Welcome to the Horte and Pays

La Rochefoucauld 2 The -Tardoire area 4 In the heart of the Bandiat and Tardoire valleys 6 Situated on the borders of You will be amazed at how Perigord and Limousin, our the knowledge of the old tra- and the surrounding area 8 region takes its name from ditional occupations has been the Horte forest and the preserved. In the Tardoire valley 9 Tardoire river valley. Our countryside will fascinate On the threshold It is a changing region with you, as you make your way of Perigord 10 many faces, hilly and wooded, down the signposted rural In the heart livened by a network of rivers trails popular with hikers and of the Echelle valley 12 which run hither and thither ramblers. It is also a source of Villebois-Lavalette 15 over a rocky limestone base, inspiration for artists and sto- The Horte and Lavalette area 16 peppered with holes. rytellers… Prehistory This guide is an invitation to Why wait any longer - take in Horte and Tardoire 19 discover this region, its history some time out to discover the Nature and leisure and its traditions. treasures of the Horte and in Horte and Tardoire 20 Tardoire Pays. La Rochefoucauld Ancestral seat of the La Rochefoucauld family and of the author of the famous “Maximes”.

Inside of the La Rochefoucauld castle

The castle For further information : Visits to the town Known as “the pearl of the Angoumois” www.chateau-la-rochefoucauld.com All year round for groups and built on a rocky outcrop, the castle on reservation (fee paying). dominates the town and the banks of The cloisters the Tardoire river. of the Carmelite convent Special group excursions Things to see : Former Carmelite convent founded Go with friends to discover all you th the square tower, the entrance towers, in the 14 century by Gui VII of can see in the area of the “Pearl of the Renaissance galleries, the main La Rochefoucauld. Angoumois”. courtyard, the inner gallery, the monu- To see : Ask for the brochure at the Tourist mental spiral staircase, the boudoir the covered cloister walkway, Office of Pays Horte et Tardoire in said to have been that of Marguerite of the entrance to the medieval La Rochefoucauld Angouleme, the guardroom, the chapel, chapter house, the Roman church Tel : 05 45 63 07 45 - Fax : 05 45 63 08 54 the furnishings, the collections and the 18th century staircase email : [email protected] of books. In the garden, the Italian (entry free). Renaissance style octagonal marble Hospital Museum and its apothecary basin. The gothic collegiate church Old medicinal pots, mortars from the 16th and 17th centuries, The castle is open to visitors from Notre-Dame de l’Assomption th medical implements and 1st April to 1st January daily (except A 13 century church, whose facade is illuminated by a rose window, military articles from Tuesdays) from 10 am through to 7 pm. the Napoleonic era. Out of season, open on Sundays from and whose bell tower is topped by an octagonal spire. Visits by appointment 2 pm. Groups and school visits all only . the year by prior appointment. All year round for groups on For further information : kids corner : reservation at the Tourist Office Tel : 05 45 63 07 45 Horte et Tardoire Tourist come and visit the castle Office in La Rochefoucauld in period costume Tel : 05 45 63 07 45 2 Gardens : Le Verger Chocolate The Saint-Florent garden manufacturer From May 2nd to September 30th This chocolaterie has become from 2 pm to 6 pm (except famous for its exquisitely Mondays). Out of season crafted chocolates. the garden is closed, but The chocolates are made the nursery and shop are open with 100% cocoa butter in on Fridays, and normally the laboratory at Limarceau, on Saturdays and Sundays situated in the commune from 2 pm to 6 pm. of Marillac-le-Franc. You are advised to check in Shop : advance for weekend opening 28 rue des Halles, La Rochefoucauld, (free entrance). Tel : 05 45 23 52 94 For further information : The factory shop in Limarceau Chocolates from the Chocolaterie d’Antan The Saint-Florent garden is open for 2 weeks before Easter Tel : 05 45 23 94 30 and 3 weeks before Christmas. Other places to visit : www.jardinsaintflorent.com The Roman church of Saint-Etienne La Pichotte Chocolate d’Olerat, with its sculptured facade, Flavours : manufacturer the humpback bridge over the Tardoire, The Chocolaterie d’Antan If we call the inhabitants the remains of the church of Saint-Pierre, At the foot of the chateau of La Rochefoucauld - the the Coquille gate (near the Faubourg Saint- on the banks of the Tardoire. Rupificaldiens -, we knickname Florent), the tannery area, the halftimbe- Free guided visits for groups them - the Pichotiers - meaning red houses with their overhanging upper available by appointment. people who eat - Pichottes - stories, the former Hotel Dieu and its chapel. For further information : Local speciality since the 1940’s, Chocolaterie d’Antan la Pichotte is a trade mark, only Tel : 05 45 63 58 05 manufactured in this factory. La Pichotte is a sophisticated Did you know : chocolate with a refined and La Charentaise subtle taste. The Charentaise Shop 33 rue des Halles slipper was created in La Rochefoucauld at the time of Louis XIV Tel : 05 45 63 00 26 to make use of the fabric rejected Mail : [email protected] by the maritime forces and the pieces of scrap felt from the paper mills of the Angoumois region. Known as “mufflers” or “sliders”, people used them to polish their wooden floors. The duke of La Rochefoucauld would have The gothic collegiate church insisted on their use at the Court. Notre-Dame de l’Assomption In La Rochefoucauld, two companies have worked to maintain the reputation of the Charentaise slipper : the Chaignaud company working with the raw materials and specialised fabrics, and the Rondinaud company manufactu- ring the various finished footwear products. In Villebois-Lavalette the Ferrand com- pany also produces Charentaise slippers. In Varaigne, the Thread Museum demons- trates the evolution of fabrication techniques from prehistoric times to the present day.

