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.
Visite Commentée du Château de la Marthonie
- From 8 july to 20 september 2024
- Place du Château
- The Château de la Marthonie was built in the 12th century. However, during the 100 years war it was destroyed in major part. The castle, as it appears to us today, dates from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. - The visit of the Château de la Marthonie includes : - The exterior architecture, the 17th century staircase and the fully restored grand salon. - Guided tour from July to mid-September at 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm every day and on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 am. Duration about 35 min. Price 3.50 per person (from 12 years old). Reservation recommended
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 ;
Moment Musical
- On 28 july 2024
- Eglise, Lieu-dit Le Bourg
- "Over notes and words … " - Philippe GAILLARD - Local boy, pianist, bassoonist, composer - PRISMES Ensemble - Mozart, C.P.E Bach, Ibert, Friberg
Exposition de Bernard Watteau
- From 29 july to 4 august 2024
- Office de Tourisme, Rue du Château
- Bernard Watteau is not related to Antoine Watteau, the famous painter he also admires. He has also been a member of the painting club for some ten years. Following the advice of masters such as Gabriel Fontaine (heir to Impressionism), Gilbert Penalva or René Dubreuil (who founded the Club thibérien de peinture), painting has become a passion. He works in watercolour, acrylic, oil and patchwork
Cyrano de Bergerac
- From 30 july to 10 august 2024
- Le bourg
- For the eleventh summer, the Compagnie du Sûr Saut returns to Saint-Jean-de-Côle with a new show - New show : Edmond Rostand ? S Cyrano de Bergerac. Guided by this character of legendary - We invite you to take a stroll through the village streets. In this - Authentic setting, experience a story of love and ideals. A show punctuated by - cyrano's sword and pen. - Stroll through the village.
Exposition de Sylvie Marcillaud
- From 5 to 11 august 2024
- Office de Tourisme, Rue du Château
- Figurative. Watercolors and oil paintings
Exposition de Régis Lecoeuvre
- From 12 to 18 august 2024
- Office de Tourisme, Rue du Château
- Oil and acrylic painting
Festival de Musique et Littérature
- From 15 to 17 august 2024
- Admission to the festival is free and no reservations are required. - Poetry readings
Trail de la Queue d'âne
- On 18 august 2024
- Hiking : Departure at 9:15 a.m. for 12 km - Trail : On the program, 3 races (97% magnificent trails) : - 11.8 km (276D +), start at 9:00 am - 21.9 km (528D +), start at 8:45 a.m - 29.5 km (745D +), departure at 8h15 - Landscapes guaranteed : riverside and forest - Convivial country-style meal
Stage de Chant Gospel
- From 19 to 23 august 2024
- Morning : - 10h? 12h30 ? "Vocal and Body Awakening - - Body awakening, vocal exploration and experimentation - - Basic notions about voice and sound - - Tips, "toolbox" for good "vocal hygiene", - Etc. - - - The magical powers of "listening"… - - Presentation of the different "vocal colors" according to - musical styles - Afternoon : 2 p.m. to 5 p.m - Balkan and gospel repertoire for 2 or 3 voices. - The workshop ends with a public concert in the village !