The Charente is bursting with heritage treasures and cultural activities. Exhibitions and events offer journeys back in time and works of contemporary art. There’s a wealth of art and culture to be seen just about everywhere in the Charentes!
You can visit all the Charentes region’s historic cultural heritage and discover numerous exhibitions of both contemporary art and architectural heritage.
A wide range of sites, including châteaux, historic villages, nature reserves and exhibitions, will provide a cultural and entertaining way to explore the Charentes.
In Chatellailon-plage
Amaury Dubois has given the church of Sainte-Madeleine in Chatelaillon-Plage an artistic surprise. Using brushes and spray cans, he has created a 600 m² fresco.
Who would have thought that religious art was compatible with street art? Against all expectations, the result is magnificent and the symbols are those of the village’s marine atmosphere.
The Boisbuchet estate in Charente Limousine
The Domaine de Boisbuchet is an opportunity to visit a magnificent 19th-century château. It is a design and architecture research centre set in 150 hectares of parkland in Charente Limousine.
Visitors can attend meetings and artistic or scientific events. It is also possible to walk around the natural site, which is classified as a protected heritage and natural site.
Something new to see: the Jonzac chatelet
In Jonzac, part of the château has undergone extensive restoration: the chatelet. The prestigious architect Philippe Villeneuve was in charge of this vast project. As a result, he was able to uncover the magnificent framework in the shape of an inverted ship’s hull.
The kitchen with its graffiti and the portcullis room are the new rooms revealed thanks to the meticulous work of the Bâtiments de France architect. Tours are guided and often offer wonderful surprises for visitors with a passion for art and history.
Visit Saintes
The amphitheatre in Saintes is currently being restored. It is one of the best preserved in Roman Gaul and is set in a superb natural site. The amphitheatre is one of the best preserved in Roman Gaul, and is set in a superb natural setting.
Near Saintes, you’ll also find aqueducts, the oldest of which dates back to 20 A.D. You can find out more on site about the development and purpose of these constructions.
See the must-see village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Aubeterre is a sumptuous town where you can visit a troglodyte church, enjoy the Potters’ Festival and admire its cobbled streets. The village overlooks the Dronne valley and offers superb views, with craftsmen and markets adding to the village atmosphere.
Gabriel’s garden at Nantillé
In the Saintonge valley, you can visit an extraordinary garden featuring 420 statues created by Gabriel Albert. The statues represent famous people.
The sculptor worked for 20 years from 1969 onwards to create this spectacle of painted cement. The statues and busts are the work of a complete self-taught artist. Throughout the year, there are guided and self-guided tours, as well as events for all the family.
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