3 The Bandiat- Tardoire area

The manor house of Sigogne Don’t miss : at Coulgens Easter week-end, the wine Former medieval stronghold. and cheese fair in ; The Marpen Club is restoring the building, and in summer The 12th century church of organises international Saint-Sebastien at La Rochette volunteer workers who Notice the flat-stoned roofs ; The church of Saint-Sébastien at La Rochette engage in stone-cutting, on the Roman facade, the sculpted masonry work and carpentry. recessed faces of the pediments. the calcifications which have Don’t miss the 14th century These represent to the west, formed stalagmites and stalactites ; tower and the 7-sided turret Virtue - under the features archaeological discoveries from staircase. of Constantine whose the Palaeolithic, bronze and iron ages horse is crushing a crouching exhibited in the Angouleme museum. The church of Saint Jean- gnome holding a money bag ; th Baptiste at Coulgens Fee paying guided visits from April 4 and to the east, a dismounted th An 11th century church, until June 20 and from September horseman, symbol of Vice. th st with simple, almost austere 4 until November 1 , Sundays and architecture. Notice the Kids corner : bank holidays from 2pm till 6pm facade and the square clock Experience the Romanesque (visit at 2.30pm and 4pm) ; and from st rd tower. Inside, notice the adventure with Pierre and Archi : June 21 until July 3 every day from capitals (the heads of the games booklet available at the 2pm till 6pm (visit at 2.30pm and th columns) in the nave, and two Tourist Office. 4pm) ; and from July 4 until rd fragments of a fresco Information on this site September 3 every day from 12pm illustrating a crucifixion www.aventure-romane.fr till 7pm (last visit at 5.45pm). (15th century) and depicting Also to see : Open all year for groups, Sainte Barbe, and the 14th the 16th century manor house, by arrangement . century tower (free access). flanked by four angled corbelled For further information : turrets. Tel : 05 45 70 38 14 Pranzac What to see : The Queroy grottos at Chazelles follow the information panels These grottos were carved out for the documented walk : by the underground waters in th the 12 century lantern of the dead ; the limestone plateau. the church with its Renaissance chapel ; the remains of a feudal What to see : castle, tower and outer walls. the tourist trail created through 800 m of passageways ;

The church of Saint Jean-Baptiste at Coulgens 4 The surrounding area : The Braconne forest The 12th century churches A national forest of some of Saint Jean-Baptiste de 4,000 hectares, managed Malleyrand, and the former by the National Forestry Office. chapel of the Templars ; the It is situated over the heart church of Saint-Cybard de of the La Rochefoucauld karst. Rivieres (12th - 15th centuries), The waters of the Tardoire and in the nearby cemetery, and Bandiat rivers crash into the 19th century tombstones ; the underground holes and the church of Saint-Martial caverns before feeding into of Taponnat where you will the river Touvre, the second find a monolithic font ; the largest resurgence in France. churches of Marillac-le–Franc, Among these huge “fosses” or Yvrac and Saint-Adjutory. chasms, the most well known In Marillac, the ancient statue are the “grand fosse”, a huge of the Man of Marillac. crater, 55 m deep and 250 m In Bunzac, the 12th century in diameter, the “fosse mobile” church of Saint-Symphorien, and the “fosse limousine”. Did you know : nearby the site of a 16th century Rambling in the forest, you The Agris Helmet manor. can discover the flora and A masterpiece of Celtic fauna on foot, on horseback th art (4 century BC), Did you know : or on trailbike. discovered in the ONF cards available at the Perrats grotto at Agris Karst This type of landscape is Horte et Tardoire Tourist and exhibited at particular to certain regions, Office in La Rochefoucauld. Angouleme museum. where limestone rocks form Tel : 05 45 63 07 45 It is stamped with an iron cockerel, thick layers. Water infiltrating with a neck-protector riveted on, Did you know : these layers dissolves the covered with ornamented bronze The legend of the “fosse calcium carbonate, leaving bands, plated in gold leaf and topped mobile”, the moving chasm caverns, grottos and under- with pieces of coral. A copy of the In the light of the moon and ground passageways, favourite helmet can be seen at the Agris stars one night, a man who places for exploration and disco- mairie (town hall). had murdered his own father very by potholers and archaeo- attempted in vain to dispose logists. are formed of his victim’s body in the chasm. when the roof of one of these But the chasm kept moving in caverns collapse close to the front of him, now to the left, ground’s surface. now to the right. The wretched man wandered all through the night unable to dispose of his gristly burden. When morning came, he was discovered, insane with terror, lying next to the corpse of his father. This was the origin of the name “fosse mobile” - the moving chasm.

The Templars’chapel at Malleyrand 5 In the heart of the Bandiat and Tardoire valleys

The Roman ford of Vilhonneur

Rancogne and Vilhonneur Two picturesque villages in the Tardoire valley. The numerous grottos which Don’t miss : overhang and border these villages The 3rd week-end in were inhabited in prehistoric times. September, the European The Placard cave, the property of Heritage Days ; Charente General Council, is open to the public during summer. Events and activities around prehistoric times Booking and registration at the organised by the archeolo- Horte et Tardoire Tourist Office gists of Charente. in Montbron. You’ll find a calendar of events on this site What to see: www.lacharente.com In Rancogne, the peak dominating the village, with its 12th century Gastronomic delights : church ; Try our spelt-flour bread, In Vilhonneur, the Roman church our flat puff-pastry cakes, th of Saint-Pierre, the site of the 16 the small, crunchy almond century private chateau ; nearby, biscuits of the Tardoire the Roman ford, the panoramic area. viewpoint, viewing point for the stone quarry prehistoric shelters.

