The Ruffec Arboretum, created in 1991 and also known as “Bois de l’Europe”, covers 15,500 m², is the largest park in the town and is home to around one hundred tree species.
Those who want to experience Ruffec independently can rent a holiday apartment.
Culture and History
Different historical testimonies stand side by side in the townscape: The château on the Lien is a private residential building from the 16th century with machicolations and Renaissance décor; it was built on the remains of the former Château de Ruffec. In the historic districts, there is also a former watermill on the Tivoli Bridge.
The Chapel of Saint Blaise was built in the 12th century on the right bank of the Péruse in the Pontereau suburb. It was formerly a priory church dedicated to Saint Benedict, founded by Nanteuil-en-Vallée Abbey and placed under the protection of the Castrum of Ruffec. The former church presumably controlled a river crossing in the 13th century, possibly a ford, on a pilgrimage route to Compostela. Preserved as a ruin, the chapel features an elegant three-window group in its flat end wall.
At the Church of Saint Andrew, the sculpted decoration above the opening depicts Christ in a mandorla, flanked by two angels, and represents the Ascension of Christ. The Le Family art-house cinema operates two screens year-round, with 181 and 88 seats. Cinéma Family also offers a varied programme featuring film discussions and youth festivals.
Nature and Green Spaces
The Champ de Tivoli on the Lien is a recreational area with a plant maze. The river creates biodiversity there, which is promoted through ecological management.
Le Jardin des Arts is characterised by flowers and trees; works of art are displayed along the paths. The garden is located in a historic district of Ruffec and offers a view of the historic château in the Plaisance district, which is privately owned.
Trails and Activities
There is a permanent orienteering course in the town centre. The start board is located behind the Val de Charente socio-cultural centre “La Crysalide” in the Jardin Vert. The activity can be completed using a paper map or the free Navitabi app. The courses are classified by difficulty; the green and blue courses are suitable for children.
A hiking trail with a fitness course leads from Ruffec towards the Charente at Rejallant. Around Ruffec, two permanently marked discovery trails of 12 km and 18 km are also available, with a connection from the station.
The Atelier du vitrail offers 30-minute guided tours with glass-painting demonstrations by appointment. The tours are limited to five or six people at a time, admission is free, and the workshop is open year-round from Monday to Friday.
Local Life
The weekly market in Ruffec takes place year-round on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Surroundings
In the area around Ruffec, the Réjallant water sports centre offers excursions lasting from one hour to a full day.
More destination pages: Guimps, Lesterps, La Rochefoucauld, Saint-Maurice-des-Lions, Le Tâtre, Ecuras, Saint-Estèphe, Roumazières-Loubert
