The best MTB trails around Xambes

Close to Lichére, a short detour to the unmissable village of Aunac sur Charente, a relaxing break with all shops: bakery, pastry shop, bar, restaurant, general food with local products, butcher, delicatessen, camping, canoeing, guinguette!!

Here you are in the Tusson and Villejesus forest. This is classified as a natural area of ecological, fauna and flora interest. The oaks are very present. By taking the time to silently observe the nature around you, you may come across some animal species. Many raptors find refuge there.

The town of Tusson is rich in a unique historical heritage. The four tumulus of Tusson date from the fifth century BC and have the particularity of being aligned. These prehistoric monuments made up of one or more blocks of stone and earth were then raised above certain graves. Those of Tusson are among the largest in Europe. The priory and its monastic garden are also worth a look and take you back in time. In addition, gourmets can sit at one of the restaurants or tea rooms in the town to enhance their break.

Imposing in this small village, the abbey is easy to find. Built in the 11th century, this abbey was not finally completed until 1170 by Eleanor of Aquitaine. If you are interested in Roman architecture, visit the local museum to learn about the origins of this abbey.

An imposing sight within this small village, the abbey is easy to find. Built in the 11th century, this abbey was only finally completed in 1170 by Eleanor of Aquitaine. If you are interested in Roman architecture, visit the local museum to learn about the origins of this abbey.

This discreet little chateau has its own chapel. It was built by Jean Gaston, colonel of the Saintonge regiment.

The early 12th century church has all but disappeared, itself and the reconstructions have suffered from the military conflicts that have punctuated the centuries. You enter through an open portal in a facade which very well announces the architectural juxtapositions. These last give a particular charm to the building by their inconsistencies. They arouse curiosity and ultimately offer the visitor a certain degree of privacy. An organ with the original story has been installed. It is the ultimate work of Ivan Peychès (1906-1978), a genius scientific researcher but also a visual artist, musician and composer. Brilliant innovator in the field of applied sciences, he will build this instrument in his living room in ten years during his retirement.

Nestled between the Charente river and the Boixe forest, the former abbey has watched over the north of Angoumois for over a thousand years. Mentioned in 888, the abbey church was rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries, thanks to the generosity of the Counts of Angoulême. This building constitutes an inescapable testimony of the Charente Romanesque art. In the 13th century, a large fire destroyed the site, forcing the reconstruction of the choir of the church, which was not completed until the 16th century. Listed as a historical monument in 1840 on the initiative of Mérimée, this vast monument has always impressed with its mass and its refinement: artists such as Eugène Delacroix and Maurice Utrillo are not mistaken. Each year, more than 13,000 visitors come to discover and appreciate this building with such a rich history. The abbey site has also given rise to several archaeological excavations, enriching the historical and cultural interest of this high heritage site.