Brillac

Brillac

Travel guide and tourist information

Travel guide and tourist information

Travel Guide > Towns > Poitou-Charentes > Charente > Brillac

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 
TownBrillac
Insee code16065
Postcode16500
Latitude46.0602750
Longitude0.7786189
AltitudeFrom 143 to 241 meters
Surface42.41 km²
Population646 inhabitants
Density15 inhabitants/km²CLOSEST TOWNS
Chief townAngoulême (at 79 km, 77 min)Lesterps at 6.5 km (7 min)
DepartmentCharenteEsse at 6.7 km (7 min)
RegionPoitou-CharentesSearch another town
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TOWN PRESENTATION

Brillac is a small village of about 670 inhabitants. It is situated on the foothills of the Massif Central, which allows him to enjoy a pleasant climate. Indeed, it is the "border" between his department (Charente) and Haute-Vienne (Limousin). It is built on a hillside, 220 meters, and so provides a panoramic view over the valley of the Issoire (listed Natura 2000 area) and the first hills of Limousin (Monts de Blond , Butte Frochet).

His story is quite complex, Brillac was the site of a Roman settlement, then centuries later, it became a feudal village. It had a fortified castle in the village center and several small castles and manors, and many mills scattered over its territory. Unfortunately, today there are only few traces that reflect its past. The main castle, transformed, destroyed and rebuilt throughout the centuries is now a residence of character. However, some fortifications bear witness to what could be the towers and buttresses of the castle.

The village also has two mansions. The first, located in the town, has been owned for centuries by the same family, the second is outside the village and also belongs to the same family for several generations. The mills have almost all of them disappeared and only a few vestiges testify to the presence of these structures.

Today, few homes would have architectural elements reflecting the feudal village. It speaks of vaults, secret underground passages, carved stones, there is even a castle mystery that could never be located precisely and thus neither the castle nor the vestiges of it have been solved.

Brillac also experienced the war. During the First World War, the village cut a road, destroying the bridge connecting the village to Lesterps. During the Second World War, it was the scene of a crash. An Allied plane came crashing into the territory of the municipality. There were no survivors. Now the dead are buried in the cemetery of the village where the residents each year are honored at the May 8

The traditions of the town are those of Limousin. Brillac made his reputation during Ostensions practiced in the village. Many people from all over France took part in this event and followed the paths cross present throughout the town. It was an opportunity for the village to see its population double or even triple. It was also up in the 90s as they attended the feast of Trinitee. Today, the village raises to many new events.

The traditions of the village, as the past of it, fuzzy. One recent events may be linked to tradition is the feast of Saint John where the whole population is found on the town square to eat, dance and sing around the fire and enjoy watching the fireworks.

Gastronomic specialties are the two departments whose village was born. There are "cagouilles" (snails), the mojhettes (beans), cheese cake, the milla (cake) and Pineau to the Charente. The clafoutis and apple cider and the boots with chestnuts for the Limousin.

The specialties of the village: The galletous called tourtous (Limousin) or bourriols (Cantal), but the recipe is not made based on buckwheat (not existing in the Confolentais). It is indeed a cake but it is done based on potato (main component of the resort). There are also "Miget, cold soup and sweet alcoholic served very cool in summer (in time, after the hay or other). This recipe is known in other areas of the department, but the recipe is not the same everywhere (some use milk).


SIGHTSEEING

The church opposite the castle.

The fountain Gaillard, mysterious fountain.

Ferrade Street, first street of the town, apparently ancient Roman road.

The bridge Binnot or "the Devil", Roman bridge surrounded by legends.

Valley Issoire.

Numerous hiking trails. The best known: the path of Mandragora, with his legend ...

Bike path.

Detailed information
MonumentsCastle of Brillac,   Church Saint-Pierre

EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS

The events vary each year following the availability of the organizers and participants.

Each year the fire taking place on St. John, the music festival and flea market together with an animated ride with a sidecar, carriage, vintage cars. This happens at the end of June for 3 days.

Every Tuesday morning is market day in Brillac, with many traders on the Freedom Square (opposite the new City Hall).

Many meals are organized by various associations of the town throughout the year.


ATTRACTIONS, LEISURES AND ACTIVITES AROUND

The village of Gauls Esse.

