Montbron: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

The Vieux Château of Montbron is partially protected as a historic monument; its two painted fireplaces on the first floor have been classified as a Monument historique since 26 December 1985. The building was largely reconstructed in the 15th century and retains painted interior fittings, mullioned windows and loopholes.

Those considering Montbron as a holiday destination will want to rent a holiday apartment for their stay.

Culture

The Espace Préhistoire André Debénath presents the history of research and prehistoric discoveries in the Tardoire Valley in a permanent exhibition. Information panels, display cases with original objects and casts complement the exhibition. The courtyard features activities and experiments, including a painting wall and an area for practising archaeological excavations. Two adjoining rooms are used for film screenings and temporary exhibitions, which are renewed every two years.

On Wednesdays in July and August, the Espace Préhistoire André Debénath offers children's workshops on topics such as jewellery, flint, fire, engraving and excavation. Conferences and special visits to prehistoric sites in the area are also offered. The Church of Saint-Maurice is an elegant example of the Romanesque architecture typical of the département.

Below the Chapelle Sainte-Marthe lies the Théâtre de Verdure. It is open to everyone and serves as a stage for various artistic performances and film screenings. Since 2013, Montbron has participated in the annual event Les Portes du Cuir, which places leather craftsmanship and the leather industry at the centre of attention.

At the Rencontres de l’Artisanat d’Art in the Vieux Château, around twenty professional craftspeople present their work in a sales exhibition; some stalls also feature demonstrations. An exceptionally long period of human occupation has been documented around Vouthon and Montbron for the Montgaudier Cave. The finds include a particularly emblematic baton made from perforated and engraved reindeer antler from the Tardoire Valley.

Nature

Montbron bears the Station Verte tourism label, which stands for nature-oriented, authentic, people-centred and environmentally conscious tourism. The Vallée de la Renaudie nature reserve stretches for 6 kilometres along the river through the municipalities of Montbron, Écuras and Rouzède. It encompasses diverse habitats associated with the overlapping limestone and granite soils.

Three discovery trails focusing on water, geology and biodiversity have been created in the Vallée de la Renaudie; each is 3 to 4 kilometres long. The three themed routes consist of a 4-kilometre biodiversity trail, a 3.5-kilometre geology trail and a 3-kilometre water trail.

Crafts and Regional Sites

Fed by the Tardoire, the Moulin de Menet is a typical example of a roller mill. The former compulsory mill was converted into a grain mill at the end of the 19th century. Since 2013, the Moulin de Chabrot has been home to the Moulin de la Tardoire restaurant, run by Michelin-starred chef Mathieu Brudo.

Water

The canoe-kayak route from Menet to Montbron is 4.5 kilometres long and takes approximately one and a half hours.

Other destinations in the Charente include Gensac-la-Pallue, Balzac, Saint-Angeau, Salles-de-Villefagnan, Bernac, Montrollet, Jauldes and Claix.

The overview of Charente provides further information about the region.