REGION

Horte & Tardoire

www.pays-horte-tardoire.fr

PPOOIITTOOUU--CCHHAARREENNTTEESS

English version

Welcome to the Horte & Tardoire Region

« This is a region with changing lands-capes, both undulating and wooded, brought to life by a network of meande-ring rivers.This guide invites you to discover this region, its history and its traditions where its savoir-faire has been maintained.As you follow our signed routes you will marvel at the authentic rural heritage appreciated by all who see it.Our region has also inspired numerous artists : painters & storytellers to name but a few.Don’t delay and take some time to disco-ver the riches of the Horte & Tardoire region ».

Horte & Tardoire Region

One region and its history 4• Underground riches from prehistoric times• From castles to homes• Religious ArtsBeside the water 12• The Bandiat-Tardoire mills• Cultural heritage The region’s unexpected treasures 14A green region 16• Oddities of nature• In the GardenOutdoor activities 19• Nature whilst hiking• Other open-air sportsThe land of savoir-faire 22• Arts & crafts• Flavours : the region’s gourmet basketDates for your diary 26Regional map 27

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One regionand its historyand its historyand its historyand its history

Underground riches from prehistoric times

The Pradelles site at Marillac-Le-FrancThe remains are accredited to the Mousterianculture, attributed to Neanderthal man. Onthe edge of the Ligonne, Bernard Vander-meersch discovered the back half of a Mous-terian skull showing signs of decay.In July and August, one-off free visits of the archeo-logical dig site, led by the researcher Bruno Maureille. Reservations must be made through the La Rochefoucauld office. Tel. 05 45 63 07 45.

The Horte and Tardoire region is one of the centres of prehistory, particularly between Montbronand La Rochefoucauld. Digs have enabled us to update human remains associated with theuse of stone and bone tools, dwelling structures, engravings and refined sculptures, as well asthese people’s expression of thought millions of years before writing was invented. In the inter-ests of protecting these sites, they are only opened at specific times for the public to visit.

Worth a visit : On the church square atMarillac-Le-Franc, a fountain with « theMarillac man », a stone statue reminis-cent of Neanderthal man.

Sculpted frescoThe Rock at Sers

: Activities and events based on prehistoric times,arranged around the theme of archeological Charente. Youwill find the calendar on the website :www.lacharente.com

« The cupboard cave » at VilhonneurOccupied from the palaeolithic to the neoli-thic times (-80 000 years BC to -5 000 yearsBC). In 1912, a study of the industry of thefour Magdalenian layers enabled the abbotBreuil to establish the chronology which is stillused as a reference today. In July 1988, LouisDuport discovered an ornate Solutrean gal-lery (-18 000 years BC) and numerous engra-ved blocks.Cave open for visits in July and August within thetheme of « archeological Charente ». Reservationsmust be made through the Montbron office.Tel. 05 45 23 60 09.

« The rock » at SersIn the village of Sers, between Le Coussadeauand Charbontières, the Solutreans (-17000years BC) established their camp under theoverhang of a large rock face which domina-ted a peaceful river, in the valley of the Roc.They decorated the rock face with a sculptedfresco that was discovered in 1927 by Dr LéonHenri-Martin. Today this site still houses castsof Solutrean scultpures on blocks of isolatedrock. The originals are on display in the Saint-Germain-en-Laye museum.Visits by appointment only. Tel. 05 45 69 38 25.

Église St-Baptiste de Ronsenac

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La Chaise caves at VouthonThe La Chaise caves include two main shel-ters : Bourgeois-Delaunay and Suard, takenfrom the names of the first excavators. Theyrevealed a large number of Neanderthalremains dated between 250 000 and 150 000 years and a Mousterian industry, aswell as dwelling structures and notchedbones, which perhaps represent the begin-ning of figurative art. Visits on the first and third Wednesdays of July andAugust. Reservations must be made through theMontbron office. Tel. 05 45 23 60 09.

Initiation centre for charentaise Prehistory in MontbronOpening in June 2011.Permanent exhibition of the Charentaiseregion in prehistoric times, of limestone andkarst (formation of caves and shelters, lime -stone economy in the Horte & Tardoire region). Free entry. Information available from the Montbronoffice. Tel : 05 45 23 60 09 or from A. Debénath,Horte & Tardoire Prehistoric Association. Tel. 05 45 23 12 72.

: Permanent exhibition of prehistoric tools at the Ville bois-Lavalette office, entry free of charge

From castles to homesLa Rochefoucauld castleChristened the « Pearl of the Angoulêmearea », La Rochefoucauld’s castle is built on arocky spur dominating the town and thebanks of the river Tardoire. Because of thevariety, quality and elegance of its architectu-re, La Rochefoucauld castle is quite rightlyconsidered one of the most remarkablecastles in France.Open from 1st April to 1st January inclusive, from10am to 7pm continuously, closed on Tuesdays.Out of season, open on Sunday afternoons from2pm. For groups and schools, visits all year-roundby reservation only.

Worth a visit : the keep (remains of themediaeval era), the monumental corkscrewstaircase, the kitchens dug out of the karst,the libraries, the living rooms, the maincourtyard, the guards’ room…

Come and visit La Rochefoucauld castle in costumes of the era.Information : www.chateau-la-rochefoucauld.com or from the La Rochefoucauld officeTel : 05 45 63 07 45

La Rochefoucauld castle

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Villebois-Lavalette castleBuilt in the 12th Century, Villebois-Lavalette’scastle has been modified many times in thecourse of its history. Stronghold for theVillebois lords, in the 13th Century it becamethe castle of the Lusignan family (counts ofAngoulême) who fortified the walls built bythe Villebois villagers and added seven flan-king towers.Thereafter, every occupant left his trace bybuilding large, stately homes up until the 17thCentury.Since 2000, Mr Fradin, the current owner,has allowed archeological digs to take place,and has been restoring the castle. Today, it islisted entirely as a historical monument, andvisits with commentary take visitors throughthe centuries with the discovery of the entrance chapel (11th Century), the old lowercourt yard and the large halls full of surprises. From 1st July to 31 August guided conferencetours and the possibility of group visits and schoolvisits throughout the year by reservation onlythrough the Horte & Lavalette office in Villebois.

New : « The book “Château de Villebois-Lavalette, des ori-gines à nos jours” (Villebois-Lavalette castle, from its ori-gins up to the present time), on sale at theVillebois-Lavalette office.

Montbron castleThe old Castle in Montbron was built duringthe 15th Century, around 1480, shortly afterthe 100 years war had left behind much des-truction.

Discover the town of Villebois-Lavaletteand its heritage with the booklet « Family Discoveries » from the Villebois-Lavalette office.Tel. 05 45 64 71 58

Discover the town of Montbron and its heritagewith the « Family Discoveries » or the special kids’ games book, both available from the Montbron office.Tel. 05 45 23 60 09

Villebois-Lavalettecastle

La Tranchadecastle

: Visits to the village and the castle all year round byreservation only. Information from the Villebois-Lavaletteoffice. Tel. 05 45 64 71 58

Built on the authority of Marguerite de Rohan,countess of Angoulême, the castle is madeup of a main building with a polygonal towerat the back, accessible via a remarkablecorkscrew staircase, two exhibition halls onthe first floor decorated with magnificentpainted fireplaces dating from the 17thCentury.The whole, built with stones from the formerfeudal fortress, was integrated into the citysurrounded by ramparts. Open between May and September when thereare various art exhibitions in the castle. Free entry.Information from the Montbron office.Tel. 05 45 23 60 09 – www.montbron.fr.

