The commune of Montbron takes place in New-Aquitaine, in the department of Charente. Populated by a little more than 2,200 inhabitants, it is located not far from Angoulême, only three kilometers from the Dordogne. It is also part of the nature reserve of the Valley of the Renaudie.
Inhabited since Prehistory, Montbron really takes life only in the Gallo-Roman era with the foundation of an oppidum. Barony of great importance in the Middle Ages, the commune was known at the time to be on a secondary route of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and then welcomed many pilgrims.
Today, the city of Montbron has become famous in luxury leather goods with the installation of a Hermès workshop, and still offers an architectural heritage of great importance to appreciate the rich history of this charentaise commune.
Built in the 12th century and renovated in the 19th century, the Saint-Maurice church has been classified as a Historic Monument. Romanesque style, it is in white stone, luminous, and perfectly represents the architectural style of the region. Inside, we can see funerary monuments of the thirteenth century.
Other religious buildings also take place on the commune of Montbron, such as the chapel of Sainte-Marthe or the chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours. A lantern of the dead is also found in the old cemetery.
The current castle of Montbron was built in the 15th century, under the orders of Marguerite de Rohan, Countess of Angoulême. However, some remains of the original building can be seen, notably through the Romanesque dungeon. Inscribed in the Historical Monuments, the building still has a polygonal turret, as well as a beautiful spiral staircase. On the first floor, 17th century painted mantelpieces have been classified as Historic Monuments.
Also listed, Chabrot Castle dates back to the 15th century, and was strongly modified in the 17th century. One can still admire this house with turrets and a gallery with two levels. You will not fail to admire the castle of Ferrières, registered with the Historical Monuments, the castle of Menet, inscribed, or even the castles of Marendat and Montgaudier. The castle of Sainte-Catherine has been transformed into a hotel, while the castle of Lavaud now hosts guest rooms.
Always present, the Barbacane used to serve as the main entrance to the ancient fortified city. Its ramp has been recently renovated and goes from the castle of Montbron to the lower town.
Dating from the Palaeolithic period, the cave of Fontechevade has been classified as a Historic Monument.
Nature lovers will be enchanted and will be able to learn to hike in the nature reserve of the valley of the Renaud, or on the hiking trail, GR 4, which goes from Royan to Grasse passing through the commune of Montbron.
The weekly market is held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday morning. A night market is held on the first Friday of August. A Christmas market is also available in mid-December.
Every last weekend of February, the town celebrates the mills of Bandiat and Tardoire.
In July, the old castle's summer houses offer regular exhibitions in the building. The municipality also benefits from Active Summer, an initiative of the General Council that offers cultural and sporting activities throughout the summer.
A big bric-a-brac is organized every Sunday after July 14th.
Fariboles, festival of the tale and the imaginary, is held each year at the end of September.
The last weekend of September, the feast of Saint-Maurice offers a fair for three days.