The best traffic-free bike rides around Fouquebrune

The Abbey of Notre-Dame de La Couronne is an exceptional monumental complex, composed of the remains of the old abbey church and the convent buildings. A major building representing the introduction of Gothic in Angoumois at the end of the 12th century. In the 12th century, the Abbey of Notre-Dame de la Couronne was founded (from 1118, laying of the first stone). The work was carried out quickly and on March 12, 1122, the monks (of the regular order of Saint Augustine) settled in the presence of Bishop Girard de Blay and the Count of Angoulême. From its creation, the abbey was a great success: a new church was built at the end of the 12th century (choir and nave: 1171-1194; the end of the work was slowed down by wars, famines, etc.): it was dedicated in 1201, in the presence of the Archbishop of Bordeaux. The convent buildings were also renewed at the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th century: cloisters, dormitory, refectory, infirmary, etc. A surrounding wall surrounded the abbey. During the 13th century, the furnishings were enriched, the Saint-Nicolas chapel was built and the bell tower was built. During the Hundred Years' War, the monks were dispersed and the bell tower collapsed (1450). At the end of the 15th century, the abbey was reborn: part of the collapsed church was rebuilt, a new abbey building was built (the work was completed after 1514). The Wars of Religion affected the abbey again: it was pillaged in 1562, part of its furniture was burned. The convent buildings were restored in 1571. At the beginning of the 17th century, the abbey, which now had only eight monks, was united with the Jesuit order; it was then placed under the obedience of the congregation of Sainte-Geneviève in 1644. In the 18th century, a final campaign of works (1750-1778) transformed the convent buildings. During the Revolution, the abbey became national property. It was sold in 1807, used as a quarry and was gradually dismantled and divided into several properties. This religious establishment is now in ruins and inaccessible to the public. But it is possible to imagine it thanks to a virtual reality tour with the Legendr application. Municipal website: https://www.lacouronne.fr/abbaye-notre-dame 3D reconstruction: https://www.rendr.fr/portfolio/reconstitution-3d-abbaye-notre-dame-la-couronne Heritage of Charente: https://patrimoine16.lacharente.fr/sites-du-departement/la-couronne/

Cluzeaux are shelters made by man in the rock. They are typical of Périgord. In the village of Argentina, perched on a rocky spur above the Nizonne valley, we find some dating from the Middle Ages. Grain silos, but also a huge necropolis have been built there. The site, free to access and very impressive, can be visited all year round.

It was originally a Benedictine abbey from the 11th century. The abbey experienced the horrors of the 100 Years' War in the 14th and 15th centuries, then those of the religious wars which marked the 16th century. Seized as national property during the Revolution, the building was reborn when it fell into the hands of a new owner at the end of the 1980s who opened it to the public.

This thousand-year-old castle overlooks the surrounding plains. From its heights, beautiful panoramas pass before our eyes. It is an ancient citadel. Many activities are offered all year round. You can also visit the castle to discover more about its history. More information on https://www.chateaudevilleboislavalette.com/.

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.

Open 0900-2100 all days except on Weds and Sunday when closes at 14:00

I haven't tested this swimming spot, but passing by there were a few people swimming there. It seemed calm