Chalais is a commune in the Charente region in New Aquitaine, the confines of the Charente-Maritime and the Dordogne, 12 km west of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.
Its territory is 17 km² discreetly hilly, crossed by the course of the Tude from north to south, in which the flow Viveronne and Argentonne. This is also on a spur overlooking the valleys that developed the heart of the town.
Crossed by the road between Angouleme Libourne and later by the railway between Paris and Bordeaux, Chalais reveals a crossroads between Perigord and Aquitaine, between the Massif Central and coastline. This explains its commercial vocation.
Having absorbed over the centuries several parishes, Chalais is home to medieval lordship of passing the family of Talleyrand-Perigord in the thirteenth century: its representatives will have the title of princes Chalais until the nineteenth century.
The Hundred Years War and the wars of religion affect the city and its castle princes resident. A priory under the Benedictine Abbey Limoges however having strengthened the power of the city.
Today, still benefiting from its geographical position, Chalais (about 1800 inhabitants) remains a shopping and craft village. Its rich heritage and leisure offer expanded (cultural, sports or related to the environment) and is a great step forward to win other tourist sites in the region.
The former castle of the princes of Talleyrand-Perigord whose imposing silhouette dominates the city symbolizes the history Chalais as its rich heritage.
The building is mentioned in the eleventh century, but it underwent alterations moult. Occupied by the English during the Hundred Years War, it was dismantled in June 1453 and rebuilt in the sixteenth century. Only a square tower fourteenth is then retained. This Renaissance, remain a gatehouse and main building.
In the seventeenth century, a vast restoration campaign is initiated internally (construction of a chapel) and externally (adding pavilions).
Spared the revolution (the prince decided also not to emigrate), the castle was bequeathed to the late nineteenth to an asylum dedicated to old men are created. At the turn of the century, the last protected site under the Historic Monuments, houses exhibition halls and guest rooms and it was bought by the artist Yves Lecoq.
The castle is open to visitors (ground floor and first floor). Historical elements (furniture, decor) have been preserved are presented in addition to the requests made by the new owner. Open weekends and public holidays from May 1 to June 15, Tuesday to Sunday from 16 June to 30 September. Price: 4 and 8 euros. Information +33 6 12 33 32 76.
Chalais also has a religious heritage of the first order.
This is the case of the parish church of Saint-Martial, adjoining the castle, dating from the twelfth century, the fine Romanesque facade, formerly serving a priory. Revised after the Wars of Religion, its cloister is included in the Inventory, as the church. This cloister was rebuilt in the seventeenth by Princess Jane Frances de Talleyrand. Its originality is to have two superimposed galleries. The ground floor overlooking the dining room, the kitchen and the former chapter house. From the floor, the religious cells we won. If the decor is simple, however, we note the high pilasters, arches adorned with bosses and beautiful stone balustrade upstairs. After the Revolution, the site hosts a gendarmerie then college. He then occupied by families before being restored in 1990 to accommodate receptions and cultural events. Information +33 5 45 98 12 65.
See then, the Church of St. Mary, whose origins date back to the twelfth century. The facade was rebuilt in the nineteenth and the building recently restored.
You can also visit the Saint-Christophe church, rebuilt in 1890 in neo-Romanesque style after a temple in the seventeenth and St. Peter's Church Sérignac (of which there remain twelfth Romanesque elements), and the chapel Notre Dame (linked to the old hospital), built in 1870 in neo-Romanesque style and restored a few years ago.
sports and leisure side "nature", the landscaped gardens on the banks of the Tude prove a pleasant walking destination.
Also available a fitness trail and hiking trails dotted with heritage features and typical green nature of this part of Charente, which runs between Perigord and Aquitaine coast. Maps and information +33 5 45 98 57 18.
We still mention a basketball court and a skate park for teens and a children's playground on the banks of the Tude.
In summer, the outdoor pool with its two pools and three diving boards allows to combine swimming, aqua-fun activities and relaxation. Price: 1.90 and 2.90 euros. Information +33 5 45 98 12 21.
As for tennis fans, they have the ability to book a court from the local club by joining the +33 5 45 98 11 21.
In the southwest of the town, in the locality of Champlong, Chalais airfield has a 840 m track. Chalaisiennes Wings Club offers flying lessons, the first flights or air trips. Inquire +33 6 12 53 78 35 or +33 5 45 98 28 34.
For culture, the Métreau Van Wick museum located in the former rectory of this town a collection of over 120 paintings and antique furniture and oriental rugs. Open from Friday to Sunday and weekdays by appointment. Free admission. Information +33 6 84 55 98 32.
Finally, the Arc en Ciel space inaugurated in 2015 the program throughout the year shows of dance and theater, concerts and cinema screenings. Information at +33 5 45 24 08 79.
The first weekend in March, book fair.
In May concerts scheduled as part of the International Chamber Music Festival in Charente.
Every Monday in the village market rich in local produce complemented by a trade fair on the first Monday of the month.
On Thursday morning, in the St. Kitts neighborhood, smaller market.
International Chamber Music Festival of Charente
- From 4 may to 2 june 2024
- 23 Rue du Château, Eglise Saint-Martial
- The International Chamber Music Festival attracts music lovers from all over the Charente and beyond in some unique heritage sites. Major musical compositions are performed by the great names of the current world classical music scene.
Student Concert - Ecole Départementale de Musique
- On 5 june 2024
- Salle de spectacle Arc-en-Ciel
- With students from the Villebois Lavalette, Châteauneuf and Barbezieux branches, coached by Gaëlle Haudebourg, Martine Lagüe, Sylvie Lanthiome, Benjamin Marionneau, Eve Moreno, Corine Sarrut and Marie-Christine Taran.