Top Things to do in Charente
What to do and see in Charente, Nouvelle-Aquitaine: The Best Castles
Discover the best top things to do in Charente, France including Chateau Royal de Cognac, Chateau de La Rochefoucauld, Chateau de la Mercerie, Chateau de Chalais, Chateau de St Germain de Confolens, Chateau de Saveilles, Chateau de Villebois-Lavalette, Chateau de Verteuil, Abbaye Notre Dame de Nanteuil, Chateau de Touffou.
Restaurants in Charente
1. Chateau Royal de Cognac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
The Royal Château of Cognac overlooking the Charente river was initially a 10th-century fortress designed to stop Norman invasions, and then in the 15th century became a stately home which was the birthplace of one of France’s most illustrious kings, Francis I. Baron Otard, who had founded its Cognac House in 1795, quickly understands that the thick walls provide exceptional aging conditions for his eaux-de-vie. He purchases the Château, saving it from total destruction The Royal Château of Cognac, which became a historic monument, is now a witness to French history and a Cognac House. We are offering a variety of tours combining two aspects of history: the history of France and the history of Baron Otard cognac up to the present day. Welcome to the Royal Château of Cognac!
Reviewed By vivelafrance1962 - Libourne, France
I took the 1-hour, 12 euro tour (the tour length is the same for everyone, the price varies only according to the quality of cognacs tasted at the end in the tasting room). I received a very warm welcome from the lovely Cecile, who speaks perfect English and was a very professional and informative guide when showing us through the chateau and the various cognac storage facilities. It's easy to find the entrance, right by the little roundabout before the bridge, loads of parking and close to other cognac houses, the river and the old town of Charente. I really recommend this tour to locals and tourists alike and they run all year round.
2. Chateau de La Rochefoucauld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By Puzzlecombe - Darnac, France
The Chateau has been in the same family for generations and part of it is still lived in and while we were there one of the daughters was having a birthday party in the grounds. Everybody guides and family were very friendly and helpful, huge library and records, even including those of the kings of France. Well worth a visit and for just 10 euros!
3. Chateau de la Mercerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
4. Chateau de Chalais
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By franceabroadfrench
fascinating history of the chateau - told perfectly and in a very comfortable and easy-to-remember way - Jean-Louis shares his enthusiasm for the history and story of the chateau really good guide and interesting tour (we have eaten in the restaurant too - it , too, is excellent)
5. Chateau de St Germain de Confolens
6. Chateau de Saveilles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
A mansion combining characteristics of the castle to those of a renaissance castle. Castle which you can discover and admire the exterior surrounded by a moat, comprising 2 buildings arranged at right angle, with towers at the ends. Despite ravages of french revolution and time, a multitude of sculptures, skylights mullion adorned, loopholes and arrow slits, battlements, and a 19th century chapel.
7. Chateau de Villebois-Lavalette
8. Chateau de Verteuil
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 63 reviews
Open every week-end from april to end of september. Everyday from june to beginning of september. Possibility for groups with reservation all year.