La Tranchade castleThe mediaeval castle of La Tranchade has itsorigins in the Gallo-Roman era. Magnificentlyoverlooking the Anguienne valley; LaTranchade maintained its ideal look-out posi-tion and its stronghold status for several cen-turies, contributing to the defence ofAngoulême.Site listed as historic monument because of itsdungeon, it is open to the public every Thursday at5pm during July and August.www.chateaulatranchade.frTel. 05 45 65 81 89 or 06 18 81 68 30.

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Bouëx castleAttached to the parish church, Bouëx castle,the wash-house and the village centre makeup one of the most picturesque locations.The castle has been greatly modified over thecourse of the centuries. It is arranged aroundan enclosed courtyard and is made up of twowings set at right angles to each other, amanor building facing north-south covered ina steep, flat tiled roof and is flanked by twotowers to the west, a long building with fivebays covered in broken roofs and extendedby a porch way. The castle was famous for itsorangery from which the trees were sold in1894 to the town of Bordeaux.Free visits during the European Heritage days (thirdweekend in September).Information from the Bouëx office. Tel. 05 45 21 91 77.

Marthon, ancient feudal townPlaces of interest in Marthon are set aroundthe remains of the fortress : the Breuil tower,a 12th Century keep of a former castle-fort ofwhich only the ground floor remains intact;the 12th Century chapel of Saint-Jean, a rec-tangular two-storey tower, which today is aprivate house ; inside the Saint Martin churchare funereal recesses and roman capitals ;the ruins of the 12th Century church of SaintSylvester de Saint-Saveur with its vaultedcovered apses ; the site of Châteauneuf de laRenaissance.

Saint-Maurice deMontbron churchAncient 12th and 13thCentury priory attached tothe abbey of Cluny ; to thenorth, the chapel (16thCentury) ; the chevet andthe roman bell tower rebuiltby Paul Abadie (19thCentury) ; inside, the eques-trian statue of Saint-Mauricein polychrome wood (12thCentury).

Discover Marthon’s heritage with a games booklet available from the Montbron office and the Marthon Mairie.

Religious artsThe mark of roman art

In the Montbron area, to the west ofthe Horte & Tardoire region

Saint-Germain de Montbron church12th Century roman church, modified in the15th Century by the square bell tower on twofloors. Inside, painted murals, tabernacle.Restored at the end of the 16th Century.

Saint-Germain de Montbron

church

St-Maurice de Montbron

church

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Saint-Vivien de Charras churchChurch fortified during the 100 years war. Thewhole calls to mind more a fortress than areligious building because of the parapet, themachicolations and arrow slits, and becauseof its only opening, the gateway.

Lepers’ Chapel at Montbron12th and 17th Century chapel devoted toNotre-Dame-du-Bon Secours. Built outsidethe town walls, with colonnades enabling thelepers to listen to the services from outside.Inside, Virgin and Child (17th Century) sculp-ture in polychrome wood.

Around La Rochefoucauld

Saint-Sébastien church at La Rochette 12th Century church with flagstone roof. Onits façade, sculpted tympanums representing«virtue» to the west, represented byConstantine whose horse tramples a squat-ting gnome holding a purse and, to the east,a thrown horseman, symbol of «vice».

Saint-Jean-Baptiste church atCoulgens11th Century church with simple, almost aus-tere architecture. Discover the façade, thesquare bell tower and also inside, the capitalsto the nave and two fragments of frescosillustrating a crucifixion (15th Century) repre-senting Sainte Barbe, as well as the 14thCentury tower.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste church atMalleyrand Former Templars’ chapel dating back to the12th Century. Its architecture reflects the dis-cipline, strictness and efficiency of these mili-tary monks but the church is distinguished bythe elegance and finer points of its decor.Two tombstones, one belonging to a templarand the other to a horseman from the Orderof Malta, make up the framework of the gate-way.

Saint-Cybard church at RivièresThe church dates back to various eras with aprimitive Roman chapel, a Gothic façade anda Byzantine dome. Attached to the building,an old cemetery has impressive tombstonesfrom the 19th Century.

Saint-Sébastien church at La Rochette

Saint-Cybard church at Rivières

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In the heart of the Echelle Valley

Saint-Etienne church at BouëxBuilt in the 12th Century under the directionof the church of Saint- Cybard and the lordsof Bouëx, this church offers a gracious andpious rectangular interior. To the north is achapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, newlyrebuilt in Roman style and whose altar wasrenovated and consecrated in 1984.

Saint-Martial church at DiracDating back to the 12th and 15th Centuries,this church has one of the most elegantfaçades in the Charente. Two bell towersremain, dating back to 1591, and the churchhas been listed as a historic monument since1913. One of the two 15th Century chapelscarries the coat of arms of the Tisond’Argence, ancient lords of Dirac castle, andhouses their vault.

Saint-Cybard church at DignacIt was listed as a historic monument in 1980.Other than the façade and the bell tower, in -

side you must see the 12th Century paintedmurals and the furniture (17th Century altar-piece, 18th Century stone altar).

Saint-Pierre church at Sers Ancient priory church (12th and 15thCenturies) with its square, three-storey belltower with arched windows, its ornate gate-way with columns and its unique nave (12thCentury) as well as its chapels (15th Century).

Saint-Aignan church at Torsac 11th, 15th and 16th Century church, with apolygonal bell tower, a nave and gateway inRoman vaulted-style. Entered in 1973 in thehistoric monuments register for its wall pain-tings, it reveals to visitors frescos of theMiddle Ages, a font, dating back to the 15thCentury, and a 16th Century sculpture of theTrinity in polychrome stone.

Saint-Pierre church at Sers

Saint-Aignan churchat Torsac

Saint-Martial church at Dirac

Saint-Pierre church at Sers

Saint-Cybard churchat Dignac

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Live the Roman adventure with Pierre and ArchiGames sheets for discovering the Roman heritage, available from the four Horte & Tardoire tourist offices. Information on the websitewww.aventure-romane.fr

Around Villebois-Lavalette

Saint Pierre church at Rougnac 12th and 15th Century church, noted for its12th Century crypt, which runs the wholelength of the building, as well as for itsRenaissance altarpiece. The church and itscrypt have been listed as historic monumentssince 2001.

Grandmontaine de Rauzet church atCombiers Ancient monastery of the Order ofGrandmont. This restored Roman church isopen to the public every day and a guidedvisit can be arranged by appointment. Contact : Mrs Kate Douglas. Tel. 05 45 23 06 91.

Notre-Dame church at Gardes-Ie-Pontaroux This ancient priory church dating from the12th and 15th Centuries, its Roman, three-storey arched bell tower and its Roman navemodified in the 15th Century, offer a verybeautiful visit by entering a remarkably flam-boyant gothic door.