6 The peak of Rancogne The mill of La Forge The stone-mill of La Pierre The mill of Chazelles (Vilhonneur) Called the “Brasserie de la A working mill using hydraulic Rainette”. Here the traditional power to cut stones, unique in “La Rainette” beer is made, France. Activities and guided refermented and bottled. visits are available all year round Production and sale of 4 varieties : by appointment only. white, black, amber and bitter ale. th For further information : Guided visits from June 15 until st the Horte et Tardoire Amis August 31 , from Tuesday to du Patrimoine (friends of the Saturday, from 2 pm till 6 pm. heritage) Tel : 05 45 64 95 66 The rest of the year, visits inclu- http://moulindelapierre.over-blog.com/ ding groups by appointment only. For further information : The mill of Trotte-Renard Brasserie de la Rainette (Bunzac) Tel : 05 45 62 17 23 Dating from 1662, this is the last mill downstream on the Bandiat The mill of Vouthon river. With its large paddle In the oil mill you are invited wheels, it has three pairs of grin- to share our enthusiasm for ding wheels for grain and an oil- the craft of the oil mill and mill. The “roundhouse” contains the knowhow of our ancestors. the huge metal wheels which Discover the walnut and hazel- drive all the machinery. nut oils made from traditional Visits are available solely by methods, and the colza and appointment. Boat rides are sunflower oils made with available for 3 - 4 people, water the aid of modern technology. levels permitting. Visit of the production workshop all year, only by appointment. For further information : Moulin de Trotte-Renard Information and booking : Tel : 05 45 70 30 74 Tel : 05 45 70 83 35 The mills of Menet Other mills : and Chabrot (Montbron) The mill of La Chaume th Guided visits round these An 18 century mill with two mills, and many events two paddle-wheels, situated in summer at the Moulin at Saint-Germain-de-Montbron. de Chabrot (concerts, theatre, Visit all year round by appointment. theme evenings...). The mill of Picard For further information : Situated in the commune Horte et Tardoire Tourist Office of Chazelles. in Montbron Mills events : Tel : 05 45 23 60 09 Open days at the mills Groups can book to take part in Last weekend in February, “the bread workshop”, when the mills open their doors free The mill of La Forge (Rancogne) to the public. Opportunities to On the site of the old cannon foundry children and adults alike can taste local produce, and buy of Rancogne, this 17th century mill is a learn how to make bread, and fresh-pressed oils and flours magical place uniting history, activity visit the mills. ground in the mills. and gastronomy. Driven by its hydraulically For further information : powered mill wheel, this is a working mill. Centre for the Study National Mill Day rd Discover the walnut and hazelnut oils as well and Discovery of the Heritage 3 Sunday in June. Opportunities as the 7 different types of flour produced in of Haut-Perigord to see the mills and get to know the mill. Tel : 05 53 56 23 66 - Fax : 05 53 56 23 67 how they work. Individual visits free daily from mid-July A halt for canoeists with a shaded Idea for a walk : to mid-September (except Mondays). picnic area at Chabrot mill. The mill ramble, a 15 km pathway Group visits available throughout the year linking the Moulin de la Forge by appointment (entrance fee payable). and the Moulin de la Pierre. For further information : Moulin de la Forge Tel : 05 45 23 10 32 - www.walnut-oil.com 7 Montbron and the surrounding area

From its high position, the town The church of Saint-Maurice at Montbron of Montbron looks down on a curve in the Tardoire river. It was the seat of a seigniory (a domain ruled by a lord) having belonged to the descen- dants of Robert of Montbron (10th to 15th centuries). After the destruction wrought by the Hundred Years’ War it was owned, amongst other people, by the mother of Francois the first. The wars of religion led to the demolition of the castle. The old castle Partly destroyed on the orders of Charles VII, the castle was restored in 15th century. What to see : the polygonal tower ; two Renaissance frescos ; its magnificently restored exhibition halls. Nearby : the large fountain ; the “rampe de la Barbacane”, formerly the main entrance Constructed outside the town to the fortified town ; walls, the colonnaded walkway stone sculptures depicting allowed the lepers to attend Rambling : a shell (symbol of love) and church services from the out- Discover the Renaudie trail a chimera, remains of the side ; inside there is a multico- Situated between the foothills of the Saint-Pierre church (12th and 15th loured wooden statue of the Massif Central and the limestone plains centuries), demolished in the Virgin and Child (17th century). of the Charente, the Renaudie valley is an last century. astonishing area of contrasting country- Kids corner : side. Discover the yellow-bellied toad, the The church of Saint-Maurice Discover the town and its dippers (river birds) or admire the flora Former priory from 12th and 13th heritage by having fun with of this area, a regional listed natural his- centuries, linked to Cluny abbey ; the booklet available at the tory site. 3 pathways to discover: geology* to the north the 16th century Tourist Office. water*biodiversity. Brochures on sale at chapel ; the apse and the Roman the Horte et Tardoire Tourist Office bell-tower rebuilt in the 19th Round and about : in Montbron. century by Paul Abadie. Inside, Along the borders of Family cycle rides of discovery the multicoloured 12th century the Tardoire, you will and exploration wooden statue of Saint Maurice see the castles of Menet On your own or with your family, visit the on horseback. (16th and 17th centuries) of Montbron countryside by bike, 3 circuits Chabrot (14th century keep, with sign posts from 4,5km to 56km, The lepers’ chapel and 16th century castle), of maps available to download on The vaulted chapel of Notre- Ferriere (16th and 17th centuries), www.lacharente.com or at the Horte Dame-du-Bon-Secours, from the and Lavaud (19th century). et Tardoire Tourist Office in Montbron. 12th and 17th centuries. Private castles.

