Book now
Vie locale et événements
The French chateau is situated where the Périgord Vert and the South Charente meet, a delightful blend of rolling hills, forest and waterways. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, classified as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de la France, is just five minutes away. A magnificent place to relax with the opportunity to explore the Dordogne, the Charente, and the Bordeaux region.
Nearby Activities
Here is a selection of activities that will help you discover this region in an original way.
Within ten minutes drive
- Petit Bersac Museum
Gallo-Roman Museum
Petit-Bersac
Tél: 05 53 90 96 70
High Season : open every day from 14h30 to 18h
This very instructive museum presents the history of the archeological site of Petit Bersac situated in this western part of Périgord, named Cidène by local historians. Situated at an important crossroads from pre-roman times, Petit Bersac harbours remarquable remains : public baths, sewer, underground heating system (hypocaust). Although these vestiges have once more been covered over, a large collection of archaeological artefacts - domestic objects, pottery, bronzes, coins, tools - found by archeologist Jean Pichardie, are on display in this attractive village museum.
- romanesque church trail
- Golf – 5 minutes away at the Manoir of Longeveau
- Hiking – numerous trails around the château
- Canoe-kayak – From Aubeterre, Parcould or Ribérac
Canoe-Kayak Club at Aubeterre
Discover the river Dronne with the Canoe-Kayak Club of Aubeterre
Hire by the hour, half day or full day.
The Club is open for hire :
May, June and September
Open every day from 10h to 18h except Mondays
July and August
Open 7 days out of 7 from 10h to 19h
Winter period
Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10h to 18h
- Riding
Equiviste – Discovery tours and horse riding
Céline DUPUY, Le Tauzy, 24410 Saint-Privat-des-Prés (Dordogne)
Tél : 06 84 52 81 72
Unique in the Dronne Vallely, Equiviste helps you discover the natural wealth around Saint-Aulaye and Aubeterre sur Dronne. Horse riding is open to all and are accompanied.
Equiviste proposes :
- Leading reign walks for youngsters
- Discovering about horses (children up to 10 yrs old)
- Rides from 1 to 3 hours
- Rides +( lessons for beginners or confirmed riders and non accompanied rides)
Theme tours
- Beauty of wrought iron work (meeting with a wrought iron craftsman)
- History and know-how (discovery of St Privas des Prés village and museum and meeting with wrought iron craftsman)
- Villages, villages (Bonnes, Bastide de St. Aulaye)
- Return to the future (Bonnes, discovering a garden cultivated by animal traction)
- The village of Aubeterre
- Tennis – 5 minutes from Le Mas de Montet either at Le Manoir de Longeveau, Aubeterre or St Sévérin.
- VTT – We have a number of bicycles (adults and children) at your disposal free of charge. From Aubeterre there is a network of 10 trails, classified from very easy to difficult which will enable you to appreciate some fine panoramic views.
- Swimming – in the Dronne river (a short walk away),at the beach by the river at Aubeterre or at the La Jemaye lake.
- Fishing – in the river Dronne. More than one kilometer of river banks frame the western part of the property.
- Aubeterre :
Aubeterre Beach
Fine sandy beach by the river Dronne
Safe swimming from 15 July to 20 August
Free entry
Puppet Museum
Place Ludovic-Trarieux
16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Tél : 05 45 98 45 59
In his tiny house on the square, Keith Hubbard presents his puppet shows. He makes all his own puppets and has a fine collection. The performances are carried out in English and French during the months of July and August.
Espace Ludovic Trarieux
Rue Barbecane
16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Tél : 05 45 98 04 08
Practical information :
Closed from 1st September to June
Open every day including holidays from at 15h. Free
Founder of the French Ligue for human rights, Ludovic Trarieux was born in Aubeterre. His birth place is situated at No 15 of the Square named after him. It is today the site of a permanent exhibition of his life in the Charente up to the creation of the Ligue. The entrance to the museum is in rue Barbecane just below the square. The exhibition is installed in the cellar which, alone, is worth seeing as it helps understand the architectural features of Aubeterre: a wall of rock, a fortified wall probably dating from before XIIth century and walls of the XIIth century. You will discover how the idea, by this man, for a Ligue of human rights took root from the time of the Dreyfus affaire.
The underground church of Saint Jean
“named Monolithic church”.
