Our selection of 5 must-see sites during your stay!
1. La Rochefoucauld castle
Proudly standing on its rocky spur, the castle of La Rochefoucauld overlooks the town and its surroundings. The historic residence of the La Rochefoucauld family for more than 1000 years, this building also known as the “Pearl of Angoumois” has many stories to tell. Among the must-sees of the visit : the monumental Renaissance staircase of 108 steps similar to those of Blois and Chambord, the main courtyard and its sumptuous Renaissance galleries on three levels, the old Romanesque keep, the rib-vaulted chapel on columns very inspired by Italian art, the libraries, the kitchens dug into the karst… to the castle’s underground passage, the “roche à Foucauld“, where you may meet the fairy Mélusine, who according to legend threw herself from the top of the keep, and whose spirit haunts the castle.
♥♥♥ The best part of the visit: young and old alike can become a princess or knight during the visit, thanks to the period costumes provided.
2. The Placard cave in Moulins-sur-Tardoire, a trip to prehistoric times
In Moulins-sur-Tardoire, the Placard cave reveals some artistic secrets of our distant ancestors. The cave opens 17 metres above the river and gives access to a vast room 25 metres long and 10 metres wide. On one of the walls, abstract signs and animals, mainly horses, were engraved 20,000 years ago.
The discovery of this wall is done in small groups and on reservation during the months of July and August. As of 2021, the discovery area, located at the foot of the site, will be revamped and, thanks to new technologies, will offer a 360° visit of the cave!
Less than 200 metres away, you can also discover an unusual mill…a stone sawing mill! Thanks to the energy of the water, it can cut blocks of stone weighing several tons. And did you know that the white stone of Vilhonneur, extracted from the quarry just next door, is used for prestigious projects, for example the walls of the Bercy ministry!
3. The orthodox monastery of Korssoun in Grassac, an unexpected heritage
A Russian Orthodox Church in Charente? Yes, it is possible! In the middle of the countryside, near the town of Grassac, the Orthodox monastery of the Mother of God of Korssoun was established in 1987. The church was built in the pure Russian Byzantine style: a white stone building, topped by two silver bulbs and richly decorated with traditional painted icons in its interior.
A nun herself welcomes you for a visit of the place and of the exhibition-sale which conceals small treasures: icons, painted eggs, paintings… for an original gift idea or a souvenir of this unlikely place.
4. Queroy caves in Chazelles, an underground natural spectacle
Let yourself be surprised by the caves of Quéroy, located on the edge of the Bois-Blanc forest and dug by the underground waters. More intimate than their Périgord neighbours, the two caves offer a magnificent spectacle of stalagtites, stalagmites and draperies. Each room has its own surprises. The sometimes narrow or low corridors spice up the visit and almost make you believe you are an adventurer yourself: children will love it!
Recommendations: bring closed shoes and a little wool (constant temperature of 12 degrees). Not recommended for people with reduced mobility.
5. Les 2 Noix’elles / La Forêt du Brame in Mainzac
In Mainzac, Fanny Verlhac raises hinds and fawns in semi-freedom in a 10-hectare wooded enclosure. This rather atypical breeding is completed by a 23 hectare walnut tree plantation.
Every Tuesday and Thursday in the summer, you can take advantage of the animals’ mealtime to learn more about the operation of the farm. Then, back on the farm, a video shows you the breeding and the walnut grove, from the collection of the walnuts to the processing. You can choose between a visit followed by a salty farm snack on Tuesday and a visit followed by a sweet farm snack on Thursday. Shop open all year round.
This is a good idea for a taste of the joys of country holidays!