A royal day in La Rochefoucauld

La Rochefoucauld is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a harmonious blend of historical heritage and provincial charm. Upon arrival, the majestic Château de La Rochefoucauld, nicknamed "The Pearl of Angoumois," welcomes you with its elegant silhouette reflected in the Tardoire River. This jewel of French architecture, one of the most beautiful castles in France, attracts nearly 30,000 visitors each year who come to admire it and uncover the secrets of its history.

Visit the unmissable Château de La Rochefoucauld

Start your day with a visit to the castle , a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Built from 980 onwards by Fucaldus, Viscount of Limoges, this former medieval fortress has belonged to the same family for over 1000 years! It was extensively enlarged and embellished in the 16th ^century by François II de la Rochefoucauld.

The entrance through the imposing gate is spectacular. Once inside, explore its sumptuous courtyard, reminiscent of Italian Renaissance palaces, its many richly decorated rooms including the charming little boudoir of Marguerite d'Angoulême dating from the 17th ^century … Each room tells a fascinating story of the La Rochefoucauld family who have lived here for 24 generations.

Next, ascend the 108-step spiral staircase to reach the towers, where you can admire a breathtaking view of the building. Don't miss the spectacular library, adorned with wood paneling and housing a collection of over 20,000 precious books, during a guided tour that continues into the Treasury Room, containing archives and ancient books that the guide handles with care before your eyes.

Apart from the library and the treasury, the castle can be visited freely, allowing you to stroll at your own pace and enjoy panoramic views of the village, the river and the surrounding countryside.

Cross the bridge to the opposite bank to enter La Rochefoucaud. Heritage signs are scattered throughout the town centre, indicating sites such as the former Carmelite convent , the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, as well as many small old houses.

Craftsmanship: The Famous Charentaise Slippers

Who hasn't dreamed of slipping into these legendary red-checkered wool slippers? Created during the reign of Louis XIV , the Charentaise slipper has fascinating origins. At the time, the materials came from surplus fabrics produced by weavers making uniforms for the Royal Navy and from leftover felt from paper mills in the Angoumois region. In 1907, Théophile Rondinaud, a shoemaker in La Rochefoucauld, created the Charentaise with a tartan print. This famous slipper was granted geographical indication protection in 2019 under the title "Charentaise de Charente-Périgord".

After a stroll through the town centre, head to the La Maison Charentaise boutique on Rue des Halles to choose your pair of slippers for winter days! There are all sorts of original patterns and prints that break with tradition and the rules.

Traditional dinner cooked over a wood fire at Barboc's

At the end of the day, be sure to enjoy an unforgettable dinner at the Barboc restaurant, just steps from the Tardoire. Nestled in an enchanting setting with its large terrace shaded by olive trees and a Provençal atmosphere, this restaurant is a new culinary gem founded by the former owners of Chez Steph.

Renowned for its wood-fired meats , a specialty that attracts gourmets from all over the region, Barboc offers a simple and authentic gastronomic experience . The atmosphere is both warm and friendly, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring. Choose from a selection of perfectly grilled meats , accompanied by delicious homemade fries. Food lovers will be delighted by the exceptional quality of the local meat and the chef's culinary talent.

Thus ends a day rich in history and flavors in La Rochefoucauld, a destination that charms with its heritage and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of heritage, or a gourmet, this small town in the Charente region will captivate you and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Article and photos by Lesley Williamson

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