Holidays in Charente: what to see, what to do, where to eat, where to stay in Confolens

Thanks to its festival, which attracts nearly 50,000 visitors every summer for a whole week, Confolens is known throughout the world. However, it is not only lovers of popular arts and traditions who come to discover this small town of character with its many assets. The first mention of what is today the capital of Limousin Charente dates back to the end of the ^10th century. Located at the confluence of the Vienne and Goire rivers, it established itself as a frontier town. Fortifications were built to protect it. In the ^15th and ^16th centuries, thanks to the development of its economic activity (tanneries, fairs), it experienced urban expansion. Until becoming a sub-prefecture in 1853. Confolens preserves many heritage elements from this rich past. Strolling through the sometimes cobbled streets, half-timbered houses (like that of the Duke of Épernon, the oldest in the town), private mansions, manors, bridges, gates, mills, churches and even courthouses and convents, not forgetting the keep overlooking Confolens, are all to be discovered.

An international center for research and experimentation in architecture and design, located in the heart of nature in Lessac, the Domaine de Boisbuchet offers various events during the summer season, open to professionals as well as the general public. From July 6 to September 6, several week-long workshops on different themes will take place. Every Friday at 5 p.m., the results of the work will be presented, followed by a dinner with everyone present at the estate. Another opportunity to exchange ideas: the guided tour of the exhibition "Public Sphere, Private Sphere," housed in the 19th ^- century château, will begin at 2:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. It will then be possible to explore the architectural park and discover the twenty or so contemporary creations.

> boisbuchet.org/fr

Lesterps, a rich heritage

The imposing 43-meter-high bell tower-porch bears witness to the abbey's former grandeur. Founded at the end of the ^10th century by Jourdain ^I , Lord of Chabanais, it allowed the town to develop and become prosperous. During the Wars of Religion, it was pillaged and its convent buildings burned. The church, although restored in the 17th ^century , deteriorated until its chevet and part of the nave collapsed. Today, it is a truncated church that occupies the Place des Tilleuls, while the convent buildings still standing are occupied by the town hall and private individuals. To get an idea of the original church, a model is on display at the Maison du patrimoine. This half-timbered house, one of the oldest in the town, houses a small municipal museum that presents the history of Lesterps and other exhibitions.

> Heritage House, open every day from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in July and August.

A historical reenactment troupe, the Les Gaulois d'Esse association has been dedicated for twenty years to evoking the daily life of the Lemovices, a Celtic people of Limousin. Overlooking the Issoire Valley, in Esse, a ^1st century BC Gallic village, Coriobona, has been reconstructed, with around ten buildings (tavern, workshops), the fortified gate, the hemicycle, and the guard post. While the village is open all summer, during the Journées de Grannos, on July 12, 13, and 14, around forty members of the association bring it to life and transform themselves into artisans, merchants, or warriors. An opportunity to step back in time.

> Gallic Village. Open every day from July 7 to August 31, self-guided tours (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and guided tours (2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.). gaulois-esse.fr

> Find all our ideas for holidays in Charente here

Every Thursday, from July 14th to August 31st, the Charente Limousin Railway Association offers guided tours aboard its railcars. Departures at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Confolens station toward Roumazières-Loubert, where the tourist train arrives an hour later, at the end of a journey through a wooded landscape. On the way back, a twenty- to thirty-minute stop in Mano allows you to enjoy the refreshment bar. This summer again, a themed train with meals will be organized in collaboration with the World Dance and Music Festival. On August 11th, a troupe from Ecuador will provide entertainment. Departure at 10 a.m. from Confolens and return around 4:30 p.m.

> Information and reservations: cf-charentelimousine.fr

Archistoire is a mobile application for cultural and heritage tours. The experience offered by this tool, designed by the CAUE (Architecture, Urban Planning and Environment Councils), consists of augmented walks in hybrid reality. On site, simply scan your immediate surroundings with your phone. You will then discover archive images like postcards, reconstructions of disappeared buildings, and virtual tours of places that are normally inaccessible. It is also possible to take the walks remotely. The CAUE 16 has already created five tours, in collaboration with the municipalities concerned, including two in Charente-Limousin, one in Confolens, the other in Saint-Germain-de-Confolens.

> Free application available on AppStore and PlayStore.