Ronsenac priory Ancient monastery of the Order of Cluny builtin the 12th and 15th Centuries; the priory isnoted for its wall paintings dating back to theend of the 13th Century and the beginning ofthe 14th Century. A pathway allows you toappreciate the buildings from the exterior.Visits by appointment on 06 84 80 48 61.

Saint-Pierre church at Édon This 11th, 12th and 15th Century church,built at the gateway to the Dordogne region,has a two-storey Roman bell tower, a vaultedgate with three arches and sculpted capitals.Close by is a 17th Century manor flanked byone round tower with turret.

Rougnac church

Ronsenac priory

Rauzet church at Combiers

Other remarkable religious buildingsCarmelite Monastery Cloisters at La RochefoucauldAt the beginning of the 14th Century, Guy the7th, Lord of La Rochefoucauld, founded aCarmelite Monastery. This building is very wellmaintained with a Gothic cloister and its tre-foil blind arcades, the entrance to the ancientchapter house, the Roman church (restoredin 2010) and the 17th Century staircase. Free access, every day, all year-round.

Notre-Dame d’Assomption Collegiatechurch at La RochefoucauldFounded in the 13th Century, this church isone of the rare buildings in the Charenteregion of Gothic architecture. Its spaciousinterior is lit up by a very beautiful 16thCentury rose window. An elegant balustradewith ornamental apertures and a bell towersurmounted by an octagonal spire with fourlittle steeples complete the façade. Free access, every day, all year-round.

Saint-Cybard churchand RenaissanceChapel at PranzacA documented walkenables you to access theSaint-Cybard church andRenaissance chapel(whose keystones have aremarkable finish) as well

as the ancient feudal castle remains, its keep,its surrounding walls and the Lantern of theDead. Free access, every day, all year-round.

Fontaine Vive Abbey at CharrasGrosbot Abbey is the old Cistercian abbey ofFont-Vive situated in a clearing in the forest ofHorte. The monastery was a post house forthe Obazine monks between the AtlanticOcean and the Limousin. The Notre-DameAbbey of Font-Vive is an abbey that was pro-bably founded around 975 as an Augustinianhouse, of which certain remains have survi-ved. It became Cistercian in the second halfof the 12th Century. Guided tour of the abbey and its gardens, withcommentary, followed by tea, by reservation only.Open during the European Heritage Days.Information : Abbaye de Fontaine Vive - 16380Charras. Tel : 05 45 23 02 00.

Saint-Cybardchurch

: Guided visit of the town of La Rochefoucauld allyear-round, by reservation only (maximum 10 people).Information from the La Rochefoucauld office.Tel. 05 45 63 07 45.

Discover the town of La Rochefoucauldand its heritage with the booklet « Family Discoveries » or with the games booklet reserved for children aged between 8 to 12.La Rochefoucauld office -Tel. 05 45 63 07 45

11Carmelite Monastery Cloisters at La Rochefoucauld

Besidethe water

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The Bandiat-Tardoire MillsStone mill at VilhonneurMill in working order, the only stone sawmill inFrance run by hydraulic energy. Originally, thismill was used for twisting woollen cloth, thenas a walnut press and wheat press until themiddle of the 18th Century. In 1897, thestone mill came into being and it cut its firststone blocks.From 1st May to 15th August, open every firstSunday of the month from 10am to 5pm, Tuesdaymornings from 10am to midday and Thursdayafternoons from 2pm to 5pm. Admission feepayable. Information on 05 45 21 63 98or moulin.delapierre@orange.frhttp://moulindelapierre.over-blog.com/

Forge mill at RancogneSituated on the site of the old Rancognecanon forge, this 17th Century mill is a magi-cal place where history, motion and gastro-nomy are reunited. Driven by its paddlewheel, the mill is in working order and pro-duces oils and flour which can be boughtdirect.Visits by appointment only. Tel. 05 45 23 10 32.

Trotte-Renard mill Chabrot mill Stone mill

Trotte Renard mill at BunzacDating back to 1662, this is the last milldownstream of the Bandiat. With its largepaddle wheel, it has three pairs of seed mill-stones and an oil mill. In its “rotunda”, largemetallic spinning wheels control the drivingforce of all the machinery.Visits by appointment only. Tel. 05 45 70 30 74.

Menet and Chabrot mills at MontbronGuided tours of the two mills, with commen-tary. Numerous summer entertainment at theChabrot mill (concerts, plays, themed eve-nings…).Information from the Montbron office.Tel. 05 45 23 60 09.

Cultural Heritage

Chazelles mill : « La Rainette » BrasserieSituated on the banks of the Bandiat, this millmakes traditional beers called « La Rainette ».Production and sale of different varieties :white beer, black beer, amber beer, bitter ale,smoked beer… for tasting on the terrace.Guided tours from 1st July to 31st August, Tuesdayto Saturday from 2pm. The rest of the year, visits byappointment only. Tel. 06 13 62 15 50.

Thatched millat St Germain de Montbron17th Century mill with two paddle wheels,which has maintained its original methods ofmilling oil and flour. This produces walnut oils,hazelnut oils and stone-ground flour for bread-making.Free visits all year-round, by appointment only.Tel. 05 45 70 28 82.

Vouthon Mill Only open on specif. Information : Tél. : 05 45 70 83 35.

Perrat ford at VilhonneurSituated on the river Tardoire, not far from theChâteau of Vilhonneur (private) the origins ofthis ford date back to the Gallo-Roman era.Pedestrian stone walkway.

Gros Terme ford in PranzacPassageway dating back to Roman timesand without doubt to the Celts. A beautifulstone walkway for hikers. 50 metres furtheron, a swallow hole supplies the karst aquiferfrom La Rochefoucauld when the Bandiatoverflows.

Saint Pierre de Eymouthier fountainReligious fountain near shaded picnic spot.

Saint-Adjutory wash-house19th Century covered wash-house, shelteredfrom the northern wind by a wall with anaccess door, on which we can still see thehinges today. A 500m footpath was createdon this site, it runs along the Bellone andrejoins the ramblers’ path « le chemin deshameaux ». Picnic area with disabled access.

Fountain circuit at OrgedeuilSo-called because of the seven communalfountains; it is possible to see four of themfrom this track : Fontaine du Bourg, Gratte-Loube (panorama over the Montbron area) LesRivailles, and the one at Ecossas. Topo-guideN° 001 HT, « Val de Tardoire » sold in the tou-rist offices.

: Activities relating to mills :« Open Days » for the Bandiat-Tardoire mills, the last wee-kend in February. « National Mills and Regional HeritageDay » in June.

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Saint-Adjutory wash-house

Chazelles mill

Menet mill at Montbron

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The region’sunexpected treasures

Agris helmetMasterpiece of Celtic art,the Agris helmet (4thCentury BC), discoveredin the Perrats cave inAgris, is on display inAngoulême museum. Theheaddress is made up ofa riveted nape-coverediron shell, covered in decorated bronze strips,gold leaf and enhanced with pieces of coral.A replica of the helmet can be seen in thetown hall of Agris.

