Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a village in the south of the department of Charente, in the region of New Aquitaine, on the border of the Dordogne.
The town is located 45 km south of Angouleme.
Erected on one of the routes of the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela, the village developed from the thirteenth century, seat of a viscount dependent on the lord of Angoulême. Ballotted between French and English during the Hundred Years War, the viscount was then during the wars of religion, in the sixteenth century. Then, faithful to King Henry IV, the lord of Aubeterre helped his sovereign against the League and then rebuilt the castle of the village became a marquisate.
The old fortified town became today a tourist village of first choice, rich in a singular heritage, and in its high part, the alleyways lined with white houses dominate the valley of the river which forms a loop around The commune, the Dronne.
With about 400 inhabitants, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne has a low, commercial and lively part that goes down to Saint-Jean church: one of the few troglodyte churches in France.
Stage of choice in terms of green tourism, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a member of the Association of Most Beautiful Villages of France.
If it is obviously possible to discover the charms and the remarkable sites of the village independently, guided tours are possible all year round (4 euros). More information is available on +33 6 79 85 81 26.
It is in the lower part of the commune that is located its jewel, the underground church of Saint-Jean. It was dug in the 12th century, and its main vocation was to shelter a reliquary arranged in the limestone wall. As more and more pilgrims were making their way to Saint James, a church and a crypt were dug, and then an even larger room after a supporting wall was built in the 17th century.
On the ground are still hundreds of tombs, which evoke a necropolis similar to the troglodytic churches that the Crusaders visited in Cappadocia.
It results from the visit of this very singular church an impression mixing sacred and "magic". A must see ! Open every day (except December 25 and January 1) from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. Price: 4 euros (adults), 2 euros (children from 8 to 12 years).
On the high village, the feudal castle remains only its entrance - the chatelet - dating from the 16th. The commons were transformed into a dwelling. The main building was dismantled in the 19th century.
On the other hand, we can admire the convent of the Minimes, erected in the 16th century, transformed into a retirement home, and of which one can still visit the chapel. A mix of late Gothic and baroque, its style surprises. It is worth dwelling at the level of its wooden altarpiece that surmounts a sculpture depicting angels.
It is then advisable to visit the remarkable cloister.
From the monastery of the Cordeliers (another religious order), traces remain, on the other hand, in the village, like a shell that adorns a dwelling.
Finally, from now on private property, one can admire from outside the former convent of the Poor Clares. So many congregations that had settled to welcome the pilgrims and to establish their power in a disputed fief.
Still at the top of the village, the church of Saint-Jacques is worth the detour: its facade with remarkable sculptures dates from the twelfth. The rest of the building destroyed during the wars of religion was rebuilt in the eighteenth on the model of the cathedrals of Poitiers and Angouleme, mixing Western and Eastern influences.
Once the important patrimonial legacy has been visited and the pleasant streets with the houses huddled, several other places are offered to the curiosity of the tourist.
This is the case of the museum dedicated to Marcel Merkès and Paulette Merval, a starring couple of French operettas of the 20th century. Costumes, photos, biographies are presented. Open from October to June by appointment at +33 6 43 61 40 77. And every day from 3 pm to 6 pm in July and August. Price: 5 euros.
The Ludovic Trarieux space (in his native house), a permanent exhibition on the human rights and life of the founder of the French League for the Defense of Human Rights and Of the Citizen. Information on +33 5 45 98 04 08.
In addition to numerous art galleries and other handicraft shops, a stage can be planned at the Maison des marionnettes where performances are scheduled every day in July and August. Information on +33 5 45 98 45 59.
For lovers of hiking, mountain biking or horseback, many trails departing or passing through Aubeterre are laid out. Some of them take the old road to Santiago. Information at +33 5 45 98 57 18.
The practice of fishing is possible from the banks of the Dronne (map available at the grocery of the village), just like the river lends itself to canoe-kayak. Information on +33 5 45 98 51 72.
Finally, for a refreshing break, the recreation area on the banks of the river allows swimming (monitored in summer), picnic and games for children. Information at +33 5 45 98 50 33.
During the summer season, many concerts of classical or folk music are scheduled within the framework of the Nuits Musicales festival (some within the underground church itself). Information at +33 5 45 98 57 18.
For gourmets and gourmands, in a convivial atmosphere, the Sunday morning market, on the main square, is a must to discover the rich Charentais terroir and the nearby Périgord.
Exhibition “My Name is A” - Arnaud Benoit
- From 13 may to 1 june 2024
- 8, Place du Champ de Foire, Office de Tourisme du Sud Charente - Bureau d'Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
- Exhibition "My name is A" - Update, this is a diversion. “You have to know how to laugh well, to cry better” Molière
Conference and Opening of the Photo Exhibition ‘LES ANIMAUX D'ICI ET D'AILLEURS’
- On 2 june 2024
- 3 rue Barbecane, La Lisière - Librairie du Dehors
- It's only a short step from the biggest animal species on the planet to the more discreet species of the South Charente ! Daisy Salmon, a marine biologist living in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, will make the connection and presente her observations from 3pm.
Festival des Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
- From 1 july to 31 august 2024
- Eglise Souterraine, Rue Saint-Jean
- The Nuits Musicales festival takes place in the magnificent village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France". A series of concerts takes place in July and August in the village's impressive underground church.
Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre sur Dronne - Ensemble Con Vivencia
- On 18 july 2024
- Eglise Souterraine, Rue Saint-Jean
- As part of the Nuits Musicales festival in Aubeterre sur Dronne, enjoy a concert by the Con Vivencia ensemble. - This group combines voices and instruments in a Venetian Renaissance repertoire.
Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre sur Dronne - Concert Vituoses de la Chambre de Cologne
- On 24 july 2024
- Eglise Souterraine, Rue Saint-Jean
- As part of the Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre sur Dronne festival, enjoy a concert of baroque music by the Virtuoses de la Chambre de Cologne, a 15-strong orchestra.
Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre sur Dronne - Ensemble Arisan & Goa Lupe
- On 6 august 2024
- Eglise Souterraine, Rue Saint-Jean
- As part of the Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre sur Dronne festival, enjoy a concert by the Arisan & Goa Lupe ensemble. - Celtic music, popular jazz (guitar, violin, double bass, accordion/saxo) and South American music.
Nuits Musicales d'Aubeterre sur Dronne - Concert Haarlems Bach Ensemble
- On 23 august 2024
- Eglise Souterraine, Rue Saint-Jean
- As part of the Nuits Musicales festival in Aubeterre sur Dronne, enjoy an evening of French Baroque music performed by the Haarlems Bach Ensemble.
