In the gentleness of its lakes and well-watered hills, history and nature live side by side in harmony. Here's a snapshot of a tranquil countryside. Confolens, the abbey of Saint-Amant-de-Boixe and the Longeville estate are all worth a visit.

Confolens on the water

Confolens and its old bridge. Jack ma. Creative Commons.
Confolens and its old bridge. Jack ma. Creative Commons.


The small town of Confolens stretches along the banks of the Vienne and Goire rivers. Since the merger with the municipality of Saint-Germain-de-Confolens, another confluence has marked the territory of the new municipality, that of the Vienne and Issoire rivers. Two bridges span the Vienne and the Goire, one of them a medieval wonderland for romantic strolls. From the half-timbered houses to the cobbled streets that tell the story of centuries of life and traditions, from the Romanesque churches to the private mansions, the diversity of Confolence?s heritage offers an excursion through a thousand years of art and history. The remains of a keep, the only evidence of a castle cut into stone during the Revolution by an unscrupulous and speculative citizen, bear witness to a considerable edifice, unfortunately surrounded by a number of parasitic buildings that make it hard to appreciate?
Confolens has been awarded the Little Cities of CharacterThis is a testament to the town's rich heritage.
The region has also been awarded the Pays d?art et d?histoire label. Two brochures on Confolens and St-Germain-de-Confolens have been produced by the Confolentais Pays d?art et d?histoire.

Saint-Amant-de-Boixe Abbey

Saint-Amant-de-Boixe abbey owes its origins to the hermit Amant, who is said to have lived in the Boixe forest in the 6th century. It was built in 1025.
Saint-Amant-de-Boixe abbey owes its origins to the hermit Amant, who is said to have lived in the Boixe forest in the 6th century. It was built in 1025.


Another stone sentinel, the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Amant-de-Boixe watches over the fields and forests of this Angoumois region. You can look down from the top of the bell tower, which is reached by a narrow flight of stone steps - a climb recommended for the more athletic. Its thick walls, undoubtedly imbued with the serenity of past prayers, offer a haven of peace to suspend Lamartine time. There are some fine examples of early Romanesque frescoes, a large, remarkably well-crafted recent stained glass window that bathes the nave in streams of blue as the sun shines, and a collection of religious plaster statues stored in a chapel awaiting arrangements that could be inspired by the work of Othoniel cited in the report in Angoulême.

The Gothic choir of the abbey church in St-Amant-de-Boixe has been given a new lease of life with the installation in 2020 of the stained glass window in the main nave. This contemporary stained glass window was specially created for this edifice, a jewel in the crown of the Charente's architectural and religious heritage.
The Gothic choir of the abbey church in St-Amant-de-Boixe has been given a new lease of life with the installation in 2020 of the stained glass window in the main nave. This contemporary stained glass window was specially created for this edifice, a jewel in the crown of the Charente's architectural and religious heritage.

Cassinomagus, an ancient Gallo-Roman site

The Cassinomagus thermal baths were built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD on a double plan, following the imperial model common in Rome. Less gigantic and luxurious than Roman examples, the Cassinomagus baths cover an area of 12,500 m².
The Cassinomagus thermal baths were built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD on a double plan, following the imperial model common in Rome. Less gigantic and luxurious than Roman examples, the Cassinomagus baths nevertheless cover an area of 12,500 m².


At Chassenon, in the Charente, the Cassinomagus Archaeological Park presents the very well-preserved remains of a small ancient town, part of the territory of the Gallic tribe of Lemovices, whose capital was the ancient city of Limoges: Augustoritum.
The Cassinomagus thermal baths are one of the best-preserved ancient archaeological sites in Europe! The park is a great place to visit with the whole family, and will appeal to young and old alike, providing a good visual backdrop for imagining what life was like for the colonised Gauls who, after the Celtic period, were finally able to enjoy the luxurious lifestyle brought to them by the rich Roman conquerors.

The imposing remains of the Cassinomagus thermal baths are silent witnesses to a bygone era when water and fire reigned supreme for all?
The imposing remains of the Cassinomagus thermal baths are silent witnesses to a bygone era when water and fire reigned supreme for all?


The Cassinomagus site is open to visitors on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and at weekends between 10am and 6pm.
www.cassinomagus.fr

Recommended addresses

Restaurant Auberge de l'Abbaye
After a visit to Saint-Amant-de-Boixe Abbey, this restaurant offers quality food and drink.
2 place de l?église ? 16330 Saint-Amant-de-Boixe 05 45 69 09 98
htps://www.laubergedelabbaye.com/

La Redortière

Château de la Redortière is situated on the shores of Lake Mas Chaban in Charente Limousine, in the heart of a large green park.
Château de la Redortière is situated on the shores of Lake Mas Chaban in Charente Limousine, in the heart of a large green park.

A "farmhouse inn", in fact, a sophisticated little manor house built at the end of the 19th century by a talented architect for a wealthy farmer, in a secluded wooded setting. An ideal place to enjoy a good lunch, or even a good night's sleep in the well-appointed rooms. The landlady, who also runs the stoves in the kitchen, will tell you all about the agricultural history of this region, which was deserted and then taken over between the wars by industrious Belgian emigrants who formed a sort of pioneer community here?
Restaurant Ferme Auberge du Château de la Redortière

The Domaine de Longeville in Esse

At the heart of a 100-hectare estate, the Domaine de Longeville is a remarkable gite and also a horse-riding pension.
At the heart of a 100-hectare estate, Domaine de Longeville is a remarkable gite, equestrian pension and haven for fallow deer and roe deer.


(pronounced like the consonant S), an association promotes Gaulish culture in the form of a reconstruction of a Gaulish village during July and August. But the main attraction for the lucky visitor to Esse will be the accommodation available with Mélanie and Yannick Courdent: they offer five guest rooms and a large gîte on their huge estate devoted to raising horses, fallow deer and other roe deer? A covered, heated swimming pool is available to guests. An exceptional bucolic setting at a very reasonable price!
Domaine de Longeville
05 16 76 91 37

Restaurant L'Estaminet
Family atmosphere, warm welcome, elaborate and generous cuisine
1 place des Tilleuls ? 16500 Esse 05 45 71 20 66
www.l-estaminet-restaurant.fr

www.charentestourisme.com

Text and Photos : Sylvain Grandadam

by Travel Universe
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