See guide
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 See guide
Villebois-Lavalette
The village of Villebois-Lavalette is pleasant to explore, and also has a castle to see See guideFor more information see the Charente guide
Market towns & days in Charente
all markets in morning unless otherwise stated
Angouleme: every day except Monday
Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire: Tuesday & Saturday & Friday
Chalais: Monday
Cognac: Tuesday & Friday
Jarnac: every day except Monday
La Couronne: Saturday
La Rochefoucauld: Wednesday & Saturday
Ruelle-sur-Touvre: Thursday & Sunday &
Ruffec: Wednesday & Saturday
Tourist attractions to visit in Charente
The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...
4* Towns in Bloom
Angouleme: See tourist guide
Ville d'etape
La Rochefoucauld: See tourist guide
Listed 'Remarkable Gardens'
Jardin du Chaigne
Jardin monastique médiéval
Logis de Forge
Parc et jardin de l’Abrègement
Religious Monuments
Abbatiale de Saint Pierre (Lesterps)
Abbaye Notre Dame de l'Assomption de Châtre (Saint-Brice)
Cathédrale Saint Pierre (Angouleme)
Eglise de Notre Dame (Trois-Palis)
Eglise de Notre Dame (Voulgezac)
Eglise de Notre Dame (Voulgezac)
Eglise de Saint André (Ruffec)
Eglise de Saint Cybard (Roullet-Saint-Estephe)
Eglise de Saint Estèphe (Roullet-Saint-Estephe)
Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (Coulgens)
Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (La Couronne)
Eglise de Saint Martin (Gensac-la-Pallue)
Eglise de Saint Michel (Saint-Michel)
Eglise de Saint Vincent (Puymoyen)
Eglise de Saint-Germain (Gimeux)
Villages classified as "most beautiful villages"
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne: See tourist guide