Saint Jean’s church at Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is 35 meters high. The monument was hollowed out in the cliff, probably before the 8th century.
St Jacques Church
A jewel of religious art
Its XIIth century Romanesque front of Hispano-moresque style, ornated with motives of arab inspiration dominates this town.
- St Privat des Près
The centre of the village and main street provide a lot of character to this little village situated between Saint Aulaye and Ribérac. The fortified Romanesque church and its magnificent XIIth century façade is the main architectural highlight of the village. Nearby is the castle with its 18th century dove-cot. A former priory can also be seen on this square. It dates from XIIIth century and was transformed in the following centuries. The square tower still has its XIVth century archer slots. The pigeon –cot at the top is more recent.
In the main street a few houses have kept their original porches. The washing place has been restored.
Museum of Village life
Created in 1982 this museum helps discover or rediscover objects and trades, crafts, which marked our country villages during the XVIII to XIX century.
A game is proposed for children.
Rate: adults: 2.50 euros children : 1 euro
Open in July and August from 15h to 18h
On the way to Bonne, stop off at the chateau de La Mothe, contemporary art centre.
Chateau de la Mothe
Tél: 09 61 04 80 52 (Groups and Art gallery)
Tél: 05 53 90 64 31 (Tea room and shop)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Close to Aubeterre the XVII century chateau de la Mothe, private domain, opens its park to the public.
In its former hostel, it organizes contemporary art exhibitions (free entry). It also sells a large selection of high quality decorative arts. A selection of teas and fresh drinks are on sale in the hostel or under the trees in the park. Groups can take advantage of free conferences on the history of the region. Regular cultural events.
Less than 30 minutes away
Authentic villages :
Lusignac
Chapdeuil
Montagrier
St. pardoux de mareuil…
Riding :
Chevauchées du Périgord
Domaine de la Perdillotte – Lisle
24310 Bourdeilles
Tél : 05 53 04 44 28
Practical information :
Open all year.
Friendly welcome with coffee and introductions. Whatever the level, outdoor rides are possible. Very important, however, to reserve in advance.
Horse driven carriage rides
24350 Lisle
Tél: 05 53 03 58 35
Practical information:
One hour for 1 to 4 people : 48 euros
The farm of Charmonteil is an authentic farm with of course horses but also cows, sheep, chickens… It diversifies its activity by organizing carriage rides in order to discover the rural environment. Picnics or meals at the farm can be organized.
Climbing:
- Climbing in Green Périgord
Route de Thiviers 24310 Brantôme
Tél: 05 53 05 77 24 or 06 80 74 41 02
Description: Climbing for all levels on the cliffs in the Paussac, Bourdeilles, Rochereuil district. Instruction by fully qualified climber who will share his passion for climbing in the Green Périgord. Beginners, coaching and courses. Individuals or groups (max 12 pax). By the hour, half day or full day. From 8 years old upwards. Appropriate sports wear recommended. Their equipment complies to safety rules. According to climatic conditions, management has the right to cancel the activity.
Rates per hour: 15 euros per person.
Hot air balloon
Hot air balloon rides (for one hour’s flight, count three hours in all).
Open all year round according to climatic conditions.
Adults: from 210 euros (For groups : quote will be according to number and weight of people in group).
Children: from 210 euros (from 1m35 high)
The Lamas of Brossac:
http://www.trekking-llamas-france.com/fr
Chez Belleteau
16440 Claix
Tél: 05 45 98 90 58
Open all year. Reservation necessary
Every day from 16h.
Rates:
Hikes and meal : 35 e
Meeting with the llamas : 6 euros
Meeting and dinner: 28 euros
A donkey trek is familiar, but with llamas!! Margaret and Brian Venables have had the brilliant idea of proposing this Andean excursion into Charente. Note that the llamas only help to carry the baggage. They are not powerful enough to carry someone. Llamas are gentle and curious animals.
La Maison de Maya:
16480 Saint-Félix
Tél : 05 45 98 77 02
Practical information :
Open from April to October, Saturdays and Sundays, and by appointment. Free visit.
Rural Museum with more than 1,000 ancient exhibits composing the agricultural universe of animal traction. In this house dedicated to bees, you can discover how to make honey. A honey tasting is organized at the end of the visit.
Cognac Museum:
Mairie, rue du Docteur Lacroix
24410 Saint Aulaye
Tél : +33(0)553908133
In Dordogne only five communities situated in and around Saint-Aulaye are in the perimeter of AOC Cognac.
