the village: Verteuil-sur-Charente
the village with the château by the Charente river
Verteuil (pronounced "Ver - toy") is just under 40 km north of Angoulême in the Charente region and on the camino pilgrimage route from Tours to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The Charente river weaves its way through the village, meandering past the fairytale-like 15th century château that dominates the skyline and is often described as one of the finest châteaux in the Charente.
The quaint and charming village of Verteuil has approximately 700 inhabitants and stretches along the Charente River, in the heart of the Charente region of mid-west France. While close to the action of regional cities, and only 3 hours south of Paris, it is surrounded by pictoresque villages and hamlets, and stunning farm lands. See how the locals showcase their beautiful village.
Verteuil-sur-Charente is in the Poitou-Charente region of the mid-west of France.
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Verteuil-sur-Charente from the air.
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Verteuil has everything you need just steps away:
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Exploring Verteuil
From the centre of the village, take a walk along the river banks and to the water mill. The riverbanks here are very picturesque with gardens, trees and shady willows along the water side, and a small weir and waterfall next to the château. The 15th century Convent of the Cordeliers is on an island in the river, and various other interesting stone houses can be seen both in the village and along the river. In Verteuil centre you can also see the 12th century roman style Church of Saint-Médard, which contains an impressive 16th century decorated pottery artefact representing Christ being placed in the tomb (a "mise au tombeau"), and a carved wooden tabernacle. |
the view looking down Rue du Temple, stepping out our front door
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Château de Verteuil
The château is a very impressive site, with several imposing towers capped by conical slate roofs and dominating both Verteuil-sur-Charente itself and the river below. It is generally considered to be one of the finest castles in the Charente region. Built by the locally important Rochefoucauld family, the château dates from the 15th century, having largely replaced an earlier 12th century castle in the same location. The square castle keep is the main part of the original medieval castle still to be seen, while the round towers with their conical roofs are the 15th century additions.
Set in attractive parkland, the castle was further substantially modified in the 19th century at the time the parkland was created.
The château is a very impressive site, with several imposing towers capped by conical slate roofs and dominating both Verteuil-sur-Charente itself and the river below. It is generally considered to be one of the finest castles in the Charente region. Built by the locally important Rochefoucauld family, the château dates from the 15th century, having largely replaced an earlier 12th century castle in the same location. The square castle keep is the main part of the original medieval castle still to be seen, while the round towers with their conical roofs are the 15th century additions.
Set in attractive parkland, the castle was further substantially modified in the 19th century at the time the parkland was created.
On the edge of the Charente River, (L to R) St Médard church, La Demeure des Roses gift shop and salon du Thé, the mill restaurant and the château.
There is plenty to see and do in and around Verteuil. Canoe down the river, cycle the country lanes, explore the cities of Angoulême and Poitiers, visit the Atlantic beach resorts of La Rochelle and Île de Ré, sample the alcoholic produce of Cognac, visit the stunning area of the Dordogne valley - including its châteaux, ancient cave paintings and market towns, tour the grounds of the local château de Verteuil, eat in fine restaurants, meander through the area and visit the local 12th century churches, explore Roman ruins, follow one of the French legs of the camino de St Jacques on its way to Santiago de Compostela in far north western Spain ....
Verteuil is a perfect base for exploring the "real" France, la France profonde!