8 The Saint-Sornin winery

Summer visits Every year, in October, the Sornin in the Montbron region celebrates prehistory with 2 days The castle of Montbron From June to September you of festivities (wine tastings, musi- can visit the Guimbelot winery cal animations, demonstrations, and cellars ; the Domaine de auction sales of wines, etc.). Breuille deer farm ; a walnut Guided visits and wine tastings plantation ; a local pottery by appointment. Special workshop. banquets sometimes available For further information : with a ceremonial introduction Horte et Tardoire by the assembly of vintners. Tourist Office in Montbron Signposted rambles available. Tel : 05 45 23 60 09 For further information : Discover a magnificent pano- Tel : 05 45 23 92 22 - email : rama from the orientation table [email protected] at the site of La Fenetre near www.cavesaintsornin.com Saint-Sornin and at Peyroux Flavours, savours above Orgedeuil ; the Roman and clowning about : clock tower at the church in The felt-clad vintners Orgedeuil ; at Vouthon, the for- of Saint-Sornin mer command post of the Felt slippers on their feet, felt Knights Templar, the site of the caps on their heads and clad in th castle of the Chaise (19 century) felt dressing-gowns ! and the isolated lookout tower The vineyard sceptre in his hand, th th (10 and 16 centuries). the grand master “pantoufleur”, The Saint-Sornin winery assisted by his colleagues, The vineyards, well-known ceremonially welcomes all “kindly since the Middle Ages, adorn the men and good companions, food hillsides of Saint-Sornin, domina- and wine lovers of Saint-Sornin”. ted by the Fenetre manor house. Stay away if you’re of a serious The Sornin produce benefits disposition - this is a place for from the label “wines of the laughter and joking. Charente region”. Visits, walks, activities and parties A shop with local products. For further information : Cave de Saint-Sornin Tel : 05 45 23 92 22

The church of Saint-Maurice at Montbron 9 On the threshold of Charente Perigord

The church of Saint-Germain-de-Montbron

The Bandiat gardens For further information : the 12th century chapel of Saint-Jean, a rec- at Souffrignac The Bandiat gardens tangular two storey tower, now in private To visit : Tel : 05 45 23 25 73 ownership; in the church of Saint-Martin, • the gardens with their collec- Association for the development the Roman funeral recesses and capitals ; th tion of plants, some individually of local initiatives (CIDIL) the ruins of the 12 century church of designed themed gardens Tel : 05 45 70 29 89 Saint-Sylvestre de Saint-Sauveur with the • the museum of old tools [email protected] “cul-de four” apse (vaulted in a partial and implements sphere which resembles the roof of an old • the organic market gardens. The church of Saint- bread oven) ; the castle site of Château- Free visits from May 2nd until Germain-de-Montbron Neuf (Renaissance period). A discovery cir- th October 31st, Tuesdays, Thursdays A 12 century Roman church, cuit with information panels allow you to th and Fridays from 9am till 4pm. reconstructed in the 15 century, discover the heritage of the village centre. www.jardindubandiat-cidil.org with a square two storey clock tower. Inside, a fresco, a taberna- Kids corner : Also, don’t miss the exhibition, Discover the town and its heritage by cle restored at the end of the 12th normally based on a different having fun using the booklet available century. theme each year. at the Tourist Office. Gourmet walks : For further information : Planned rambles with a Tel : 05 45 70 22 03 “gourmet” rest break are Not to miss : available. Local heritage day at Reservation 3 days in advance : Saint-Germain-de-Montbron, Tel : 05 45 23 25 73 3rd Sunday in June. Workshop exhibitions : Themed events. Basket-weaving, scarecrow , ancient feudal city making, bread, flower arranging, Visit the remains of the great garden figurines, vegetable wall, the “Breuil tower”, the 12th preserves, vegetarian cooking. century keep of a former fortified On-site sales of produce (organic castle, of which only the ground vegetables, vegetable preserves) floor remains intact ; and handcrafted items. The church of Mainzac 10 The Roman church Visits : of Saint-Vivien at Charras The Fontaine Vive Abbey (hamlet A church fortified during of Grosbot) in Charras can be visi- the Hundred Years’ War. ted. During the summer period It looks more like a fortification the visits are guided and after- than a religious building, with its noon tea is served. The Abbey is round walkway, its “murder holes” also open on heritage days. through which stones and For further information : lethally hot liquids and other Tourist Office of Horte substances could be hurled et Tardoire in Montbron at attackers, its arrow-slits Tel : 05 45 23 60 09 and its single entrance door. Round and about : What to see : The Chambon Gorges ; in nearby, the remains of a priory; Rouzede church, the 12th century th th the 17 and 18 century castle, baptismal font and the 17th cen- and in the park, the balustraded tury wood and gilded altar piece ; terraces. the panorama at L’Arbre (345 m). In Feuillade, the unfinished 12th The orthodox church of the century church of Saint-Pierre, Korssoun monastery at Grassac with a clock tower above the Consecrated in April 1996, gable end and Roman capitals ; the church in pure Russian the remains of the forges of la The orthodox church of the Byzantine style, is decorated Mothe; the Roman and gothic Korssoun monastery at Grassac inside with painted icons. church of Saint Jean-Baptiste Guided visits on Sundays all year at Grassac ; the church and crypt Hiking : round, during school and bank at Mainzac. By bike (or by roller blades ! ) on the green holidays from 2 pm till 6 pm but path of Coulée d’Oc which links the ring for information beforehand. Perigord to the Angoumois between Sales of painted icons, embroi- Did you know : The baptismal fonts in the Souffrignac and Pranzac (21 km). dery panels, painted eggs, church at Souffrignac came pictures, foodstuffs (honey, jams). from the Cathedral of Saint- For further information : Pierre in Angouleme. Tel : 05 45 23 05 07