La Mercerie castle at Magnac-LavaletteThis is the mad dream of the Réthoré bro-thers, who between 1947 and 1970 squan-dered a fortune building this castle, aconstruction which is still not complete today.Attached to a late 19th Century manorhouse, this castle is fascinating because of itsunusual façade which is 220m wide, 20mdeep and 15m high, visible from quite a dis-tance.Private, not open for visits.

Mailleberchie castleCompleted in 1903 by Mr Blanc-Fontenille,mayor of Villebois-Lavalette, this castle wasentirely rebuilt on the site of the 16th and 17thCentury home. He called on the architectPaul Abadie to restore it to the owner’s dreamof grandeur, which was derived mainly frommediaeval architectural ideas, in order tomake this building a prime example of Neo-Gothic architecture rich and diverse in itssculpted decor. Private, not open for visits.

Orthodox monastery churchof Korrsoun at Grassac

Gurat monolithic churchLess well-known than the Saint-Jean Churchin Aubeterre but just as amazing, Gurat’smonolithic church is worth a detour. Also called « Chapelle Saint-Georges », this 11thand 12th Century church is perched on theside of the hill, where the village is built.

Orthodox monastery church ofKorrsoun at GrassacConsecrated in April 1996, this surprisingchurch of pure Russian Byzantine style isdecorated with painted icons. Guided tour on Sundays all year-round from 2pmto 6pm. During school holidays and bank holidays,information on the monastery’s answerphone.Tel. 05 45 23 05 07.

Gurat monolithic church

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Contemporary works of Art in the Environment

« Echelle 1 » :Echelle 1.1 - Christophe GONNET Creations, June 2008 - «Effleurement and Affleurement»« Effleurement » Tuilerie Niollet in Garat« Affleurement » Les Fontenelles in Sers

Echelle 1.2 - Olivier de SÉPIBUS Creations, September 2009 - « Immersion and Submersion »«Immersion» Magnac Lavalette leisure area«Submersion» Blanzaguet Arboretum

Echelle 1.3 - Marie DENIS Creations, September 2010 - « Alice and Clara »«Alice» Village wash-house in Bouëx«Clara» Les Pascauds, Maison Neuve in Vouzan

Lantern of the Dead at PranzacThe main feature of Pranzac is its Lantern ofthe Dead, which dominated the old cemeteryand today transforms the public square. Thislantern dates back to the 12th Century. It is ahollow column almost 7m tall, pierced at thetop with small windows which allow the lightto shine through.

Hospital museum and its apothecary shop at La RochefoucauldDiscover ancient pharmacy pottery, 16th &17th Century mortars, medical and militarysurgical objects, from the 19th Century, aswell as a number of liturgical objects.Visits by appointment only, information from the LaRochefoucauld office.Tel. 05 45 63 07 45.

Musée de l’hôpital et Apothicairerie

Echelle 1.1 - Affleurementde Christophe Gonnet

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A greenregion

Oddities of NatureTrenches in La Braconne forestThe forest of La Braconne, situated right inthe heart of the Karst* area of LaRochefoucauld, stretches over approximately4 000 hectares. Managed by the NationalForestry Commission, it is made up of naturalareas for relaxation and open-air recreationalareas. The continuing work of the under-ground waterways over the past thousandsof years has caused spectacular subsidencecalled troughs or trenches, of which the bestknown are the Great Trench (la GrandeFosse), the Mobile Trench (la Fosse Mobile)(access reserved to experienced potholers)and the Limousin Trench (la Fosse Limousine)(11 km pathway of the Devil’s Trenches). Twosports circuits and numerous other hikingtrails invite you to discover the fauna andflora, by foot, by horse or by mountain bike. .An ONF map of the forest is available from the LaRochefoucauld office.

Worth a visit : Monumental sculpturesmade with a chainsaw, representingancient crafts, are displayed in several vil-lages (the « Cerclier » at Rougnac, the« Lumberjack » in Combiers, the « Nailer »in Charras, the « Blacksmith » in Sers…).

The forest of la Mothe-Clédou, landof the « Feuillardier »The forest landscape remains marked byclearings made by chestnut coppicing every20 to 25 years. Some hiking trails enable youto discover a “Cerclier’s” lodge and why notmeet with an ancient “Feuillardier” still in acti-vity (Rougnac, & Dignac circuits and closeby,the Clédou Arboretum).

*Karst : The Karst landscape is particular to cer-tain regions where limestone rocks form thickfoundations. The infiltrating waters dissolve thecalcium carbonate, creating the troughs, cavesand underground networks. The trenches or sin-kholes, are produced by the subsidence of thevaults of some of these excavations, which areclose to the surface.

Good to know : The craft of the« Feuillardier » or « Cerclier » comes above allfrom knowledge handed down through gene-

rations. Right in the heart of the young chestnut cop-pices, living in his lodge covered in fragments ofwood, the « Cerclier » selects his strip of wood(chestnut sapling) with the help of a billhook, hecleans it, trims off branches and knots, then splits itin two to obtain a barrel circle. This circle is then flat-tened, grained then arched with the help of amachine. Today, there are fewer and fewer « Cer-cliers ».

La grande fosse

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The Quéroy Caves Concretionsat ChazellesDiscovered by accident in 1892, these caves,preserved in their original state, were dug outby underground water channels in the lime -stone plateau. The circuit laid out into 800mof galleries enables you to discover the lime -stone concretions, stalactites, stalagmitesand draperies.Paid guided tours. Open from 3rd April to 13thJune and from 11th September to 1st Novemberon Sundays and Bank Holidays from 2pm to6.30pm (visits from 2.30pm to 4pm) ; from 11thApril to 6th May every day (visits from 2.30pm to4pm), from 19th June to 1st July every day from2pm to 6.30pm (visits from 2.30pm to 4pm) andfrom 3rd July to 4th September every day frommidday to 7pm (last visit at 5.30pm). Information : 05 45 70 38 14.

The biodiversity of the Renaudiepath (communes of Montbron, Rouzèdeand Écuras)

Between the foothills of the Massif Centraland the charentaise limestone plains, theRenaudie valley is an astonishing valley withcontrasting landscapes. Listed as a « NationalRegional Reserve » in 2002, this regulatoryprotective status guarantees the preservationof these exceptional surroundings.Discover the yellow-bellied toad, the white-throated dipper or admire the purple loose -strife. 3 footpaths to discover : the « geology »path, the « water » path and the « biodiversi-ty » path.Brochures for sale in the Horte &Tardoire regionTourist Office, Montbron office.

Another natural oddityIn the valley ofVoultron, a rock in theform of a mushroomat Gardes lePontaroux.

Mushroom at Gardes le Pontaroux

In the Garden

Around Villebois-Lavalette

The gardens of the Logis deChenard at Chavenat This logis has grounds of 2 hectares, compri-sing an English garden, a French garden anda vegetable plot, registered in the additionalregister of Historic Monuments.Visits by appointment at the weekends from 4thJune to 25th September, from 2pm to 6pm. Tel. 05 45 21 84 45 or 06 88 91 02 74.

