exploring Pressignac, Charente, Poitou-Charentes

These trails give you the chance to discover the secrets of this unique French impact crater, as well as the fauna and flora around Boischenu lake. See the stone used in the local buildings by following the information panels and the helpful pointers. Further audio descriptions are available on the web-site www.porteoceane-dulimousin.fr. The circuit starts on the footpath by the château. Astroblème footpath : 2 km ; the lake footpath : 1.3km.

Discover the remarkable trees of the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin. Leaving Rochechouart, head for the commune of Chéronnac, where the source of the river Charente is located. 1.5 kilometers further on, take a bend in the road to discover the exceptional natural site of Peyrassoulat and the Tardoire, home to multi-century-old trees. On the way back, cross the village of Biennac and its 13th-century church, and walk to the majestic Bramefan oak, measuring 4.60 m in circumference.

Leaving Rochechouart, drive towards Chéronnac, home to the source of the Charente! Follow its course to the Videix lake for a refreshing break. Pass through Saint-Gervais and see the buildings made of impactite stone, a rock formed by the fusion of meteorite (which crashed over 200 million years ago) and local minerals. In the hamlet of Pers, you'll find a stork well. Back in Rochechouart, you'll cross La Graine on the Roc du B?uf Roman bridge. This tour passes through part of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park.

The "Circuit aux portes de la Charente" takes you through the Limousin countryside to discover its natural (streams and ponds) and architectural (fountains) heritage. Don't miss Rochechouart and its castle overlooking the Graine valley. Option to shorten the tour.

200 kilometers through the landscapes of the Périgord Limousin Regional Nature Park, in a land where the langue d?oc rises alongside the granite, recalling the beliefs and legends that populate the chestnut forests? This stage takes you from Salles Lavauguyon to Rochechouart;

The footpath is 2 km long and is situated on the largest island in the Vienne river. During the walk you will discover the marks of man on the island, as well as its natural riches. It is an easy walk interspersed with interactive panels unveiling the secrets of this part of the island, and maybe the chance to see the white-throated dipper, visible during their migration in autumn and winter. Today, the island belongs to the Communauté de Communes and two farms have been set up here with market gardening, cattle. The trail starts upstream of the island. On leaving Saint-Junien, the car park is on the left, on the Route Nationale 141.

Cette boucle de 21 kms est une invitation à la découverte des alentours de Cognac-la-Forêt. Le début du parcours est assez surprenant avec une montée sportive à travers bois. Ensuite, le circuit vous permet de contempler les différents plans d’eau, avant de terminer par une traversée du charmant bourg de Cognac-la-Forêt. Circuit au départ du plan d'eau de Cognac la Forêt. Difficile : réservé aux coureurs expérimentés

The history of Maisonnais is very rich. The remains of the Lavauguyon castle witness its very turbulent past. This path allows you to discover the historical heritage of this town. Parking at the town hall.

The Moulin de l'Age trail offers a beautiful hike in the town of Maisonnais-sur-Tardoire. On this walk, you will see various landscapes (woods, meadows, rivers,...) and pretty panoramas on Perigord and Charente. You can park at the village’s parking lot near the grocery store.

Walk along the Vienne River and discover three of the four ancient bridges that enabled and still enable the inhabitants of our region to cross the natural obstacle that is the Vienne. Dating from the 12th to the 19th century, these bridges are more than just functional; they are relics of the past and an integral part of our local heritage.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Situated on the borders of the Charente department, Videix is well-known today thanks to the lake and the beach at la Chassagne. The lake is split between the Haute-Vienne and Charente departments and is very popular due to the facilities that have been set up, including a children’s play area, picnic area, bar/restaurant, gîte complex ….. Why not come and stroll around Videix, and enjoy the peace and quiet, the nature and its architectural heritage ?

Rochechouart cemetery boasts a unique monument: the tomb of wine merchant Léonce Chabernaud. He died in 1953, and wanted a lightning wagon to be installed over his grave. The large barrel is made of concrete on wheels (the exact effigy of the lightning wagon), with a capacity of 100 hectolitres, and is mounted on rails. It is stained red, and the epitaph reads: "Léonce Chabernaud, vins en gros, Rochechouart".

