The regional heritage

A place where you can rediscover time

Between Angoulême and Confolens, Eastern Charente offers a different take on quality of life.

Here, the landscape alternates between peaceful valleys, deep forests, lakes, stone villages and narrow country lanes. Distances are short, nature is ever-present, and each season casts a new light on the region.

Less than two hours from Bordeaux, and easily accessible from Paris by TGV via Angoulême, or from European capitals via Bordeaux or Limoges, this part of the Charente offers a rare balance: that of an unspoilt environment, without being isolated.

Whether you’re looking for a main residence, a family home, a place to work from home or to prepare for a new chapter in your life, Eastern Charente charms with its authenticity, its heritage and its way of life.

Angoulême, a creative city open to the world

Angoulême, the capital of the Charente, combines economic vitality, historical heritage and a high quality of life.

A City of Art and History, it is world-renowned for its International Comics Festival, as well as for its visual arts, animation and video games industries.

Its historic centre, ramparts, restaurants, markets, schools and TGV station – which connects the town to Paris in under two hours – make it an ideal gateway to the region.

La Rochefoucauld: the elegance of the Charente

Dominated by one of the most beautiful châteaux in France, La Rochefoucauld epitomises the Charente way of life.

Its narrow streets, shops, outdoor cafés, the banks of the Tardoire and its remarkably well-preserved heritage create an atmosphere that is particularly popular with families and newcomers alike.

Just a few minutes away, the countryside comes into its own, with numerous properties nestled in unspoilt natural surroundings.

Montbron, Montembœuf, Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure…

Eastern Charente comprises a host of lively market towns, each offering essential shops, schools, medical services and a particularly vibrant community life.

These towns offer a sought-after balance: lively enough for everyday life, yet peaceful enough to enjoy a truly comfortable lifestyle.

Every village has its own identity, market, history and pace of life.

Confolens, the capital of the Charente Limousine region

With the River Vienne flowing through it, Confolens is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the region.

Its ancient bridges, half-timbered houses, quays and architectural heritage lend it a unique charm.

Every summer, the town hosts the Confolens Festival, one of the major international events celebrating folk arts and traditions, attracting artists and visitors from all over the world.

Confolens is also an excellent base from which to explore the whole of the Charente-Limousin region.

Villages that have retained their authentic character

Surrounding these main towns lies a mosaic of villages where limestone, Romanesque churches, old houses and agricultural landscapes come together to form a timeless setting.

Marthon, Saint-Claud, Roumazières-Loubert, Champagne-Mouton, Chabanais, Saint-Sornin, Pranzac, Grassac, Feuillade and Yvrac-et-Malleyrand all bear witness to a rich local history and a deep attachment to their local area.

Nature is ever-present

Nature is part of everyday life.

The forests of La Braconne and La Brèche, and the valleys of the Tardoire, Bandiat, Bonnieure and Vienne offer hundreds of kilometres of walking routes, cycle routes and hiking trails.

The landscapes change with the seasons without ever losing their peaceful character.

Here, silence is a real luxury.

Lakes, swimming and leisure activities

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a wide range of natural sites.

The Haute-Charente Lake, near Massignac, has become a must-visit destination for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, swimming, fishing and walks.

The lakes at Saint-Estèphe, Lavaud and Mas Chaban, as well as the area’s many ponds, offer ideal spots for family leisure activities.

An exceptional heritage

The region boasts a remarkable wealth of heritage. Among its iconic sites are:

• La Rochefoucauld Castle;
• the Romanesque churches of Charente;
• the old paper mills;
• the mills along the rivers;
• the historic market halls;
• medieval villages;
• the many private castles visible from the country roads.

Added to this are the famous Quéroy caves, the quarries, the ancient Roman roads and a perfectly preserved rural heritage.

A land of fine dining

The Charente region cultivates a way of life that is deeply rooted in its local area.

The weekly markets feature local producers, market gardeners, livestock farmers, cheesemakers and artisans. You can find the department’s iconic specialities there:

• Cognac;
• Pineau des Charentes;
• snails (the famous ‘cagouilles’);
• Limousin beef;
• goat’s-milk cheeses;
• seasonal walnuts, apples and chestnuts;
• local artisan products.

Restaurants often showcase hearty cuisine, in which locally sourced produce is playing an increasingly important role.

A vibrant cultural scene all year round

Contrary to popular belief, the cultural life here is particularly rich. Among the unmissable events are:

• the Angoulême International Comics Festival;
• Mixed-Genre Music;
• the Confolens Festival;
• the Ramparts Circuit;
• the Angoulême Francophone Film Festival;
• Heritage Days;
• summer night markets;
• the many village festivals that punctuate the year.

Concerts, exhibitions, shows, craft markets, flea markets and sporting events all contribute to a particularly vibrant local life.