Canoe, paddle or pedal boat to discover the Vienne

From the Roches-Bleues area in Confolens, water sports take you on a journey of discovery of the Vienne River, its fauna, flora, and mills. The departmental canoeing committee, which manages the Confolens base, offers pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes for rent. For the first two, the calm and tranquil playground is limited to the Confolens lake. However, by canoe, you can broaden your horizons thanks to two excursions: one from Confolens, towards Saint-Germain-de-Confolens (4 km), the other from Mano, towards Confolens (6 km). Shuttles are provided by the committee. The activities are open to everyone from 6 years old, provided you can swim.

> Base open from July 5 to August 31. Avenue de la Libération. Tel. 06 48 73 28 52.

You must first cross the A Tout Cœur store, then take a beautiful spiral stone staircase before crossing the threshold of the Chez Naomi café, nestled on the first floor of a building believed to date back to the 16th ^century . At the foot of the Château de Saint-Germain-de-Confolens, Northern Irishwoman Naomi Campbell welcomes you into what was the wedding hall when the town hall was located there. In her cozy two-room apartment, the young woman offers tea, coffee, hot chocolate, traditional Irish cakes (the carrot one is the most popular) and sandwiches, made by her and served on vintage crockery. In fine weather, customers can enjoy the small terrace on Place Jean-Teilliet or the shaded "secret" garden at the back of the house.

> 3 place Jean-Teilliet, Open all year round on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

L'Emeraude, an institution on the banks of the Vienne

In the heart of Confolens town center, on the banks of the Vienne River, the restaurant L'Émeraude, like the hotel of the same name, is an institution. The establishment opened its doors in 1968. Today, four people work at the stoves to prepare traditional cuisine, using regional and seasonal products. Five starters, five main courses (meat and fish), and five desserts are offered à la carte for lunch and dinner. In summer, this menu is expanded with large mixed salads, burgers, and slates to accompany aperitifs. Two dining rooms and a covered terrace overlooking the river welcome guests.

> 20, rue Émile-Roux. Open every day. Reservations recommended at 05 45 84 12 77.

Just ten years ago, after several years spent in Poitiers and then Paris, Nicolas Harduin set his sights on the barn of the old farm in the village of Esse, right in the center of the town. Since then, with chef Arnaud Géral, he has developed a bistronomic cuisine at L'Estaminet that attracts both local and visiting customers. Fresh, local produce is featured. The menu is updated every season and takes on a summery feel in the warmer months. Salads, fish, grilled meat, prawns, Limousin beef tartare, and tapas to share are served indoors or on the terrace. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday lunchtimes offer a daily special for €17.90.

> 1, Place des Tilleuls. From July 5 and throughout the summer, open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. Tel. 05 45 71 20 66.

Debbie Dawtrey left England and her consulting job to start a new life in Confolens. In a house aptly named Quelle belle vue, located on the heights of the town, in the shadow of the keep, she opened two guest rooms in June 2023, followed by a third the following year. Each tastefully decorated room offers a bird's eye view of Confolens, as does the flower-filled terrace where breakfast is served in the summer. Cheese, cereals, yogurts, and homemade jams made with fruit from the garden are offered to an international clientele.

> 27, rue du Puits-d'Olivet. Rooms from €79. Tel. 06 40 67 57 39. quellebellevue-confolens.fr

A night at the manor

Thanks to Lou-Anne Arpin and Christophe Formentin, the Manoir des Comtes in Confolens regained its splendor just one year ago, after fourteen months of work. The couple, originally from the North, created two 50 ^m² guest rooms in this exceptional 15th ^-century setting, each with very different atmospheres. One, called Artistique, with its more contemporary decor from the 1960s and 1970s, is vibrant and colorful. While the other, called Écriture, is more classically designed with romantic charms, and reveals the beautiful original fireplace. Its bathroom houses an astonishing cabinet of curiosities. It is possible to dine on site by booking before noon. Note that the garden has pleasant direct access to the Gloire River.

> 16, rue du Soleil. Rooms from €110. Mairie-confolens.fr

Nestled in the countryside, the Domaine de la Partoucie is a place to disconnect, calm and restful, particularly appreciated by a clientele seeking tranquility and authenticity. Five spacious guest rooms, including three family suites, have been tastefully furnished in the main building, the outbuilding and the dovecote of this family home, partially surrounded by a moat. A swimming pool, a tennis court, a large garden, and children's playground are available to guests who can also enjoy the hiking trails passing nearby. The owner serves a hearty breakfast with organic, local or homemade products (such as yogurts or jams)