City walk of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

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.

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, 20 meters high and having a reliquary, a cross-shaped pit for relics, an impressive gallery at 18 meters above floor level and a necropolis containing about one hundred and sixty-nine sarcophagi 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 A monumental construction site, 9 000m³ of stone to be withdrawn is almost 3 Olympic swimming pools!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 as well as a replica of Christ's tomb, 6 meters high, where the relics were stored. A striking necropolis of 160 sarcophagi and a gallery in height will not fail to amaze you once again.

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.

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.

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.