Wander the Lovely Streets
The steep winding streets of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne are like an image from a vacation postcard. Lots of the outdated stone homes have wood balconies, full with colourful hanging flowers; this actually provides to the wonder and attraction of the city.
Stroll the streets, absorbing the romantic ambiance, and testing all of the artwork galleries, pottery studios, craft retailers and get an aperitif at BAR’bacane. What’s extra, due to its place on the hill, there are many unbelievable viewpoints out over the encircling countryside.
Uncover the Underground Church
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne was as soon as an important website for pilgrims who would cease within the city on their solution to Santiago de Compestela in Spain. An essential a part of this historical past is the massive underground Monolithic church that also exists right here. The Saint-Jean church is the most important underground church in Europe and its dimension is mind-blowing; it’s carved out of the rock to a depth of 20m!
When you’re inside, discover the staircase that’s chiseled into the stone wall and climb 18m as much as the viewing gallery. Right here, you’ll be able to acquire an amazing perspective of the work that may have gone into creating this magical church.
Entry payment: 6 EUR – Opening occasions: Every single day from 9.30 AM – 6 PM (closed for lunch 12.30 – 2)
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Chateau de Chalais
Only a 15-minute drive from Aubeterre is the white stone fortress ‘Chateau de Chalais’. The fairytale-like constructing is open to the general public and you may take a guided tour across the rooms (a lot of which have been preserved with their unique options).
Tip: Cross the drawbridge to enter the fortress – a novel a part of the fortress’s historical past.
Spend a morning right here, studying in regards to the historical past, earlier than stopping off on the connoisseur restaurant on website. The restaurant is situated within the outdated fortress kitchens so the ambiance is implausible!
Opening occasions: The hours differ all through the summer season months however you’ll be able to test them right here. Out of season, you want to e book to go to.
Seaside & Watersports
Aubeterre is a ‘Station Verte’, which implies it’s labeled as a inexperienced vacationer vacation spot with distinctive nature to discover. It’s simple to see why, with its luscious inexperienced meadows that stretch alongside the city all the way in which right down to the peaceable river. Down on the banks, there’s a small seaside the place guests can loosen up or rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. This can be a nice solution to discover the encircling countryside, one other particular characteristic of Aubeterre!
Go to a Wine Property
Simply over one hour drive from Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is the Cognac area of France, which is known for (you guessed it!) Cognac. Cognac is a sort of brandy that may solely be made on this space of France and beneath very strict tips.
Visiting one of many vineyards right here is an absolute must-do in your journey to France. We advocate visiting the vineyard ‘Conte & Filles’, run by two sisters, the place you’ll be able to be taught all in regards to the Cognac produced on their property. Plus, entry is free and you’ll be able to style greater than Cognac.
Opening occasions: Every single day (aside from Sunday) from 10 AM – 12 PM & 4 PM -7 PM.
Attending to Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Aubeterre doesn’t have a prepare station but it surely’s doable to take a prepare from Paris to the close by city of Angouleme (2.5 hours). From right here, you’ll be able to take a bus on to Aubeterre in round 1.5 hours. Alternatively, in case you rent a automotive, you’ll be able to drive from Paris to Aubeterre in simply over 5 hours. Lease a automotive regionally by Sunny Vehicles as they work with native automotive rental corporations. When reserving by Sunny Vehicles, all insurances are included, no surprises when gathering your automotive. Guide your native rental automotive right here.
Bordeaux is the closest airport and is about an hour’s drive away.
Getting round Aubeterre
To provide the freedom to discover the countryside and native wineries, it’s greatest to rent a automotive. However not for the city as it is rather walkable! There are additionally loads of organized excursions leaving from Aubeterre to the encircling sights and there are public buses leaving from the city too.
Greatest time to go to Aubeterre
Go to Aubeterre within the spring or summer season months when every part is inexperienced, luscious, and there are stunning sunny days. That is additionally a good time to benefit from the watersports and to take the chance to camp and get out into nature.
The place to eat in Aubeterre
Regardless of the city’s small dimension it affords lots of implausible eating places!
La Taverne Pierre Véry (French)La Tapazzeria (Pizzaria)Le Storage (burgers)
The place to Keep
Staying in Aubeterre is an incredible expertise for each kind of traveler. There are many stunning boutique lodges, and mattress and breakfasts, within the village or simply on the outskirts. It’s additionally a favourite for tenting due to its place on the river and there are many scenic spots to select from.
We stayed on the new nomad tent lodging of Casa Sana in Pillac, which is simply 10 minutes out of Aubeterre. A stunning keep at a farm from a heart-warming household. Please ship them our regards in case you stick with them. ♥
This text is a collaboration with France.fr and Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Tourism Board.
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