The best cycling routes around Montigné

Chateau de Neuvicq

Feet in the river to cool down

Covered washhouse at the exit of St-Cybardeaux, dating from 1877. Rectangular with three sloping edges, two wash tables were installed there at the time, to allow for a more comfortable break.

Church dating from the 12th or 13th century depending on the source, originally Romanesque, its vaults were remodeled in an ogival style in the 18th century. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1925. A beautiful airy little square provides a clear view.

Cognac is a beautiful, wealthy town where the future François 1st was born (hence the house of the same name). This wealth comes mainly from the pineau and cognac trade… It was in the 15th century that this distillation process appeared to better preserve these wines which were sent throughout Europe and in particular to the countries of the Hanseatic League where this "burnt wine", brandevin or brandy is very appreciated, most often cut off from water. In Cognac, the Henessy, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier and Martell houses have numerous buildings. I also passed in a town next to an old building used as a cellar, a very pleasant smell emanated from it.

A Gallo-Roman theater, which is located on the territory of the commune of Saint-Cybardeaux. The ruins of the Gallo-Roman theater of Bouchauds are at the heart of a natural concavity.

Abbey of Saint-Étienne de Bassac, (Sancti Stephani de Bassaco vel Bassacensis, Bassacum): Monks of the order of Saint-Benoît, united in 1666 to the Congregation of Saint-Maur. It was founded at the beginning of the 11th century by one of the Princes of Angoulême, called Guadardus de Lorichis, in honor of St-Etienne, the first martyr, according to what is reported in the acts of the life of Grimourd (bishop of 'Angoulême), but in the history of Angoulême it is said that it was founded by Wardrard de Jarnac, and his wife Rixende. Be that as it may, the church and the regular places having been destroyed by the heretics, the Benedictines of the congregation of St Maur who were introduced there, restored everything, and had a beautiful church built. The Abbot has the collation of a few simple priories, and the appointment to a few parishes. • Foundation in the 11th century. Church rebuilt from 1247 to 1286. • Defensive works at the end of the 14th century. • Abbey burnt down by the Anglo-Saxons in 1434. • Reconstruction in the second half of the 15th century. • Abbey plundered by the Protestants between 1564 and 1569. • Maurist reform introduced in 1666 after the abbey had been abandoned for nearly a century: rehabilitation and restoration until 1746 (conventual building, guest room, etc.). • Abbey sold as national property during the Revolution. • Destruction of the Gothic cloister in 1820. • Major restoration work on the church and abbey buildings during the 19th and 20th centuries. Many times transformed over the course of congregations and historical events, it mixes Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Classical styles. Listed as a Historic Monument, the Saint-Étienne de Bassac abbey today unveils a rectangular abbey church consisting of 4 bays and a flat chevet. Gothic in style, it has however retained the bases of the original walls and has domed rib vaults. Romanesque, the bell tower is not lacking in charm, just like the apse and the 13th century chapel pierced by a bay and covered with a ribbed vault. The 17th century convent buildings are also still visible. Like several other religious sites around the world, the abbey of Saint-Étienne de Bassac had a “Gate of Mercy” in 2015-2016; door which, on the margins of the Holy Doors open every 25 years or according to the exceptions fixed by the pope during the course of the holy years or Jubilees, was established at the abbey of Saint-Étienne de Bassac following the desire of Pope Francis to see the Jubilee of Mercy spread all over the world. In short, this Door, like all the other doors of Mercy, supports the Holy Doors in their roles in the Jubilee of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016 In addition, the Saint-Étienne abbey now hosts retreats, and also has an approval to receive green classes. Opening hours: Monday: 09:00 – 18:30 • Tuesday: 09:00 – 18:30 • Wednesday: 09:00 – 18:30 • Thursday: 09:00 – 18:30 • Friday: 09:00 – 6:30 p.m. • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. • Sunday: 9:00 a.m. -6:30 p.m.

Foundation in the 11th century. Church rebuilt from 1247 to 1286. Defensive works at the end of the 14th century. Abbey burnt down by the Anglo-Saxons in 1434. Reconstruction in the second half of the 15th century. Abbey plundered by the Protestants between 1564 and 1569. Maurist reform introduced in 1666 after the abbey had been abandoned for nearly a century: rehabilitation and restoration until 1746 (convent building, guest room, etc.). Abbey sold as national property during the Revolution. Destruction of the Gothic cloister in 1820. Major restoration work on the church and the abbey buildings during the 19th and 20th centuries.