Jean Audouin arboretum atCombiers Created at the beginning of the 20th Century,the arboretum covers 10 hectares in the heartof the forest of La Mothe-Clédou. Two circuitsenable us to admire the rare and exotic varie-ties and species of trees and to note howthey have adapted to the Charentais surroun-dings (cedars form the Himalayas, Californianredwood…).Free visits every day, all year-round.Information : Maison forestière, 16380 Charras.

The Quéroy caves concretions

Saint-Florent gardens

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Bandiat gardens atSouffrignac

Dignac’s mediaevalgarden

The curate’s garden at CharmantThis garden has various fruit trees and shrubswith evocative names (Nun pear, Benedictineapple tree, Bishops’ Hat…) as well as medi-cinal and edible plants.Free visits.

Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard arboretum This arboretum, made up of local tree spe-cies, is remarkably situated at the foot of theGalard de Béarn castle. The new item ofinterest in the Blanzaguet arboretum is« Submersion », the contemporary work ofthe artist, Olivier de Sépibus.

At La Rochefoucauld

Saint-Florent gardens at LaRochefoucauldSituated in La Rochefoucauld’s old town,200m from the castle and on the bank of theriver Tardoire, this enclosed garden has col-lections of hardy perennials, roses and boxhedges, displayed in themed gardens. Alsoavailable all year-round on site, bed andbreakfast with evening meals.Free visits of the garden in June from 2pm to 6pm,closed on Mondays. Information : le jardin Saint-Florent.www.jardinsaintflorent.com. Tel. 05 45 23 94 30.

Around Montbron

Bandiat gardens at SouffrignacThis site is an integration project whose prin-cipal activity is organic market gardening,certified by Ecocert. Worth a visit : Plant collections and themedgardens, the country museum and organical-ly cultivated market gardens.Free visits from 1st May to 15th September fromMonday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. In July, guidedvisits on Tuesdays from 3pm.Information : 05 45 23 25 73.www.jardinsdubandiat-cidil.org

In the Echelle Valley

Dignac’s mediaeval garden Situated at the bottom of the church square,this garden has 150 plants selected from thelist of Villis de Charlemagne. It is arranged inraised beds surrounded by weaved chestnutfences called « plessis ».Unrestricted visits all year-round.Information : Dignac Mairie - Tel. 05 45 24 50 35.

La Marotte garden at Dignac5 000 m2 of gardens created in 1990 withlovely collections of rare shrubs, hardy peren-nials and rose bushes.All year-round visits by appointment only.Admission fee payable. Contact : Mr or Mme Mimaud - Tel. 05 45 24 54 65

The Inhabited Garden at SersOn the site of the Hameau de la Brousse, theCiel Ouvert Association offers a visit to theinhabited garden, which displays some worksof art – installations, huts, sculptures – crea-ted by artists in residence. A living space, inleague with nature, the garden is registeredas a preserved natural site, created andmaintained according to the rules of sustai-nable development.Permanent exhibition, free entry every day from9am to 7pm for unrestricted visits.Admission fee payable for visits with commentaryby appointment on 05 45 24 95 72.http://cielouvert.free.fr

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Outdooractivities

Nature whilst hiking

By footThe long-distance hiking trails (GrandeRandonnée) GR4 and GR36, as well as theGRP from the Angoulême area to Perigordrun across the undulating and wooded land-scapes of the Horte & Tardoire region andcontinue into the Green Périgord. The signedshort-distance hiking trails listed in the hikingsheets offer numerous possibilities for wal-king as a family and discovering the culturalrural heritage (fountains, wash-houses…) andnumerous ramblers groups or hiking clubswelcome walking enthusiasts.Guide books and hiking sheets are available forpurchase in any of the Horte & Tardoire touristoffices.

By bike or mountain bikeTwo FFC moutain bike circuits (the Chambon inSeuil-Charente -Périgord and VilleboisLavalette to the Échelle Valley) offer 430 km ofsigned routes accessible to all levels acrossthe Horte & Tardoire region. A large range ofadditional services are also offered to enablemountain bike enthusiasts to practise theirfavourite sport, either on their own, with theirfamily or in groups.Meeting Points : The Chambon DepartmentalLeisure Centre at Eymouthiers. Tel. 05 45 70 70 42Horte & Tardoire Region Tourist Office, Villebois-Lavalette. Tel. 05 45 64 71 58.

Trails around Montbron for bikes or mountainbikes : « Charente Vélo » is a plan put in placeby the Department. Each trail comprises 3circuits : « family », « discovery » and « explo-ration » (from 4.5 to 56 km). At the startingpoint, an information board indicates theroutes.Trail maps available in the Horte & Tardoire RegionTourist Offices.

The Oc Run : This 21 km trail is a green route(former railway line) linking Le Quéroy toSouffrignac, which invites you to go for astroll, a cycle ride or on rollerskates!

: In July and August, in the Echelle Valley Communityof Communes area, the hikers’ association accompaniesyou on a walk each Tuesday and offers an anthology ofwalks based on local places of interest.More information at www.randonneurs-vallee-echelle.fr Tel. 05 45 67 83 37

The Oc Run

HorseridingNumerous equestrian centres enable horse -riding to take place in the Horte & Tardoireregion :L’Oxer Equestrian Centre Pony Club16110 Agris - Tel. 05 45 63 99 15Moulin du Got Pony Club16410 Dirac - Tel. 05 45 61 52 72Flamenac Equestrian Farm16110 Pranzac - Tel. 05 45 91 75 79

Les Attelages de La Roche16110 La Rochefoucauld - Tel. 05 45 63 10 21La Menardière Stables16110 Rivières - Tel. 05 45 23 91 69Couret Pony club16220 St Sornin - Tel. 05 45 97 18 17Equi’libre16410 Torsac - Tel. 05 45 24 59 80

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Other open-air sports

Canoeing on the Tardoire The « maison du Canoë » offers 7 unaccom-panied trips (between 3-17km) with nauticalequipment available to those taking part.Semi-nocturnal trips also take place as partof the summer activity season. From 1st April to 1st July and from 1st Septemberto end October, rides by appointment only. From2nd July to 31st August, trips available every dayfrom 9am to 6pm. Information from the Maison duCanoë at Montbron.Tel. 05 45 23 93 58 – http://tardoireck.sytes.net

Multi ActivitiesThe Charente Departmental Open Air Centre atEymouthiersAll year-round, the Chambon welcomesschools, associations and families to discoveropen-air activities such as kayaking, moun-tain biking, rock-climbing, archery, adventurecircuits, potholing, horseriding, discoveringthe environment and rustic golf – food andlodgings available on site.

Magnac-Lavalette-Villars leisure siteThis site has a number ofpossible activities on offer,such as introduction toparagliding (as part of thesummer activity season),model aircraft activities,mountain biking, fitness cir-cuits, nature discoverytrails, picnic area and chil-dren’s play area.

Information : Villebois Lavalette office.Tel. 05 45 64 71 58

« Open-Air Nature » site at EdonCross the ancient railway line that has beenconverted into a discovery trail, the hiking trailsgo along and criss-cross the Lizonne Valley andthe fully equipped rock climbing site.

