Attractions and Places To See around Champagne-Et-Fontaine - Top 6

The Romanesque church of Saint-Martin d'Argentineau was built in three different eras. The bell tower and a small choir were built in the 11th century. The choir was enlarged in the 12th century and the church and side aisle to the north were built in the 15th century. The church was listed as a historical monument in 1974. The modern church windows, which bathe the church in a special light, are particularly noteworthy. The neighboring cemetery is also worth seeing.

Cluzeaux are shelters made by man in the rock. They are typical of Périgord. In the village of Argentina, perched on a rocky spur above the Nizonne valley, we find some dating from the Middle Ages. Grain silos, but also a huge necropolis have been built there. The site, free to access and very impressive, can be visited all year round.

It was originally a Benedictine abbey from the 11th century. The abbey experienced the horrors of the 100 Years' War in the 14th and 15th centuries, then those of the religious wars which marked the 16th century. Seized as national property during the Revolution, the building was reborn when it fell into the hands of a new owner at the end of the 1980s who opened it to the public.

The extraordinary history of this grandiose residence began in 1924, in the heart of a small 19th century manor (to the left of the current façade): the troubadour castel of La Mercerie was then acquired by Alphonse and Raymond Réthoré. From then on, the two brothers, dreaming of the great Versailles, devoted all their resources to enlarging and embellishing the building. The work undertaken is commensurate with the ambition that drives it. Outside, colonnades and balusters in white stone soon extend the first building. the cut stone increases the gigantism and the rigor of a facade with a perfect rhythm. Inside, nothing is too beautiful for La Mercerie, Raymond brings back from his travels furniture and paintings, chandeliers and precious woods, marbles from Italy, azulejos from Portugal etc. He returns from Italy with a painter sculptor who will carry out on the spot the most monumental decorations with the assistance of the inhabitants of the country. The treasures are piling up, but 30 years of work will not be enough to complete the colossal project. The collections are dispersed during auctions in June 1987. When the two brothers died, the castle fell into oblivion, until the mobilization of the inhabitants of the town, who decided to found an association to safeguard this unique and prestigious heritage. The Béruges room, the central living room, the Vernet living room, the vestibule, the mahogany gallery and the large Azulejos gallery, each more impressive than the last, now fully conquers the visitor eager for cultural discoveries. A short tour of the belvedere of the castle allows you to admire it from the height. In the park of the castle, the rose garden and the arboretum can be visited by little train. The little train is random due to the health context and will be reserved for people with reduced mobility and children, and mainly on Sundays.

Pretty castle in height after a climb from Angoulême

Villebois-Lavalette castle is a real citadel overlooking the village of Villebois-Lavalette. Surrounded by a fortress with seven towers, it stands between Charente and Périgord. A medieval atmosphere floats at its approach. This medieval castle more than a thousand years old, with exceptional architecture, overlooks a charming village labeled "Small City of Character" and "capital of Cornuelle". In 1980, this old citadel was crumbling under ivy, brambles and time, a dynamic was set in motion for its restoration for 18 years. In 2000, Mr. Norbert FRADIN, promoter and patron from Bordeaux passionate about heritage and its preservation, became the owner. He is working to restore it to give it back its superb appearance, its impressive enclosure bristling with seven towers finally reveals its secrets. Something to delight all curious young and old, as well as history lovers.

Its dazzling white stone facade extends over 220 meters in length, in the middle of a 50 Ha green setting. Some rare and remarkable trees adorn the walk through the park.