This museum installed in a former wahrehouse will help you discover cognac, from the grapes to your glass: spirit and expertise of the distiller, of the master of the chai, of the grape grower and the barrel maker.
At the end of the visit you may taste the cognac and buy a bottle if you wish.
Your visit will be enhanced by the discovery of three rare objects: an exceptional alembic dating from the XVIII th century, a double-screw press dating from the same century and a collection of tools and bottles.
OPEN :
July and August from 10h to 12h and from 16h to 18h (except Tuesdays)
La Jemaye lake
24410 La Jemaye
Tél: +33(0)5 53 90 63 74
In the heart of La Double forest, bordering the region of Saint-Aulay
Leisure Centre. Free entrance
Sandy beach with life guards
Games for children from 3 to 12 yrs old
Sports trail
Fishing zone
Snack bars and restaurants
Parcot Farm
Le Parcot
24410 Echourgnac
Typical farm of La Double, listed as a historical monument, where you can discover the traditional home and life in La Double in past centuries. A discovery path takes you through the forest with panels explaining animal and plant life, local trades and crafts. Every year activities are organized such as basket work, medicinal plants, musical hikes….
Château de Villebois-Lavalette
16320 Villebois-Lavalette
Tél : 05 45 64 71 58
Practical information :
Open all year
Guided visits programmed in the summer. Visits by appointment all year round.
High season : every day from 15h à 19h
Free admission for children up to 12 yrs old. Adults: 3 euros Child : 2 euros: Group : 2 euros
You cannot miss the chateau de Villebois-Levalette, medieval fortress. Splendid blond stone walls sore up from a rocky base, the X th century fortifications have replaced those built by the Gaulois then the Romans.
Alfred de Vigny Museum
Le Maine Giraud
16250 Champagne-Vigny
Tél: 05 45 64 04 49
Practical information :
Open all year
Every day from 9hto 12h and 14h to 18h
Free admission.
Sale of pineau and cognac
Le Maine Giraud, XV th century manor, was the property of romantic writer Alfred de Vigny who would come to seek inspiration on the top floor of his residence. Amongst other things he composed “La mort du loup” and “La bouteille à la mer”. Sometimes he would pose his pen in order to devote his time to the grape vines on his property. One can visit the cell at the top of the tower where Vigny liked to work. A museum retraces the life and work of the poet. Visit of winery and distillery. As in the time of Vigny an excellent pineau with a flavor of dried fruits and also cognac can be sampled on the property, with explanations by Pascal and Philippe Durand, the fortunate proprietors. While there, admire the surrounding countryside that is nicknamed Tuscany of Charente.
Logis de Chenard
16320 Chavenat
Tél: 05 45 21 84 45
Practical information :
Closed from October to May
Adults : 3 euros Group: 2 euros. Guided visit by appointment.
Very beautiful 5 acres domain consisting of English park, French garden, vegetable garden and beautiful rosary composed of ancient roses. There are more than 200 kinds of trees of which a 30 metre sequoia.
Club house and SPA :
L’Etang Vallier
Near Brossac
05 45 98 52 60
Club house and spa with fitness centre, covered swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, hamman, squash court and snack bar.
•••
Less than one hour away ….
Brantôme
Bourdeilles
Château de Puyguilhem
Villars
Périgueux
St Jean de la Côle
Angoulême
St Emilion
Day-trips to the coast - With the Atlantic coast 70 miles to the west, you might even choose to spend a day or two at the sea while making the Château Le Mas de Montet your holiday base. Royan is a traditional seaside resort, whilst there are excellent surfing facilities at Lacanau-Océan.
Throughout the year there are numerous cultural events, colourful markets, outdoor concerts and antiques fairs.
You may also find the following pages useful:
• Aubeterre Tourist Information
• Local information on the Dronne valley
• Brantome Tourist Information
• Périgueux Tourist Information
• Ribérac Information
• Bergerac Tourist Office
• Sarlat Tourist Office
• Dordogne Tourist Board
• Bordeaux Tourist Office
• Saint Emilion Tourist Office
• Aquitaine Tourist Board
• Chalais Tourist Office
• Cognac Tourist Office
• Angouleme Tourist Office
• Poitou-Charente Information
• Charente Tourist Information
• French Tourist Board