: Summer campsIn July and August, half-day activities are offered to all,supervised by qualified professionals.Registrations obligatory at the Montbron officeTel. 05 45 23 60 09

Slip into an eco-agent’s shoes with the interactivegame Mission ÉcoPossible, 4 stories on themes related to the environment and to sustainable development with puzzles to solve!More information : www.lechambon.orgTel 05 45 70 70 42

L’Oxer Equestrian Centre Pony Club

Paragliding

Canoeing on the Tardoire

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Golf de la PrèzeOpen to all for initiation,discovery or to perfectyour skills.Open every day from 9amto 6pm (except for 25thDecember and 1st January)Bar-restaurant on site.Information : Golf de laPrèze at Ecuras - Rouzède.Tel. 05 45 23 24 74reception@golfdelapreze.comwww.golfdelapreze.com

Open Air Swimming Pools Municipal Pool at Gardes le PontarouxTel. 05 45 64 91 81Municipal Pool at MontbronTel. 05 45 23 60 16Municipal Pool at La RochefoucauldTel. 05 45 62 01 25

Karting 16 (Go-Karting)La Planche Circuit at Taponnat.Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am tomidday and from 2pm to 6pm. Tel. 05 45 62 18 18 contact@karting16.com www.karting16.com

The Discovery Pass at 5€ a fishing licence for the under 12’s, valid all year-round, with free discovery sessions.

: United Summer Activities in Horte & Tardoire In July and August, sports and cultural activity days open toall are arranged over the three boroughs of the Horte & Tar-doire region. On the programme are open-air activities,nature sports (mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking,archery, walking, horse riding, potholing, paragliding, rock-climbing and tennis) introductions to photography, paintingand pottery, as well as discovering the environment and therural heritage.

Fishing Carp, tench, roach, gudgeon and trout popu-late the Tardoire and the Bandiat which crossthe region before disappearing into thetroughs and feeding the Touvre, France’ssecond largest re-emerging river.Fishing licences for sale in the La Rochefoucauldoffice.

Equipped rock climbing site at Edon

adventure circuitsat Chambon

The landof savoir-faireof savoir-faire

Arts & CraftsHameau de la Brousse ceramics at SersTrained as a multimedia artist, the ceramicistMarie Mazères, moulds, fashions and giveslife to unique objects by using techniquessuch as ceramic or stoneware Raku…various pieces, ceramics, sculptures andother coloured and decorated fantasy itemsnot to be missed. Workshop visits by appointment only. Children andadult lessons and courses available, reservationsall year-round. Contact : Marie Mazères. Tel. 05 45 24 88 46marie.mazeres@wanadoo.fr

Grands Moulins ceramics at BouëxThe ceramicist Serge Cousseran discoveredhis material, clay, very early on and has prac-tised this craft with a passion since 1977. Theenamels he produces are on display in eachof the rooms where he has set up his pro-duction of unique and decorative objects. Visits to the workshop and exhibition gallery are byappointment only. Contact : Serge Cousseran. Tel. 05 45 60 62 75. serge.cousseran@aliceadsl.fr

The Lilibulle Workshop at La RochefoucauldJoëlle Lemaire is a creator of cardboard furni-ture and she opens her workshop to thepublic and offers courses.Contact : Joëlle Lemaire – atelier-boutique. 7, rue des tanneurs at La Rochefoucauld. Tel. 06 48 89 31 42. joellelemaire@yahoo.frwww.les-cartons-de-lilibulle-16.fr

Anita Dorcet, painter at Yvrac-et-MalleyrandLandscapes, still-life, animals, portraits are allwaiting for you in Anita Dorcet’s workshopover the summer.Contact : Anita Dorcet - Cossardières at Yvrac-et-Malleyrand. Tel. 05 45 62 36 65.

Jean-Pierre Petit, pottery at Montbron« According to the Elves » Educational and discovery tours of his potte-ry workshop with everyday pottery and deco-rative Burgundy stoneware.Visits to the workshop and demonstrations on thewheel and modelling every Friday afternoon duringthe months of June, July, August and September.Contact : Jean-Pierre Petit.27, route de La Rochefoucauld at Montbron.Tel. 06 75 82 17 11 or 05 45 21 09 03.

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Creative leather workshop at DignacAnnie Laroche offers original leather creationswhich can be seen in different forms : fashionaccessories, jewellery, decorative objects,and she also works to order.Visits to the workshop by appointment only. Contact : Annie Laroche. Tel. 05 45 25 07 46annielaroche1@free.fr - www.artcuircreatif.com

Logis de la Brousse pottery at GaratThe potter Sylvie Sallet-Gerbaud opens herworkshop and gallery to visitors in order forthem to discover the different stages of herwork, the materials and techniques used inthe creation of everyday pottery. In groups by appointment only ; you can also par-ticipate in a creative workshop. Visit the workshopevery day (except Mondays) from 2pm to 5.30pm.Contact : Sylvie Sallet-Gerbaud. Tel. 05 45 25 10 34

Hameau de laBrousse Ceramics

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Yves’ clog at Saint-SorninArtisanal production of wooden-soled clogs.Contact : 1, chemin de la Laurière at Saint-Sornin Tel. 05 45 25 37 87

Marie Rousselière, cane and rush furniture at MontbronVisits to the cane and old-fashioned rushworkshops. Caning with rattan cane, traditio-nal work. Mulching with marshland straw.Mulching with natural or coloured rye straw. Contact : Marie-Madeleine Rousselière8, rue des jardins at Montbron. Tel. 06 08 05 17 39 - marie.rousseliere@orange.fr

M’zel Soleil, clothing designer at SaintGermain de MontbronGaëlle launched her M’zel Soleil label with anintroductory Winter collection in 2005. Fromthe initial sketch to making the clothes,through the stages of designing the pattern,here everything is « made by her own littlehands ». Colour and softness mixed with atouch of fantasy, this is the spirit of the sty-list’s clothes and accessories for children andadults. Visit the production workshop by appointment.Contact : Gaëlle Bonjean, Atelier M'Zel Soleil, LePoteau at St Germain de Montbron.Tel. 06 74 14 40 61 - mzelsoleil@yahoo.f

La CharentaiseCreated under the rule of Louis 14th to usethe material refused by the Royal Navy andthe reconstituted felt from the Angoulêmepaper factories. Christened « silent” or “flo-wing », servants used to use these slippersto shine the parquet floors. The Duke of LaRochefoucauld apparently commandedthe Court to do so. Two companies from LaRochefoucauld gained a reputationthrough hard work for their Charentaise(slippers) : Chaignaud (specific raw mate-rials) and Rondinaud, who continue tocreate new slippers in new styles.Sales of Charentaise slippers throughout the year, from Tuesday to Saturday, atRondinaud-Chaussures, rue des Halles in LaRochefoucauld.At Villebois-Lavalette, Ferrand also createdand produced Charentaise slippers.Visits for a maximum of 6 people by appoint-ment only Tel. 05 45 64 92 10 – shop open onTuesdays to Fridays from 1.30pm to 5.30pmand on Saturdays from 9.30am to midday.Tel. 05 45 64 15 40

Saint-Sornin WinesThe vineyards of Saint-Sornin have existedsince the Middle Ages and adorn the hills ofSaint-Sornin, dominated by the manor at laFenêtre. The Sornin wine is able to use thelabel « Vin de Pays Charentais ». Guided visits and tastings by appointment. Salesshop with regional produce.Contact : Cave de Saint-SorninTel. 05 45 23 92 22 or www.cavesaintsornin.com

