Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

Visit Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Poitou-Charentes

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is in the south-east of the Charente department, and 20 km west of Riberac (Dordogne department).

Poised on a steep hill above the Dronne River, Aubeterre is a very pretty village. The houses are in the local white stone, some with traditional first floor galleries, others with multi-levelled galleries, and many with attractive roofs. A large number of the houses have been carefully renovated.

The big attraction in the village is the church of Saint-Jean, an extensive troglodyte church (also known as the monolithic church) dating in part to the 5th century. The main body of the church is 20m high and is the tallest hewn-out church in the world.

There is a full-immersion baptismal font carved out in this part and a reliquary which is claimed to have once housed a holy relic. It is possible to climb the steps up to the first floor from where you can really appreciate the height and size of the church.

To the side of the main chamber is a burial area where 80 burial holes have been hewn out of the stone. Each with the head pointing to Jerusalem. A very eerie sight!

The monolithic church of Auberterre sur Drone became an important stop on the pilgrimage to Compostella.

The church of Saint-Jacques is another notable highlight on a visit to Aubeterre sur Dronne, especially for the quality of the stonework around the portail and facade of the church.

In the highest part of the village there is also the Clarisses convent and the Cordeliers and Minimes monasteries. For a small village there is a lot to see! After having a good look round there are bars and restaurants on the Place Travieux where you can stop and relax.

The style of Aubeterre makes it an interesting 'transition' town between the different landscapes and architecture of the Charente and Dordogne regions, and a visit is recommended.

Photos of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Aubeterre-sur-Dronne: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Torsac 33km; Bourdeilles 33km; Barbezieux 34km; Brantome 39km; Marthon 43km; Perigueux 44km; Angouleme 44km; Saint-Simon 46km; Montcaret Archaeological site 47km; Nontron 48km; Sainte-Foy-la-Grande 48km; Chateau de Puyguilhem 48km; Saint-Emilion 49km; Eynesse 50km; Jonzac 51km; Libourne 51km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise Notre Dame de Faye (Faye) - religious monument (13km) : Eglise de Notre Dame (Voulgezac) - religious monument (27km) : Logis de Forge - remarkable garden (32km) : Jardins du château de Montréal - remarkable garden (36km) : Eglise de Saint Cybard (Roullet-Saint-Estephe) - religious monument (36km) : Eglise de Saint Pierre (Petit-Palais-et-Cornemps) - religious monument (37km) : Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (La Couronne) - religious monument (38km) : Eglise de Saint Vincent (Puymoyen) - religious monument (38km) :

French version: see Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (Francais)