The best walks and hikes around Saint-Vaize

The height of the two pavilions relative to the central body of the castle gave me a hard time identifying this castle. Indeed, the photo was taken from the Charente river, so the perspective is distorted compared to those existing on the WEB, and even AI had some difficulties. However, it was the heritage source that provided a decisive indication: the current main entrance is located to the south, at the end of the park, and opens directly onto the Quai des Fleurs and the Charente river with a gate perfectly aligned with the central body, and which is officially described as having square pillars and wrought iron gates. Note that the castle is private and unfortunately not open to visitors. 1. The estate already existed in the 17th century The Pépinière is therefore not a creation of the late 19th century. In 1660, documents mention Marie de Puyrigaud as "lady of La Pépinière". There was therefore already a noble dwelling at this location. The choice of this location is logical: the property is situated on a hill overlooking the Charente, just above the large shipyard of Saint-Savinien. This shipyard was active for several centuries, from the 13th century until around 1860. The location of La Pépinière thus allowed it to directly overlook the activities of the port and the shipyard. 2. The castle visible on Claude Masse's plan in 1713 In 1713, the military engineer Claude Masse produced a plan of Saint-Savinien and the Charente valley. At the location of La Pépinière, he depicts: a massive construction flanked by three or four towers, preceded by a large garden descending towards the Charente. In other words, the estate then had a much more fortified silhouette than that of the current castle. This also means that the two elements surrounding the central body are part of an ancient architectural tradition of the site, even if the pavilions you see today are not necessarily the old towers. 3. 18th century: outbuildings remain Several buildings around the current castle could be the former outbuildings of the estate. One building located on the other side of the path to La Pépinière notably bears the date 1760, engraved on the keystone of its gate. There were also, towards the Charente, constructions that could have served in the 19th century as housing for employees or the caretaker. 4. 1847: the park is still organized around the old dwelling The eastern boundary wall bears the date 1847. The Napoleonic cadastral map of 1828 still shows the old dwelling surrounded by its park, as well as several annex buildings. We can therefore reconstruct this succession quite precisely: 17th century → old noble dwelling ↓ 1713 → vast house with 3 or 4 towers, according to Claude Masse ↓ 18th century → transformation and development of outbuildings ↓ 1828 → old dwelling still present ↓ 1847 → dated boundary wall ↓ circa 1900 → disappearance of the old dwelling and construction of the current castle 5. The current castle is much more recent as it dates from the very beginning of the 20th century. It was built by J. Lestrade, a contractor from Saint-Savinien, from plans attributed to the architect Georges Naud. The new building was designed with an H-shaped floor plan: -a central body; -two wings forming pavilions; -the pavilions have three levels; -their slate roofs are hipped and very high; -the central body has a Mansart roof. The heritage notice precisely describes these two pavilions as being topped with hipped conical roofs. The two "towers" appear taller than the central body. They are in reality the two side pavilions, which have three levels and whose very high roofs further accentuate this impression.

Magnificent forest trail crossing a bamboo forest, explanatory panels, a river, small pontoons and donkeys on the way.

lovely walk from the Lapidiales to the Standing Stones Galaxy

Every summer, a select group of sculptors and artists take up creative work in the former quarry, now known as Les Lapidiales, to draw inspiration from their predecessors and put their own stamp on the stone.

great walk conducive to meditation and reflection with regard to the sculptural works on display. thanks to the artists

Note opening times

Magnificent place to visit

Crazannes Castle is a castle located in the commune of Crazannes in the Charente-Maritime department of France. It is known for its medieval watchtower, which was built in the 12th century. Crazannes Castle was built in the 12th century and has been owned by several noble families over the centuries. It has been expanded and modified over time, and its architecture is a mix of medieval, Renaissance and classical styles. Crazannes Castle is also home to underground caves dug into the limestone rock, which have been used as wine cellars and to store food supplies over the centuries. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about their history through guided tours. Crazannes Castle is open to the public during the summer season and offers guided tours, contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. It is also possible to rent rooms for private events such as weddings or receptions.