Print-friendly version
Motorhoming in Charente
Motorhoming in Charentes
Charente is the south eastern of the four departments that make up the region of Poitou-Charente. It is a land which bears witness to many different periods in the development of man and has a history which dates back to Paleolithic period, influenced also by the Bronze Age, the Gauls and the Romans. The patrimonial heritage of this department is of a particular richness and includes vestiges from the Gallo-Roman period such as the site at Chassenon, several Roman churches such as the one in Angoulême and châteaux and manors of which la Rochefoucauld is probably the best example. Hiring a motorhome in England or hiring a motorhome in France would be the ideal way to see everything this department has to offer. While touring, make use of the free Aires de Service in Charentes for your overnight stops.
The Roman hot spa at Chassenon, a site exceptionally well conserved, was discovered in 1958 and is of such importance that discoveries are still being made to this day. The construction was on two levels, downstairs for the slaves who worked at the baths and upstairs for the more fortunate who visited the spa for relaxation, physical exercise or medicinal purposes. There is also a temple and a theatre which together made up the ancient site of Cassinomagus which was active up to the around the 6th century AD.
The best way to discover the city of Angoulême and its history is to walk around the ramparts which surround the old town and will permit you to have a superb view over the surrounding area. The ramparts will lead you to the magnificent 12th century Roman cathedral of Saint Pierre built in the form of a Latin cross with its impressive bell tower and 75 sculptured figures depicting the Ascension and the return of Jesus Christ. This is a very animated city and your tour around the ramparts will give you a clip shot of all the sights. Stop off at the covered market hall to sample the local delights but don’t miss the rendezvous for all gourmands, the Sunday morning market at the Place Victor Hugo.
Starting out life in medieval times, the Château of Rochefoucauld is magnificent. The ‘rock’ of the family Foucauld gave its name to the town which was constructed around this château. The château has been in the same family since the 10th century. Over the years it has evolved and changed, modernised to make it comfortable, but still possesses its Roman donjon, its spectacular 16th century stone stair case of 108 steps turning around a central column and Renaissance touches by Léonardo De Vinci.
Motorhome travel in France is never complete without sampling the local produce. Charente offers its pears from Angoulême, fat, round and succulent, so good that the Duchess of Angoulême decided on tasting one that they should be named after her. The local butter made in Charente was one of the first French products in 1979 to receive a ‘label’. With a very discreet taste of hazelnut this creamy butter is a result of a generous climate, a certain manner of rearing the milk cows and a lot of ‘savoir-faire’. Not forgetting of course the Cognac, distilled from white wine and aged in oak casks.
|
