The church with its old wooden covered market hall, the Marthonie castle, the small bridge spanning the river and the houses with flower-covered facades make this a delightful place to wander around.
During the Floralies flower show, which takes place the second weekend of May, the medieval village of Saint-Jean-de-Côle is adorned with thousands of flowers.
Classified among "The most beautiful villages of France", Saint-Jean-de-Côle is located in New Aquitaine, in the Dordogne department. It takes place in the district of Nontron and takes its name from Saint Jean-Baptiste (the name of the Church) and from La Côle, the river that crosses it.
Built in the 12th century, the Château de la Marthonie protected the church and its priory. Despite this, the village suffered from the English invasion during the 100 Years War and when it was taken over by the French royal troops. Today the castle dates from the 15th and 17th centuries and is currently being restored.
The arrival of the railway line between Angoulême and Brive in the 19th century brought a new demographic boost to Saint-Jean-de-Côle, but only during the works.
Today turned towards tourism, the town has an important architectural heritage, as well as a certain charm. With its ocher houses and brown tiled roofs, the village of Saint-Jean-de-Côle seems to have stood the test of time with the same elegance and the same beauty.
Listed as an historic monument, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is the former priory church of Saint-Jean-de-Côle. Built in the 12th century, it has the singularity - among other things - of not having a nave. Outside, 75 modillions (small sculptures representing plants or characters) can be found under the roofs of the chapels.
The building is also preceded by a charming little hall. The church is open to the public all year round.
Only open during Heritage Days and group visits from 20 people (by reservation at the Tourist Office), the priory initially built in the 11th century was destroyed during the 100 Years War, rebuilt in the 15th century, it is now partially classified as an historic monument.
While passing through Saint-Jean-de-Côle, do not miss to admire the old 12th century bridge classified as an historic monument, the narrow streets beautifully flowered as well as half-timbered houses built in the 14th century.
Also listed as a Historic Monument, the Château de la Marthonie, built in the 12th century and destroyed during the 100 Years War, rebuilt in the 15th and 17th centuries. These exteriors as well as the grand staircase and the large 17th century living room (fully restored) can be seen during guided tours organized by the Tourist Office from July to mid-September, every day at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The green way, formerly the railway line, offers seventeen kilometers of hiking (from Thiviers to St Pardoux the river) to stroll and admire the surroundings and the beautiful village that is Saint-Jean-de-Côle. It is also the start (or finish!) Of the Flow Vélo
The second weekend of May, see the famous Floralies of Saint-Jean-de-Côle arrive during which the medieval village is adorned with thousands of flowers.
In June, the Musicôle festival offers several concerts in the village.
Châteaux en Fête - Château de la Marthonie
- From 13 to 28 april 2024
- 19 rue du château, Château de la Marthonie
- Ceramics exhibition "paralleles, entre la ceramique du XIXe siecle et celle contemporaine" (parallels between 19th century and contemporary ceramics) - Discover the history of 19th-century ceramics and contemporary works. - Free - This is an indoor event.
Châteaux en Fête - Château de la Marthonie
- From 15 to 26 april 2024
- 19 rue du château, Château de la Marthonie
- Guided tour of the chateau & ceramic exhibition - The guided tour includes the exterior architecture, the 17th-century grand staircase, the 17th-century grand salon and the ceramics exhibition. - 3.50 ? - Free for children under 12 - This event is scheduled outdoors, but can be moved indoors in case of bad weather - Reservations required by phone, e-mail, online or on site
Châteaux en Fête - Château de la Marthonie
- From 20 to 28 april 2024
- 19 rue du château, Château de la Marthonie
- "cyrano de bergerac… en un peu court" - Cyrano de Bergerac ? Yes, I see … the one with the big nose … the film with Depardieu … Bergerac ? Yes, it's not far … - Come and (re) discover the story of the Gascon with the big nose, the big heart and the big love. A stroll through part of the château, during which two actors and an actress re-enact passages from E.Rostand's play. - Full price : 10 ? - Reduced rate (under 18, unemployed…) : 8 ? - Free for children under 6 - This event will take place outdoors, but can be moved indoors in case of bad weather - Reservations required by phone, e-mail, online or on site
Les Floralies de St Jean de Côle
- From 11 to 12 may 2024
- Bourg
- Vaulted rooms of the castle of Marthonie decorated with flowers as well as the 12th century church. Flower and plant exhibitors throughout the village. Nurserymen, horticulturists and craftsmen will make you discover plants, flowers and various objects. Pastries and sandwiches stand, refreshment stand, catering on the spot.
Les Artistes de l'Atelier de Sylvie Marcillaud
- From 17 to 23 june 2024
- Office de Tourisme, Rue du Château
- Figurative. Watercolors and oil paintings - Visible during Saint Jean de Côle Tourist Office opening hours : Saturday and Monday afternoons : 2 - 5:30 pm and Tuesday to Friday : 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2 - 5:30 pm
Exposition de Aziz Stitou
- From 24 june to 14 july 2024
- Office de Tourisme, Rue du Château
- Contemporary calligraphy - Indian ink on paper - Etymologically, calligraphy is beautiful writing, the art of shaping handwritten characters. The calligraphy I practise is quite the opposite : here, it is suggested and used as material. Indeed, what interests me in writing is the gesture itself, i.e. calligraphy is not a pretext for giving meaning to the signs, and by extension to the painting, but rather for giving free rein to one ? S imagination. My calligraphic practice is part of a contemporary style integrating suggestive representation : detail is replaced by the letter, the sign, the shape, the imprint.
Concert de Piano
- On 5 july 2024
- Eglise, Lieu-dit Le Bourg
- Following the Masterclass, which runs from June 29 to July 6,2024 under the artistic direction of Mr Denis Pascal, professor at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, an exceptional concert will be performed by the 6 students.
Exposition de David Lapeyronnie
- From 15 to 28 july 2024
- Office de Tourisme, Rue du Château
- Nature photography. - I really started photography in 2005 during a trip to Namibia ; - I am self-taught, I learned by reading and as I went out ; - When I can, I dedicate myself to nature photography, proxi and macro of insects and flowers (mainly orchids), wildlife (mammals, birds, reptiles) and landscape to illustrate the places where I photograph my subjects ; I wish to show the beauty and fragility of what surrounds us, to awaken the eyes, to make known what people do not see ; - The aesthetics, the light, the attitude, the species,? Are elements that I try to integrate in my photos. Above all I try to transcribe an emotion that I felt ;