The Bandiat gardens at Souffrignac 11 In the heart of the Echelle Valley

The La Tranchade castle

In Bouex : This historic monument, classi- The church, built in 12th century fied because of its keep, is one under the direction of the monks of the best examples of military of Saint-Cybard and the lords of architecture from the period Bouex, has an elegant rectangular of the Hundred Years’ War. interior. In the 12th century, the estate At the northern end is a chapel belonged to the monks of Saint- dedicated to the Holy Virgin, Cybard. On the site of the current newly rebuilt in the Roman style, castle, the fortified promontory whose altar has also been renova- sheltered a small garrison which ted and reconsecrated in 1984. served to warn the lords of The castle, not far from the Angouleme of the arrival of church, was built in the 12th enemies. The keep, one of the best century, and housed the lords preserved in the Charente, was of Bouex. Now privately owned, built around 1396. it has belonged to the countess Today, it belongs to the count of of Chateaubodeau since 1925. Lorgeril, who keeps it maintained and is happy to welcome visitors In Garat : on heritage days and during In the old market town of Garat public events organised by the th all that remains of the 12 century Angouleme and area heritage Roman church dedicated to district. Saint-Pierre-Es-Lien is the western gable-end, classified as an historic In Dirac, the church of Saint- th th monument. Martial from the 12 and 15 centuries which has one of the Its belfry is supported by a square most elegant facades in the two-storey tower with arched Charente. Notice the capitals ; windows. Near Sainte-Catherine, the two 15th century side-chapels, on the road towards Dirac, is a the square belfry, the sculptures wonderful viewpoint for seeing on the facade and the diamond the privately owned La Tranchade point arcature level. castle. The church of Bouëx 12 A wash-house at Torsac

Kids corner : In Torsac, In Vouzan, Experiment the Romanesque adventure the church of Saint-Aignan the privately owned castle with Pierre and Archi (booklet available at from 12th, 15th and 16th centuries. originating from the beginning the Tourist Office). Notice the polygonal belltower, of the 15th century, has a superb Information on this site : the nave and the Romanesque entrance beneath some fine www.aventure.romane.fr arched entrance ; crenellations. Surrounded by walls, In Dignac, the church of Saint-Cybard inside, the frescoes from the the castle also has a wonderful Notice the facade, the two storey belfry ; Middle Ages, one of which repre- square 17th century dovecote, with the 17th century gothic funeral chapels ; sents Christ the King holding the a pyramidal roof. Just alongside the remains of the paintings of heraldic sphere of the earth, surrounded by is the former Roman church dedi- lions ; in the chancel the 12th century wall symbols of the four evangelists ; cated to Saint Etienne. paintings, one in an oval-shaped setting the 15th century font ; a Trinity in representing Christ in majesty, the other, multicoloured stone. Also see the Christ on the cross ; the furnishings, the recently renovated town square. 17th century altar piece, the 18th century stone altar and the restored windows. Also to be seen - the church of Cloulas ; the fountains and the public wash- The castle of Vouzan houses, the site of the 14th and 15th century tower of Breuil ; and in the village of Beaulieu, the church and the fountain. In Sers, the church of Saint-Pierre Former a priory church (12th - 15th centuries). Notice the square, three storey belltower, with rounded arched windows ; the entry door adorned with small columns ; the single 12th century nave and the 15th century chapels. Also take a look at the 15th century manor house. Nearby there is the prehistoric site of the “Sers Rock”, the Magdalenian sepulchre and the reconstructed Solutrean shrine, excava- ted by Dr Henri-Martin. 13 In the heart of the Echelle Valley

To discover : The medieval garden at Dignac Hiking Welcome to the Communauté de Communes of the Vallée de l’Echelle walkways ! In July and august, the Hikers Association of the Vallée de l’Echelle will accompany you on a walk every Tuesday. From September until June a full pro- gramme of hiking on foot, horse and off road cycling are available. Programs of organised outings and hiking maps are available at the town halls of the local community and the Tourist Offices of Horte et Tardoire. For further information : www.randonneurs-vallée-echelle.fr Go and see : Tel : 05 45 67 83 37 • the Hortus or Hortulus (kitchen Unusual, free to discover : garden), containing herbs, vegeta- “ Echelle 1 ”, organised by the Pac Bô Skills and creativity bles, aromatic roots and spices ; Come and meet the artists Association, 4 works of art in the middle • the medicinal plant garden ; of nature. and master-craftsmen in • the “industrial” plants - those their studios and workshops : arti- used for extracting colourings Two works of art are called : cles made from fabrics and dyes, and those used to Affleurement/Affleurement. and felt, ceramics and how produce textile fibres (linen) ; Situated at the tile Factory of Niollet to make weathervanes. • the “magic” plants - so-called in Garat and in the hamlet of Fontenelles For further information : because of their curative or in Sers. local Tourist Offices poisonous properties ; Two other works of art are called : in the region. • the garden of Mary, whose Immersion/Submersion. Local heritage initiatives flowers are used to decorate the altar ; Situated at the Plaine de Loisirs in Magnac The community of communes in the Lavalette and the Blanzaguet Arboretum. Echelle Valley took the decision in • the orchard with its fruit trees. 1998 to embark on the renovation of The medieval garden is open Le jardin habité, proposed by the Ciel local heritage site. Thanks to this ini- to everyone. Guided visits can Ouvert Association : sculptures, huts, instal- tiative, 12 old public washhouses be booked. lations, quarries and springs on the site have been renovated, including nota- Information : Mairie (town hall) of the La Brousse Hamlet in Sers. bly those in Torsac, la Tranchade at in Dignac, Tel : 05 45 24 50 35 Garat, Bouex and Cloulas at Dignac. The Marotte garden,created in Jardin habité Directions and historical 1990, a 5 000 m2 collection of lovely, information have been posted at rare shrubs, perennials and rose- each of these sites. bushes. Visits on appointment only Nature : throughout the year (entrance fee The medieval garden at Dignac payable). Situated below the forecourt Contact : Mr & Mrs Mimaud of the 12th century church, Tel : 05 45 24 54 65 the garden contains about 150 plants in raised beds, surrounded by a hedge of woven chestnut.