Overlooking the valley of the rivers Graine and Vayres, Rochechouart castle has housed the Departmental Museum of Contemporary Art since 1985. Landscape, history and the imagination are three of the major themes at the forefront of the museum’s collection. In a remarkable 15th century building, by linking heritage and creation, a collection of refined contemporary art has been established, together with works that are more specific to the surroundings. In 1989, the founding of the Raoul Hausmann collection (over 600 works and a large set of archives) has enabled the Museum to be one of the leading research centres for this famous Dadaist.

Constructed on a rocky promontory, this 13th and 15th century fortress was renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Renaissance courtyard is bordered with an arched gallery and spiral columns. Inside the castle, you can see rare examples of 16th century frescoes. The first one depicts hunting scenes, and the second depicts certain episodes in the life of Heracles. Today, the castle houses the Departmental Museum of Contemporary Art.

In the 9th century, a priory was built by order of the Abbey of Charroux on the site of the current church. Consecrated in either 1060 or 1067 the Saint Sauveur church is a remarkable example of 11th century Romanesque art, in all its simplicity and its austerity. Take a look at the twisted spire which dates from the end of the 18th century (1767-1774) and which is relatively rare in Europe, with various legends explaining why the spire is twisted. Note also the frescoes in the interior, one dating from the 15th century and the other created by Greschny in 1969. The church also has a museum of sacred art housed in the tribune.

In collaboration with the Regional Natural Park Périgord- Limousin. At Rochechouart, behind the Tourist Information Centre in the Capitole building you will find an exhibition dedicated to geology and the landscape. It includes information panels, display cases, and multimedia which present the geology of the area and the formation of the landscapes which result from it. Special attention is given to the asteroid which hit the earth here over 200 million years ago and you can then continue your visit at the nearby Espace Météorite Paul Pellas and learn more about the National Natural Reserve of the astrobleme at Rochechouart-Chassenon.

Rochechouart still has the traces of a giant meteorite which fell here over 200 million years ago. At the Maison de la Réserve you can learn about the impact of the meteorite in the area, and the distinctive stone, or impactite, that you can see in many of the buildings, which is of great geological interest. The name of the town, however, is linked to the Vicomtes of Rochechouart who ruled here for more than 800 years, and to the castle built on a rocky promontory from the 13th century onwards. The castle still has a 15th century appearance and has housed the Departmental Museum of Contemporary Art since 1985. The picturesque town was once a fortified town and retains an exceptional built heritage : the Medieval castle, the church with its twisted spire, the houses built from impactite, the 15th century Maison des Consuls, the rue dorée, the prayer quarter, the Grand’Rue. Saint Sauveur church – In the 9th century the monks of Charroux abbey created a priory on the site of the current church. Consecrated in either 1060 or 1067, the Saint Sauveur church is a remarkable example of 11th century Romanesque art, in all its simplicity and its austerity. It has been restored numerous times. The north wall of the nave, the west wall of the north chapel and the main entrance door with its two large round columns topped with archaic capitals date from the 11th century. In the 13th century there were some major changes to the choir and the south façade with the construction of a limousin-style door. The twisted spire dates from the end of the 18th century (1767 - 1774) and is relatively rare in Europe, with various legends explaining how the spire became twisted. The Association of Twisted Spires in Europe has drawn up an inventory of all the twisted spires in Europe. After numerous studies it appears that the spire at Rochechouart is made up of five strips, each of which is moved from left to right by 15°. The base is octagonal and the twist is one-eighth of a turn (45°). Discover the town and its history by joining one of the guided tours available in the summer or join the ‘attack on the castle’, a guided visit in costume on Wednesday mornings. There are also many open-air activities including walks along way-marked footpaths to discover the impactite heritage or fishing on the lake at Boischenu. And, finally, come and feel the rythme of the music during the concerts of the ‘Labyrinthe de la voix’ which take place in the summer in the castle grounds.