Vin de pays « Le Guimbelot »Henri Jammet produces astonishingChardonnays from his 2 hectare vineyard.The harvested grapes are turned into wineand aged in oak barrels in his vaulted cellarnamed after François Guimbelot, early 19thCentury wine grower.Guided visits and tastings on Wednesdays from5pm between 13 July and 17 August, by appoint-ment only (adults €2, children under 12 free). Contact : La Fenêtre - 16220 Saint-SorninTel. 05 45 70 40 06henri@guimbelot.com - www.guimbelot.com

Vineyards of Saint-Sornin

Flavours : the Region’sgourmet basket

Foie gras exploitation

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Vin de pays : le Domaine de l’AngélieCellars in the country, in the heart of theCharente/Perigord region. Quality Gastronomy Ambassador of theFrench regions. Contact : Mr BARBET-MASSIN Yves, L'Angelie atGURAT. Tel. 05 45 64 77 24.contact@domainedelangelie.com http://www.domainedelangelie.com

Les Garrands FarmVéronique and Bruno invite you to visit theirfarm and taste their produce : cheeses, meatsand eggs. Every 2nd Saturday of the month,between 9am and 6pm, a farmers’ marketbrings together 6 producers.Contact : Ferme des Garrands at TorsacTel. 05 45 24 01 80 - fermedesgarrands@tele2.fr

Jacoupy HoneyMaking artisanal honey.Contact : Christophe JACOUPY - La RenarderieHaute at Ronsenac - Tel. 05 45 64 15 26.

La Fontaine ApieriesSale of several varieties of honey, pollen andmead (spiced bread to order).Open on Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 7.30pmand by appointment. Contact : Hélène TERMINIE-RE Perry at Ecuras. Tel. 05 45 61 34 38.

Bachelier Foie gras Sale of foie gras with figs, lemon, spices andcocoa beans, orange peel and Pineau.Every day from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to7pm by appointment. Contact : Mr BACHELIER «leMas Neuf» at Chavenat. Tel. 05 45 24 00 08.www.bruno-bachelier.com

“Le Marie” goats cheesesClaude invites you to visit his goat farm. Onsite he produces fine fresh cheeses in hisworkshop.Farm sales on Fridays and Saturdays from April toSeptember, between 3pm and 6pm and byappointment. Contact : MARTEAU Claude LaChauvrerie at RONSENAC. Tel. 05 45 64 71 23

Le Manslois cheese factory« Le p’tit Manslois » is a white cheese thatcomes from a recipe which has been passedon from generation to generation. Originallyfrom Mansle and produced since 1962, « LeManslois » is now produced in a cheese fac-tory respecting quality and tradition from themilk of animals grazing the green fields ofRivières. The production of this fresh, pasteu-rised cheese made with full cream milk fromcows or goats fulfils all quality demands.Contact : Fromagerie Le Manslois – Chez Pouret atRIVIERES. Tel. 05 45 62 13 82

Hervouet orchardArtisanal production of fruit juices, sparklingapple juices and sale of orchard fruit.Contact : Mr HERVOUET Michel - Le Plantier atGARAT. Tel. 05 45 60 64 29

Original jams from the Bandiat GardensThis association produces and sells organicvegetables. It transforms part of its produc-tion into jams and jellies. These are made inold copper cauldrons. Sale of jams and jellies,as well as seasonal vegetables : at theBandiat Gardens, on Thursdays from 3pm to5pm and on Fridays from 8.30am to 5pm; atthe Chambon campsite in Eymouthiers onTuesday evenings in the summer and at theMontbron market from May to November onFriday mornings. Fee payable for visits and activities.Jardins du Bandiat - Le bourg at SouffrignacTel. 05 45 23 25 73 - jardinsdubandiat@wanadoo.frhttp://jardinsdubandiat-cidil.org/

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Les Cornuelles : an Easter TraditionThe Cornuelles are triangular shaped biscuitswith a hole through them, believed to be thesymbol of Creation or of the religious trilogy.In olden times, some were used to decorateboxwood branches.

As for pastry chefs,they used to threadthem over longsticks to carry themto market. Every yearin Villebois-Lavaletteon Palm Sunday, theCornuelles fair takesplace with local activi-ties, a local producemarket and bric-a-brac. You can find Cornuelles atthe Boulangerie JEAN

2, Grand’ rue in Villebois-Lavalette.

Les croquants de la TardoirePâtisserie Gabilan. 12, rue d'Angoulême atMontbron. Tel. 05 45 23 60 31.

La Pichotte Chocolate factoryLa Rochefoucauld inhabitants are called « LesRupificaldiens », but they are nicknamed « lesPichotiers », ie « eaters of Pichottes ». Thishas been a local speciality since 1940 and the« Pichotte » brand is patented and only pro-duced in this chocolate factory.The « Pichotte » is a very sophisticated cho-colate with a subtle, refined taste.Shop : 33, rue des Halles in La RochefoucauldTel. 05 45 63 00 26 – lapichotte@orange.fr

Antan Chocolate factoryThe work of this chocolate factory, situated atthe foot of La Rochefoucauld castle on thebank of the river Tardoire, is carried out tradi-tionally. Chocolate, nougat and fruit jellies arefor sale every day, all year-round. From 10th July to 20th August, free guided visitswith tastings, every day at 3pm and at 4.30pm.Workshop and shop : 2, rue des Gaillaudes in LaRochefoucauld. Tel. 05 45 63 58 05.chocolateriedantan@free.fr

Le Verger Chocolate factoryThis company’s reputation has come from itschocolates made according to artisanal pro-cesses. All the chocolates are made fromquality 100% cocoa butter in their laboratoryat Marillac-le-Franc.Shop : 28 rue des Halles in La Rochefoucauld.Tel. 05 45 23 52 94. There is also a sales outlet open 15 days prior to Easter and 3 weeks before Christmas inLimarceau.

Cooked meats and GrillonCharentais PâtéFrancis Raby, master butcher, 6 rue de Limoges in Montbron, Tel. 05 45 23 62 76 Pascal Gautier, Master butcher and caterer, 18 rue des Halles in la Rochefoucauld, Tel. 05 45 63 01 66

Markets and fairsLa Rochefoucauld : Saturday morning mar-ket on the church square and «foire» (largestreet market) on the 10th of each month(9th if the 10th is a Sunday)Montbron : Saturday morning market;during the «foire» on the 1st of each month,there is a bric-a-brac too.Villebois-Lavalette : Wednesday andSaturday morning marketTorsac : Farmers’ market at the GarrandsFarm, every 2nd Saturday of the monthfrom 9am to 6pm.

: Montbron, Discovering its Savoir-FaireDuring the summer season, visits to deer farms at theDomaine de la Breuille and a plantation of walnut trees atMainzac, as well as an artisanal pottery workshop. Information from the Montbron office. Tel. 05 45 23 60 09

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Dates foryour diary

FEBRUARYOpen Days for the Bandiat-Tardoire mills, last weekend inFebruary. Free mill visits (see pages 12-13) and various activities.