Échelle 1, Affleurement 14 The castle of Villebois-Lavalette

To taste : The cornuelles, traditional Easter biscuits They are triangular shortbread biscuits, Villebois-Lavalette with a round centre hole. They symbolise both creation and the Holy Trinity. In earlier days, A former Roman settlement For further information : they were used on the ancient route from Horte and Lavalette Tourist Office to decorate box Perigueux to Saintes. Tel : 05 45 64 71 58 wood branches. The The castle bakers used to thread Built by Elie of Villebois (10th Don’t miss : them onto long sticks to carry them to century) and the Lusignans During the summer, visits to the market. Every year there is a cornuelles fair (12th and 13th centuries) ; castle accompanied by a guide or at Villebois-Lavalette during the week-end acquired by the Duke of Epernon by one of the site archaeologists. before Easter, with local events, a market in the 16th century. The village and castle can be visi- for regional produce and a brocante. Rebuilt by the General of Navailles ted all year round by appointment. (17th century), then partially The recipe : For further information : 500g flour, 250g sugar, 200g margarine destroyed by fire in 1822. Horte and Lavalette Tourist Office th or butter, 10g salt, 3 eggs ; 1 packet of baking The 10 century chapel remains, Tel : 05 45 64 71 58 along with the outer wall, flanked powder, a few grains of aniseed. Culture to discover : the multi- Mix the butter with the sugar and eggs, by round towers and one wing of the castle. media centre with its image and then add the flour together with the sound areas, exhibition rooms, baking powder. entertainments and conferences. Add some lemon zest or a little vanilla What to see : th For further information : if you like. Roll out the pastry to 3cm deep, The 17 century market with th Tel : 05 45 64 76 57 and cut out the triangles. Make a hole in its medieval foundations ; the 17 [email protected] the middle of each one. Brush beaten egg century sun-dial ; the village and http://hortelavalette.agate-sigb.com over them, then cook at 200° C for 20 - 25 the narrow streets toward the minutes, or until golden. castle. Did you know: Jean-Louis Nogaret de La Valette Duc d’Epernon (1554-1642) As a younger son destined for the service of the king in the army, he was a man of war and man of the state. One of the “favoured few” of the king, Henri III named him Duke of Epernon and peer of France (1586), then Governor of the provinces, including the Angoumois region, l’Aunis and Saintonge (1587). Accused by his political opponents, he plotted his escape, liberated the castle of Villebois, (1589), which he made one of his residences (1597). Louis XIII established him The 17th century market at Villebois-Lavalette a Duke of the realm on his return to Bordeaux, where he married the princess of Spain. 15 The Horte and Lavalette area

The villages of Blanzaguet The church of Notre-Dame and Charmant of Gardes-le-Pontaroux At Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard, Former priory church from the 12th century church of Saint- the 12th and 15th centuries, in Pierre and Saint-Paul, with its an isolated country location. square clock tower, its apse Roman clock tower with 3 adorned with 8 semi-circular arched levels ; Roman nave archways ; the site of the former rebuilt in the 15th century. th 16 century Galard de Bearns’ Kids corner : castle and the village park on Experience the Romanesque the banks of the Voultron river. adventure with Pierre and Archi At Charmant, the remains of (booklet available at the Tourist the former command post Office) information on this site of the Knights Templar, and www.aventure.romane.fr the Renaissance gallery ; the 12th and 13th century church What to see : of Notre Dame, and its priest’s a remarkable mushroom-shaped garden. rock near the prehistoric site of la Quina. For further information : Tourist Office of Pays Horte et In the area : Tardoire in Horte et Lavalette In Combiers, the Grandmontain Tel : 05 45 64 71 58 Priory of Rauzet (12th century). Every day open house from The church of Saint-Pierre 10am and guided visit by at Edon appointment only. th th th A church (11 , 12 and 15 Contact : Mrs Kate Douglas centuries) built on the edge Tel : 05 45 23 06 91 of the : it has a two storey Roman clock tower, At Foulquebrune, the square th th triple-arched entrance door, towered 11 - 13 century and sculptured capitals. church ; the Christaline garden, The old castle of Galard de Béarn the romantic garden created at Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard Nearby, a 17th century manor 2 house flanked by a round tower in 1993, a wonderful 3 400 m The church at Gardes-le-Pontaroux with a “pepper-pot” style roof. display of peonies, irises, and 400 old and new varieties of What to see : rosebush. prehistoric remains (dolmens Visits on appointment from of the Pierre Rouge and the 15 April to 15 July. Gelie, and standing stones) ; Contact : Mr & Mrs Chabanne the grottos of Menieux ; Tel : 05 45 24 82 84 viewpoints from Grande th th Crete and Haute-Fayette ; In the 12 and 15 century th La Rochebeaucourt castle. church at Rougnac, the 13 century crypt which runs under the entire length of the church, and the Renaissance altarpiece.

