Marthon

Visit Marthon, Poitou-Charentes

Marthon is a village to the east of the Charente department between Angouleme and Nontron (Dordogne) on the quiet banks of the river Bandiat.

Exploring Marthon

There are several small highlights to enjoy in the village as you explore Marthon, including those mentioned below and small architectural details such as a fountain, a well, an old stone archway, and some attractive houses.

Tour de Breuil

The most important monument here, and the one that dominates the rooftops of Marthon, is the castle keep - the Donjon de Marthon (also called the Tour du Breuil).

Dating from the 12th century, it is now only the lower part of the original sturdy square tower that had three towers and a small section of wall that remains of the original castle but the donjon still dominates Marthon village.

Chapelle-Porte

You can reach the castle via the roman style chapel-doorway below the donjon - this is a tall building that combines a chapel on the upper storey and the gateway to the castle below and is built into the defensive walls around the castle.

Chateaux in Marthon

Two other (more recent) castles can also be seen at Marthon: the Chateau Neuf and the Chateau du Colombier, with both castles incorporating several different architectural styles. The Chateau Neuf dates from the 16th century, although it was much modified and extended in the 20th century, and the Chateau du Colombier is now a hotel.

Church of Saint-Martin

Another point of interest is the roman style Church of Saint-Martin - note in particular the belltower with arched openings and the statue in a niche above the entrance. Note the unusual arches inset in the walls - these are called 'enfeu' and are tombs of local dignitaries that were originally buried in the church walls.

Note: photo of Marthon is copyright

See Poitou-Charentes and Charente (the region and department for Marthon) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Marthon, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Angouleme 24km; Charmant 24km; Mouthiers-sur-Boeme 26km; Brantome 32km; Chateau de Puyguilhem 32km; Bourdeilles 34km; Saint-Jean-de-Cole 37km; Rochechouart 37km; Bayers 38km; Saint-Simon 41km; Riberac 41km;

Marthon tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Vincent (Puymoyen) - religious monument (20km) : Cathédrale Saint Pierre (Angouleme) - religious monument (23km) : Eglise de Saint Michel (Saint-Michel) - religious monument (26km) : Logis de Forge - remarkable garden (26km) : Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (Coulgens) - religious monument (26km) : Eglise de Saint Jean-Baptiste (La Couronne) - religious monument (27km) : Perigord-Limousin - regional natural parc (28km) : Eglise de Notre Dame (Voulgezac) - religious monument (28km) :

See more places and a map at places near Marthon