The Heritage Museum at Lesterps.

City Confolens with its gardens and parks, cinema, swimming pool, two gymnasiums and a festival in August.

The village of Saint-Germain-de-Confolens with its medieval castle.

The fortified village of Brigueuil.

Lakes Lavaud (swimming, walking).

Acrobranche to Massignac.

Animal Park to Hiesse.

Many activities in the towns of Saint-Junien (20km), Limoges (45 km), Angouleme (65 km).

PHOTOS
Church Brillac
 
Multiple Rural
Cemetery Brillac: War Graves
  
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WEATHER
Wednesday 19 June
Day
Night
Min. 10°C - Max. 18°C
Thursday 20 June
Day
Night
Min. 12°C - Max. 17°C
Friday 21 June
Day
Night
Min. 12°C - Max. 16°C
RESTAURANTS 
Les Jouberties  
6.2
Saint-Junien
Golf View - This is the Jourberties in the heart of Limousin, you will find a lovely restaurant traditional French cuisine with the same name. You will love this stone building and...
Located 18.9 km from Brillac37 € per person 

All restaurants around Brillac

BEDS & BREAKFASTS 
Le moulin de douzy    
9
Lesterps
Chambres d'hôtes gîtes safarilodges and camping. At the border of the picturesque medieval town Lesterps, situated in a wonderful valley along the river Marchadeine, we are gladly to...
Located 5 km from BrillacFrom 50 € to 70 € the double room 
L'envers  
Abzac
House and small farm house with a 2-hectare garden in a hamlet, 4 rooms, 3 double rooms and 1 family room. Bathroom and toilet in each room.
Located 7.7 km from Brillac48 € the double room 
Le Petit Mas d'Ile  
Saint-Germain-de-Confolens
Our lovely renovated Farm from 1795 has 3 apartments. 2 Of these apartments use our comfortable “garden house” for breakfast, lunch and diner and the cooking of course. Around the swimming...
Located 8.4 km from BrillacFrom 40 € to 60 € the double room 

All beds & breakfasts around Brillac

VACATION RENTALS 
Le Gîte de Nouic
Nouic
Located on the edge of the village of Nouic with all shops, is our terraced cottage, which has been classed as three keys by Clévacances. The Gîte has been recenctly reovated by ourselves,...
Located 10.7 km from Brillac275 € per week 
Maison Lavaud
Cieux
Lavaud House: Charming farm cottage nestled at the foot of a spur of the granite mountains of Blond sector in protected area since 1977. Come and enjoy this haven of peace in the forest,...
Located 19.4 km from BrillacFrom 250 € to 370 € per week 
Gîte à La Messelière, commune de Quéaux
Queaux
House located next to the castle Messelière between the villages of Queaux and Moussac, this old farm of Poitou enjoys the charms of the countryside. Three donkeys graze in the meadow...
Located 27 km from BrillacFrom 250 € to 350 € per week 

All vacation rentals around Brillac

CAMPSITES 
Camping 'La Planche des Dames'    
8.9
Le Dorat
Camping 'La Planche des Dames' at the entrance of Dorat, offers a green and quiet with views of the Collegiate Church of eleventh and twelfth centuries.
Located 29 km from Brillac 

All campsites around Brillac

HOTELS
La Châtellenie    
8.9
Availles-Limouzine
Located in Availles Limousines, 350 metres from the River Vienne, this hotel has soundproofed rooms with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer....
Located 11.6 km from BrillacRoom from 49 €
Hôtel Val De Vienne     
8.6
Le Vigeant
Hotel Logis de France Val de Vienne welcomes you in a green and peaceful environment. In the summer, the heated swimming pool is the ideal place for a relaxing moment. Located in a...
Located 17.2 km from BrillacRoom from 90 €
Golf De Saint Junien     
7.4
Saint-Junien
Located 40 km from Limoges and a few minutes from Saint-Junien town centre, the Golf De Saint-Junien is nestled at the centre of an 18-hole golf course. Guests can enjoy the large swimming...
Located 18.9 km from BrillacRoom from 60 €

All hotels around Brillac

Charente
Hôtel François Premier Cognac Centre
Located in Cognac, 1.1 km from Cognac Train Station, this hotel is housed in an elegant 19th-century building and offers...
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