16 Discover : tine apple tree, bishop’s bonnet...) The “nature in the open air” as well as medicinal plants and a kit- area at Edon chen garden can all be found here. Wander down the former At Villebois-Lavalette, a tree lined railway track, now converted into park for walks and leisure activities, a discovery trail, the rambling with a sports area nearby. tracks which zigzag across the At Magnac-Lavalette-Villars Lizonne valley and the organised The outdoor activity field area climbing site. offers plenty of choices - an intro- Jean Aubouin arboretum duction to paragliding, (part of the at Combiers Summer Activities programme, see Belonging to the National p.21), model aeroplanes, trail biking, Forestry Office, the arboretum keep-fit rambles, nature walks, suffered much damage in the picnic area and children’s games. tempests of December 1999. The site of the Mercerie castle Now in the process of being at Magnac-Lavalette-Villars replanted. Visits are free. The small Charente “Versailles”, For further information : a folly built by the Rethore brothers. Richard Levrero, From 1947 to 1970 they poured a Maison Forestiere, 16380 Charras, fortune into constructing the The Saint-Pierre church at Edon Tel : 05 45 23 00 15 castle of the Mercerie. The Horte and Lavalette Still unfinished today, the castle Don’t miss : area gardens stands next to a manor house The tree and forest festival Several themed gardens have been from the end of the 19th century. Organised by the Racine association. created and maintained around It’s strange facade, 220 m wide, 20 m In the heart of the Horte woodlands, prestigious historical buildings. deep and 15 m high is plainly visible you can discover the old trades, and also An invitation to discover our local from the surrounding area. the wood craftsmen, and join in the many towns and villages… Don’t miss : cultural and festive entertainments. At Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard, the Frivolities in the Horte For further information : arboretum and the village park, and Tardoire local Tourist Offices along the Voultron river. Story telling festivals organised This garden, in a remarkable during October. Shows accompa- Did you know: setting at the foot of the Galard nied by professional story tellers, de Bearn castle, contains a variety of The Feuillardiers or Cercliers walks and aperitifs accompanied by local species. The knowledge of the old craft of the stories, street events. “feuillardiers” or “cercliers” has been handed At Charmant, the priest’s garden is also wonderfully situated. Fruit For further information : down through the generations. Tourist Office of Horte et Tardoire Deep among the forest undergrowth, the trees and shrubs with very evoca- feuillardier would build himself a shelter tive names (nun’s pear tree, benedic- contructed from chestnut branches and shavings, to house his tools. From among the growth of small sprigs of young chestnut trees (5 to 7 years old), the feuillardier would select a stem. With the aid of a billhook, he would strip off any small branches and knots, and split it into two, to form it into a the circular shape. This circle was flattened and smoothed, then bent into shape with the help of a machine. These circles were used to decorate barrels. This old trade is dying out now – some feuillardiers have become basket makers, others now make stakes for vines, picket fences, garden and even maritime use. Chestnut thickets still remain in the forest areas. On a forest ramble, you may come across an old feuillardier shelter and, who knows, you may still find a feuillardier at work there. (Rambling trails at Rougnac, The “nature in the open air” area at Edon Dignac and near the Cledou arboretum). 17 The Horte and Lavalette area

The priory at Ronsenac The cave chapel at Gurat Medieval monastery of the order of Known as the chapel of Saint- Cluny built in 12th and 15th centuries. Georges, this 11th and 12th centuries Particularly outstanding are its church is built into the side of the mural paintings of around the end hill on which stands the village ; of 13th and beginning of 14th centu- the nave, the chancel, and the dee- ries. A walkway allows you to see ply arched apse ; the “arcosolium” the exterior of the buildings. Visit by (a sort of niched funeral vault) ; appointment only. and outside, the cave tombs. Tel : 06 84 80 48 61 or 05 45 62 10 83 See also : The Saint-Roch churh at Gurat What to see : the 10th century Roman church of the Benedictine priory, the 13th Saint-Roch ; the banks of the and 14th centuries convent buil- Lizonne and the viewing point at dings, rebuilt in the 15th century, Puyrateau. the great vaulted cellar, the 13th In the area : th and 14 centuries frescos, one The peat bogs of Vendoire in of which represents Adam Dordogne, the peat museum (river and Eve being chased from trips and walks) ; the village of Vaux- the Garden of Eden. Lavalette ; At Chavenat, the murals See also : in the 11th and 13th centuries Roman the Saint Jean-Baptiste church, church, and on the facade, although subject to frequent the modillons (small blocks of reconstructions, has kept its 12th stone supporting the cornices) century nave, the lower sides sculptured with representations of of which are decorated with ama- the English gardens of the zing Roman capitals ; Chenard manor house (open for the legendary town fountain ; the visits in June). Vinaigre dolmen, near Information from the Tourist the Bernac manor house. Office of Pays Horte et Tardoire in Horte et Lavalette Tel : 05 45 64 71 58 The crypt at Rougnac

Did you know : Activities, guided visits and walks are organised during the summer season by the Association Via Patrimoine de l’Angoumois. For further information : local Tourist Offices To savour : Foie gras with figs, with lemon, with spices, with cocoa beans, with orange peel and with pineau ! Open every day from 9 am to 12.30 am, and from 2 pm to 7 pm. Visits to the force-feeding workshop by appointment. For further information : Bruno Bachelier, “Le Mas Neuf” The priory at Ronsenac 16320 Chavenat - Tel : 05 45 24 00 08 www.bruno-bachelier.com 18 Prehistory in Horte and Tardoire

The Montgaudier grotto The Fontechevade site Close to Montbron, the grotto At Orgedeuil, this lower shows signs of several periods Palaeolithic site excavated of occupation during the by Germaine Henri-Martin, Palaeolithic era (400,000 - 9,000 revealed fragments of a BC) Many discoveries - flints, Cranien frontal bone and harpoons, javelins, rudimentary skullcap (150,000 BC) in an needles, engravings, pierced and upper Tayacian layer.

