Saint-Césaire is a commune of Charente-Maritime, in the Aquitaine region, 12 km east of Saintes, on the edge of the Charente department.
Crossed by the course of the river of the Koran, the territory of the area of 10 km² belongs to the historic region of Saintonge, and has a gently rolling, green landscape, and dotted with wetlands rich in biodiversity.
Already inhabited during Prehistory, which led to the establishment in 2005 of a museum dedicated to this period, the Paleosite, Saint-Césaire remained a predominantly rural, partly viticultural (production of cognac and pineau). The cultivation of kiwi, blackcurrant and fish farming are also prosperous.
With about 900 inhabitants, the town has preserved its historical and natural heritage while becoming a stronghold of tourism Charente: two museums are established there. A step to privilege during a stay in the region!
The imposing parish church Saint-Césaire, classified as a Historical Monument since 1913, is the jewel of the municipal heritage. Its Romanesque foundations of the twelfth century are typical of the Saintongeais style, and although more Gothic reworkings were made in the fifteenth century and some damage suffered during the wars of Religion, the church is a model of its kind. You can admire its portal, which is surmounted by a gallery of arches, its "inverted" vaults at the nave, the dome overhanging the central bay, the bell tower with pyramidal roof and double windows on its sides.
More modest, many laundries, fountains and mills now out of use reflect a past marked by pronounced hydrography.
On the cultural level, two visits are required.
The first in the Paleosite, culmination of archaeological excavations initiated from 1976 to 1979 which brought to light paleolithic bones, tools and flints and a skeleton (which will be called Pierrette) demonstrating the existence of the Neanderthal man to - 40 000 before Our era. The Paleosite includes an indoor and outdoor course on ten hectares, the presentation of the archaeological site and exhibitions and modern events evoking the history of the Earth and that of humanity. Museography uses modern techniques (3D screens) and workshops and animations are offered. A full visit lasts an average of three hours. Open from early April to the end of Toussaint holidays. Price: 6 and 10 euros. Information on +33 5 46 97 90 90.
Another establishment worth visiting, the museum of Bujoliers and the house of Merine, installed in a beautiful house, a place called the Bujoliers. We discover typical nineteenth century furniture, costumes, tools and dishes and an amazing laundry (in reference to "bujours" that is to say large basins where once the laundry was done). A room is also dedicated to the geology of the region
Open every day in July and August and by appointment the rest of the year. Information on +33 5 46 91 98 11.
In terms of recreation and sports "nature", the town of Saint-Césaire lends itself to hiking or mountain biking. It is also crossed by the GR 4, which connects Royan to Grasse, and the circuit of Saintonge. Other routes include protected areas under Natura 2000 for their fauna and flora, but also the shores of the Koran, ponds, woodlots or vineyards. Documentation and information on +33 5 46 74 23 82.
In summer, the town has an outdoor swimming pool to combine the pleasure of swimming and idleness. Entry: 1.70 and 3.20 euros. Information on +33 5 46 91 53 29.
Note that two tennis courts adjoin the site.
Finally, for fishing enthusiasts, the course of the Koran is available (contact +33 5 46 98 98 79 for regulations) but a trout pond is also located in the town. Information on +33 5 46 91 55 80.
End of June, fires of St. John.
Flea market the second weekend of October.
In December, Christmas market.
Finally, every Thursday afternoon, the market on the place of the Brèche pond allows to appreciate the wealth of the Charente terroir.
