The Ruffecois and the Charente Valley: Villages of character, water and stone

Ruffec, a dynamic and lively town in Charente

It was in 963 that the town of Ruffec appeared, under the reign of King Lothaire, when Guillaume Taillefer 2 received these lands as reward for his exploits against the Normans. Since then, the city has continued to evolve, going through time and wars without running out of steam. Many historical figures such as Charles 2 and his son, or the lord of Volvire have visited the Ruffec countryside. It was in the ^19th century that Ruffec began to prosper with the construction of roads, a grain market, a train station, the town hall and the creation of a market which gave life to the city. In the ^20th century, the evolution continued with schools, stadiums, swimming pools, the hospital and cinemas, a significant heritage still present in the rich and dynamic town of Ruffec today.

Le Ruffecois, some must-sees to discover

A destination for relaxation and a change of scenery with its green setting, its rivers and its gardens, the Pays du Ruffecois is no less rich in discoveries through a few sites open to visits.

The Gallo-Roman Villa of the Châteliers

The freely accessible site reveals 800m2 of Gallo-Roman villa structures, archaeological collections and an ancient fresco. Discover history with a guided tour, before exploring the ancient garden which takes you back to Roman times.

The small town of Nanteuil-en-Vallée with character

Explore a charming village which seduces with its timber-framed facades, its Benedictine abbey and its listed buildings (the treasure tower and the hotel). If you have time, go as far as the Saint-Jean fountain where the small “bugée” museum is located.

The small town of character Verteuil-sur-Charente

Return to medieval times in this pretty village which retains a Sénéchalerie with its mullioned windows and the ^17th century Saint Médard church. Look up, the castle overlooks the streets, a magnificent witness to history which unfortunately cannot be visited.

The Abbey of Saint-Amant-de-Boixe

Running alongside the Boixe forest, it is accessible to visitors, revealing an old Benedictine abbey from the ^17th century. Young and old will be able to discover the site through a fun and interactive tour.

Tusson, a village with a rich past

Tusson is especially renowned for its flowery streets and gardens, including the medieval monastic garden which received the “Remarkable Garden” label. Located on the road to Compostela, its visit allows you to discover beautiful houses.

Le Ruffecois, a concentration of gardens to visit

Crossed by the Charente, the Ruffecois region attracts with its green spaces and colorful landscapes. Nature lovers, you will be delighted to learn that Ruffecois brings together 9 gardens to visit without moderation, at any time of the year to observe the changes each season.

• The Jardins d'Embourie, also called Antique Gardens, reproduce Gallo-Roman landscapes within a rich villa.
• Le Jardin des Sens in Montjean appeals to all your senses (currently closed)
• The Rose Garden in Ruffec has an upper part and a lower part.
• Jard'imagine in Bissouac is inhabited by wacky and amusing characters.
• The Jardins de l'Argentor in Nanteuil-en-Vallée are a real peaceful break with 4 wooded areas.
• The Ephemeral Gardens of Isle Nature in Saint-Fraigne are discovered every spring after winter floods, offering a lovely family stroll.
• The Monastic Garden of Tusson evokes the gardens of the ^13th and ^14th centuries.
• The Floral Park of Jean Pierre Lanson is incredible with its waterfall and its river.
• The Jardin du Mistletoe in Saint-Amant-de-Boixe is a real project around gardening and biodiversity.

Markets in the Pays du Ruffecois

What could be better than combining a stroll and a treat during an outing to the market. Le Ruffecois in the north of Charente is the perfect destination for a treat.

• The Fouqueure market on Saturday morning
• The Montignac-Charente market on Wednesday morning
• The Ruffec market on Saturday and Wednesday mornings
• The Villefagnan market on Tuesday and Friday morning
• The organic market at the Villefagnan farm on the ^1st Friday of the month from 4 p.m.
• The Verteuil-sur-Charente market on Sunday morning
• The market in La Faye on Saturday morning
• The market in Mansle-les-Fontaines on Friday and Saturday mornings
• The market in Tourrier on Wednesday afternoon
• The market in Aunac-sur-Charente on Sunday morning
• The market in Val-de-Bonnieure on Friday morning
• The market in Aigre on Thursday morning

The Pays du Ruffécois is also a popular destination for hiking and cycling enthusiasts who travel along the rivers, in a green and soothing nature. Take your picnic and enjoy a rural getaway in Charente!