The prehistoric site of the “Sers rock” decorated antlers, floors from Not accessible to the public. primitive dwellings - were brought to light by Louis La Quina Duport in the course of several In 1911 at Gardes-Le-Pontaroux excavations. Dr Henri-Martin discovered Not accessible to the public. from the era of the Mousterian stone culture, a skull and The Placard grotto a Neanderthal skeleton. at Vilhonneur The stone industry at this site Occupied from the Palaeolithic gave the name to one of the to the Neolithic ages (80,000 - variants of the Mousterian 5,000 BC). Studies of work from stone culture, Quina Mousterian. four strata of the Magdalenian Not accessible to the public. era enabled Abbe Breuil in 1912 to establish the chronology At Marillac, on the banks of the still used as a reference point Ligonne, Bernard Vandermeersch today. In July 1988, Louis Duport discovered the back of a Mousterian discovered a decorated cavern skull showing traces of bleeding. from the Solutrean era (18,000 BC), and numerous engraved La Chaise site in Vouthon blocks. The cave at La Chaise comprises Did you know : Not accessible to the public. of the Bourgeois-Delaunay shelter, the Suard and Dupont Man, tools, prehistoric art The Sers rock shelters, named after their first in the Charente This site, excavated by Dr excavators. Horte and Tardoire is one of the foremost Henri-Martin and his daughter These deposits have particularly regions for prehistory, notably between Germaine Henri-Martin, today revealed bones of Neanderthal Montbron and La Rochefoucauld. houses casts of Solutrean man of this region known as The excavations have brought to light sculptures on scattered blocks “Moustérien” and the tool human remains which can be linked with of rock (17,000BC). The originals making industry of that era stone and bone industry ; remains of dwel- are exhibited in the museum (middle Paleolithic era). Guided lings ; engravings and sculptures which indi- at Saint-Germain-en-Laye. visits by appointment only. cate the delicate expressions of ideas from Visit by appointment only Information : these men who lived millions of years before Tel : 05 45 69 38 25 Horte et Tardoire Tourist Office the spoken word was invented. In the inte- in Montbron rests of protecting these sites, they are only occasionally open to the public.

19 Nature and leisure in Horte and Tardoire

The Chambon regional Kids corner : open-air centre Follow in the footsteps of an The centre welcomes students, eco-agent thanks to the Mission associations, families, all year EcoPossible interactive game, round to discover the open air 4 stories on the themes of the activities on offer : kayaking, environment and renewable trail biking, climbing, archery, energies with clues to solve. adventure trails, potholing, horse riding, discovering Round and about : the surroundings, country golf... Many gardens to visit These activities are designed • the Saint-Florent garden for groups, with the possibility at La Rochefoucauld (see p.3), of meals and accommodation • the Bandiat gardens on site or in gites. at Souffrignac (see p.10), In the summer, the Chambon • the medieval garden at Dignac centre also organises summer (see p. 14), holiday breaks for 8 - 17 year old, • the Horte and Lavalette area available on a weekly basis. gardens (see p. 17). For further information : www.lechambon.org For nature lovers : Tel : 05 45 70 70 42 Trail bike centres There are two trail bike and French cycling federation circuits in Horte and Tardoire, the Chambon et Seuil-Charente- Perigord circuit, and La Charente circuit, from Lavalette to the Echelle Valley. These centres offer signposted itineraries suitable for all levels Fishing (430 km signposted in Horte Carp, tench, roach, bleak, gudgeon, trout can and Tardoire). all be found in the Tardoire and the Bandiat. A large range of facilities is avai- These rivers cross the south of the area, lable to all, and further facilities before disappearing in the limestone caverns, are available to enable skilled also known as the “gruyere karst” of trail bikers to practise their La Rochefoucauld. Fishing permits for sale favourite sport alone, with the at the Tourist Office of Pays de Horte family or in groups… et Tardoire in La Rochefoucauld. Summer holidays in the open air Welcome centres Chambon Departmental (Chambon-Eymouthiers) In July and August, the Chambon centre Open Air Centre : offers individuals, families and tourists Tel : 05 45 70 70 42 activity half-days, supervised by qualified Horte and Tardoire professionals (adventure trails, nature Tourist Office : rambles, horse riding, climbing, acrobatics Tel : 05 45 64 71 58 for children, archery, potholing...). By reservation only, at the Tourist Offices of Pays Horte et Tardoire in Montbron 20 Tel : 05 45 23 60 09 Golf de la Preze Open to everyone, for beginners, for practice, or to perfect your stroke ! Open every day in the summer season from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm. Off season hours : 9 am to 5 pm. Bar restaurant on site. For further information : Golf de la Preze, Ecuras-Rouzede, 16220 Montbron, Tel : 05 45 23 24 74 Canoeing on the Tardoire www.golfdelapreze.com Open all year at Montbron, [email protected] activities, equipment available, supervised expeditions. Hiking For further information : Two major hiking trails (GR4 and local Tourist Offices GR36) and one general country- side hiking trail (GRP Angoumois Active summer to Perigord) cross the wooded in Horte and Tardoire countryside and valleys of the In July and August, sporting Horte and Tardoire, and continue and cultural activity days open into Perigord Vert. to all, are organised within the Shorter signposted hiking trails 3 cantons of the Horte and offer numerous possibilities for Tardoire area. Open air activities walking and discovering the local (trail biking, canoeing/kayaking, heritage (fountains, old public archery, rambles, horse riding, wash-houses...) Many rambling potholing, paragliding, climbing, clubs welcome experienced tennis). walkers. Introduction to photographic Walking guides on sale from techniques, to painting and the local Tourist Offices. to pottery. Discover the environment Karting and our rural heritage. La Planche circuit, 16110 Taponnat For further information : Open from Wednesday to Sunday local Tourist Offices from 10 am to 12 am and from 2 pm to 6 pm. Tel : 05 45 62 18 18

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