APRILPalm Sunday Fair at Villebois-Lavalette. Bric-a-brac, local fes-tival, tasting of famous Cornuelles biscuits and visits to the vill ageand castle.Easter of Art at Sers. Art workshops, shows and street entertain-ment, arts and crafts exhibitions.Wine, Cheese and Artisanal Wares Fair at Pranzac.Easter weekend.

MAYFestival of Forgotten Points (May 2012). With this festival,which takes place every two years on the last weekend in May,beautiful lacework from the olden days and of today take pride ofplace! The exhibitors and the people taking part in this eventcome from the four corners of France and Europe, to talk abouttheir love for this beautiful craft of lacework.

JUNENational Heritage Day and National Day of the Mills. The 3rdSunday in each month.Organic Fouquebrune. Spring Fair – 1st weekend in June.

JULYGrand Mediaeval Festival in Dignac on the 1st Sunday in July.With your family or among friends, come and enjoy, dine andspend the day at Dignac in a friendly, mediaeval setting, orga -nised by many renowned professional companies.Summer Nights in Villebois. French music festival.Village Sessions. Courses, shows and music concerts in ruralsurroundings across the two communities of communes of theÉchelle and Horte & Lavalette valleys.Fjord Horse Festival. This event brings together breeders andlovers of this race of horse. On the agenda are free rides in ahorse-drawn carriage around the streets of Montbron and an offi-cial breeding competition under the supervision of the nationalstud farms.Summer Activities in the Old Castle. Cultural activities carriedout by the Mairie in MONTBRON. Come and discover local,national and international artists’ works of art exhibited over thesummer period and come and visit the old castle.La Rochefoucauld gives the «La». This is a festival with freeconcerts which has become the must-see event for summertimein La Rochefoucauld. A result of constant research, giving diver-sity and quality of artists and groups from all backgrounds.

Les Musichorales at La Rochefoucauld. The MUSICHORALESfestival offers 5 days of musical meetings with « Les Cordesd’Argent » orchestra of Saint Petersbourg from 17th to 22nd July.Two concerts in La Rochefoucauld castle grounds close the fes-tival.

AUGUSTNight market in Montbron. 1st Friday in August from 6pm to1am.La Rochefoucauld gives the «La». This is a festival with freeconcerts which has become the must-see event for summertimein La Rochefoucauld. A result of constant research, giving diver-sity and quality of artists and groups from all backgrounds.« Mijot » Evening. Meal made from the organic produce of theGardens of the Bandiat with musical entertainment.Les Jardins du Bandiat le Bourg -16380 Souffrignac.Operation Sunflower. Various activities : visits to Montbron,botanical trips, cultural readings, etc, organised by the Montbronarea villages.La Rochefoucauld Showjumping Event. Last weekend inAugust. In the enchanting backdrop of La Rochefoucauld castlegrounds, this showjumping event is a must for the end of thesummer season. The Sainte Hubert mass is celebrated on theSunday at 11am in the castle chapel.

SEPTEMBERChildren’s Festival at the Chambon. 2nd weekend inSeptember. Numerous associations, producers and local arti-sans, conferences, exhibitions and debates in order to offer over50 free activities to our children and anyone who wants toaccompany them to the exceptional site of the Chambon atEymouthiers.Horse Fair in Charmant. 2nd weekend in SeptemberHorseriding, mountain biking and walking, introduction to ponyand horseriding, rides in horse-drawn carriages and a farmers’market.3rd weekend in September, European Heritage Days. Anopportunity to discover or rediscover not only public heritage butsome private estates, as certain owners open their doors.Wild Goose Walk. 4th weekend in SeptemberLarge event for rambles, horse and mountain bike riding withinthe community of communes of the Echelle Valley. Country-stylelunch and entertainment on arrival.

OCTOBERSornin and Prehistory. Wine festival : tastings, musical enter-tainment, demonstrations, auctions of vintages…Market of Tastes in La Rochefoucauld. Sale and tasting ofregional products, street entertainment for children. Dinner-dance with entertainment.

DECEMBERChristmas market in MontbronChristmas market in Villebois LavaletteChristmas market in Charras

Look out for the diary of events on the website www.pays-horte-tardoire.frand in the Horte & Tardoire regional tourist offices.

27

Coulgens

La Rochette

Agris

St-ProjetSt-Constant

Rivières

Bunzac Rancogne

Pranzac

St-SorninOrgedeuil

Vouthon

MarthonFeuillade

SouffrignacGrassac

Mainzac

CharrasRougnac

Combiers

VouzanSers

BouëxGarat

Dirac

Torsac Dignac

Fouquebrune

Édon

Charmant

Juillaguet

Ronsenacet Prieuré

Chavenat

Vaux-Lavalette

Gurat

Magnac-Lavalette-Villars

Gardes-Le Pontaroux

Blanzaguet-St-Cybard

Chazelles

Rouzède

La Pouge

Écuras

Eymouthiers

Vilhonneur

Taponnat-Fleurignac

LIMOGES

ANGOULÊME

ANGOULÊME

ANGOULÊME

PÉRIGUEUX

NONTRON

PIÉGUT-PLUVIERS

St-Adjutory

Yvrac-et-Malleyrand

St-Germain-de-Montbron

MarillacLe Franc

LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

MONTBRON

VILLEBOIS-LAVALETTE

HAUTE-VIENNE

CHARENTE-MARITIME

CHARENTE

VIENNEDEUX-SÈVRES

DORDOGNE

PÉRIGUEUX

LIMOGES

Tourist office

Campsites

Swimming pools

Nautical activities

Golf clubs

Holiday villages

Restaurants

Open-air activity centres

Hotels

Motor home stops

RegionalMap

NEW :Find all this information and more at www.pays-horte-tardoire.fr

Brochure carried out by the Horte & Tardoire region and local tourist offices.

Horte & Tardoire RegionTourist OfficesLa Rochefoucauld Office39, rue des Halles 16110 - La RochefoucauldTél. : 05 45 63 07 45 - Fax : 09 71 70 14 25E-mail : ot-larochefoucauld@wanadoo.fr

Montbron OfficePlace de l'Hôtel de Ville - 16220 MontbronTél. / Fax : 05 45 23 60 09E-mail : info@ot-montbron.com

Villebois-Lavalette OfficePlace du Champ de Foire - 16320 Villebois-LavaletteTél. / Fax : 05 45 64 71 58E-mail : otlavalette@charente-verte.fr

Vallée de l'Echelle OfficeLe Bourg - 16410 BouëxTél. : 05 45 21 91 77E-mail : otvalleedelechelle@free.fr

Photo credits : J.-M. Mossant., Robert Tranchet, Alain Mitteau, CDC Seuil-Charente-PérigordGraphic creation & printing : MEDIAPRINT & CIE - 05 45 39 57 88

EDITION 2011-2012

Web Site : www.pays-horte-tardoire.fr

Horte & Tardoire RegionBP 18 - 16220 MontbronTél. : 05 45 65 19 75 – Fax : 05 45 65 19 81E-mail : contact@horte-et-tardoire.fr

Château de La Rochefoucauld