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Practice type
Walking
1h
City walk of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Description
Let yourself be transported in the alleys and alleys of one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", a stop on the way to Santiago de Compostela, to discover its underground church and its historical heritage
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a small village steeped in history, an ancient stronghold built in an amphitheater on the banks of the Dronne. "Alba Terra" unfolds its white houses with honey-colored tile roofs in a green setting. You will discover and be able to contemplate all along your walk historical and remarkable sites, religious buildings and panoramic points of view on the valley of the Dronne.
You will be able to admire its castle, the chapel of the Minimes as well as the court of the cloister, the church Saint-Jacques with its splendid Romanesque frontage, the tower of the apostles, the old hospice Saint-François, the wash-house on the place Merkes-Merval and finally the underground church Saint-Jean, the highest of Europe, known as "monolith", of 20 meters height, dug in the rock with its reliquary inspired by the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Before returning to your starting point, take a break on the main square of the village, the Ludovic Trarieux square, born in 1840 in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, founder of the French League for the Defense of Human and Citizen Rights.
A 3,5 km link allows you to join the circuit of the Fontaine du Loup in Bonnes.
Further informations
Contact
Phone : 05 45 98 57 18
Email : contact@sudcharentetourisme.fr
Website : www.sudcharentetourisme.fr
Updated by ...
Office de tourisme du Sud Charente - 09/05/2025
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Contact
Phone : 05 45 98 57 18
Email : contact@sudcharentetourisme.fr
Website : www.sudcharentetourisme.fr
Updated by ...
Office de tourisme du Sud Charente - 09/05/2025
Report a problem
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Technical informations
Walking
Difficulty
Duration
1h
Dist.
1.8 km
Practice type
Walking
1h
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À proximité
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Starting Point
Lat : 45.27185121379Lng : 0.1692517508485
Coordinates copied
List of objects
Saint-Jacques Church
Places of interest
A marvel of romanesque art, the former collegiate church of Saint Jacques is one of the treasures of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.
Its amazing twelfth century romanesque façade is embellished with finely-sculpted semicircular archways. Truly a book in stone, the Moorish/Spanish influence of the decoration recalls the link with the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
27, Rue Saint-Jacques 26 A Rue Saint-Jacques 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Underground Church of Saint-Jean
Places of interest
The Saint-Jean underground church was dug into the rock probably at the beginning of the twelth century, following a Roman layout. It is unique in Europe, being of exceptionnal proportions, 17 meters high and having a reliquary, a cross-shaped pit for relics, an impressive gallery at 17 meters above floor level and a necropolis containing about one 170 graves makes it well worth a visit.
It is Pierre de Castillon, lord of Aubeterre and builder of the underground church of Saint-Emilion, who decides on his return from the crusade to dig this church under his castle. A monumental construction site, 9 000m³ of stone to be withdrawn is almost 3 Olympic swimming pools!
In the heart of the nave remains a cross-shaped pit, and a reliquary which is the replica of Christ's tomb, 6 meters high. A striking necropolis of 170 graves and a gallery in height will not fail to amaze you once again.
18, Rue Saint Jean 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Du 01/03/2025 au 30/06/2025
Aire de pique nique d'Aubeterre-sur Dronne - Place du champ de foire
Places of interest
At the edge of the car park, Aubeterre sur Dronne offers a stone picnic table in a grassy area. In summer, the trees provide shade for your meal.
Nearby, at the Tourist Office, you can pick up a map for visiting one of France's most beautiful villages, as well as all the information you need to discover the South Charente region. You can also enjoy a superb view of the village.
Place du champ de foire Au bord du parking 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Picnic area of Aubeterre-sur Dronne
Places of interest
As you enter the village, Aubeterre sur Dronne offers a wooden picnic table in a grassy area near the fairground car park.
After lunch, you can drop into the Tourist Office to pick up a map of one of France's most beautiful villages and all the information you need to discover the South Charente region. You can also enjoy a superb view of the village.
Rue du Minage 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Picnic area in the border of the river Dronne - Aubeterre sur Dronne
Places of interest
The Aubeterre sur Dronne leisure centre has a number of picnic tables set in a grassy area beside the River Dronne. In summer, the trees provide shade for your meal.
Children will love the nearby play areas and the beach where they can let off steam. The canoeing and kayaking centre also offers canoe, paddle and pedalo trips on the Dronne.
Route de Riberac Base de loisirs d'Aubeterre sur Dronne 16390 Laprade
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