It is here at Chéronnac, originally called Carentago, that the source of the Charente river can be found. The church was built on the site of a chapel, which itself had been built on a ‘motte’ or castle mound ; the door has a carved 13th century lock and a 15th century wall painting in honour of de Rouziers, Lord of Chéronnac. Nearby villages of interest are : Montoume, where you will be surprised by the colour of the houses, which, unusually for this area, are built of red stone. The stone is, in fact, an impactite, formed when a meteorite fell to earth at Rochechouart/Chassenon about 200 million years ago. Peyrassoulat is situated on the banks of the river Tardoire and has some remarkable flora – don’t miss the two immense Plane trees whose branches spread over 40m and are about 250 years old ; or the four yew trees which must be over 500 years old to have reached the size that they are nowadays. With the added attraction of two waymarked footpaths and a picnic area you can spend a few pleasant hours in and around Chéronnac.

Did you know? The Charente River rises in Chéronnac and flows many kilometers into the Atlantic Ocean beyond Rochefort in Charente-Maritime. A curiosity not to be missed on your visit to our region, with a good picnic under your arm to prolong the pleasure!

The Saint Julien de Brioude church was built in the 11th and 13th centuries,and is a good example of the architectural transition from the Romanesque period (the nave and the choir) to the Gothic period (vault). Inside the church you will find the tomb of Simon de Cramaud, Cardinal, and war leader during the Crusades. The reason for such a church in this small village is due to the fact that Biennac was the ecclesiastical administrative centre of the parish until the 18th century, and Rochechouart was part of that parish. The attic space was set up to provide a defense against the English invasions.

L'Estaminet du Château is located in the historic center of Rochechouart. For all gourmets, dishes as beautiful as they are tasty are on offer, made with products carefully selected from local producers. To respect products and seasons, the menu changes every 15 days - 1 month, so there's no excuse not to return! In summer, enjoy the guiguette atmosphere and its concerts (program on the Facebook page).

Beef with wild mushrooms, lamb sweetbreads with scallops, fish, homemade desserts, foie gras with figs, "Cul Noir" (Limousin specialty) pork, Saint-Yrieix veal.

Restaurant, bar, tobaccanist. Shaded terrace behind the restaurant open in the summer season.

In the commune of Vayres, in the heart of the PNR Périgord-Limousin, l'Abreuvoir welcomes you for a gourmet break. On the menu: a menu of the day, à la carte dishes, English brunch by reservation, themed menus according to the moment, breakfasts, homemade ice creams and snacks.

Restaurant pizzeria. Menus from 8,50€ to 22,50€. Lovely setting by a lake. Open Tuesday and Thursday : 12noon - 2.00pm and 7.00 - 11.00pm Wednesday: 10.00am - 11.00pm Friday: 2.00pm - 1.00am Saturday: 10.00am - 1.00am Sunday: 10.00am - midnight

In a quiet setting just a few minutes from the center of Saint-Junien, Le Lauryvan also offers a Bistro section, from Tuesday to Saturday, in a traditional atmosphere. Treat yourself to the chef's menu or à la carte dishes, all made with local produce.

Le Nichoir is an associative bistro. It's a place that creates social links and promotes local heritage (food, crafts, culture and art). You can come and have a drink, eat simple homemade meals from lunchtime to Friday lunchtime, take part in the Thursday games evenings, relax with the family or alone in the lounge area, enjoy the program put on by the entertainment team or take advantage of the sale of local products. So many good reasons to drop in!

Le Nichoir, a social and cultural bistro, offers lunchtime catering 3 days a week: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with traditional and vegetarian menus. Located in the heart of the village of Saint Mathieu in Haute-Vienne, this friendly, lively place also offers activities, cultural events and the sale of local produce, making your lunch on the terrace a simple, pleasant experience.

Gourmet cuisine and cuisine terroir. Catering service available. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 12noon - 1.30pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday : 7.30 - 9.30pm Label ASSIETTE MICHELIN Auberge : Set menu 15.90 euros/28 euros Restaurant: Menus from 40 - 55 euros Disabled access.

At the Relais de Comodoliac restaurant, we do all we can to ensure the time you spend with us is synonymous with pleasure. Quality food is carefully prepared with seasonal flavors. Large armchairs, white tablecloths and refined tableware for your comfort. We also have a fireplace and air-conditioning. The Como Bistro serves a set menu at lunch-time from Monday - Friday - 14€.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.

Hamlet of 16 gîtes situated in a meadow on the edge of a lake suitable for bathing and sailing. On site, heated swimming pool reserved for the gîtes. Private parking.