The Pays d'Horte et Tardoire: Nature and Authenticity

Pays d'Horte and Tardoire, between valleys and forests

The Horte region is a destination with inexhaustible wealth, both geological and archaeological. Fields, meadows, hills, rivers and forests, it offers unique panoramas and astonishing color contrasts. Discover green and abundant nature in Pays d’Horte et Tardoire

The Tardoire Valley

The Tardoire is a river, a small tributary of the Charente which has its source in the western foothills of the Massif Central. A true “geological museum”, the Tardoire Valley is located between La Rochefoucauld and Montbron. Renowned for its prehistoric past, it is also known for its geological characteristics thanks to the La Rochefoucauld Karst which fascinates researchers and is the subject of much research. Prehistoric deposits have also been found, particularly on the left bank of the Tardoire, and in the town of Vilhonor.

Horte Forest

Nature lovers will be delighted at the Forêt d'Horte, a 1,140 hectare forest enclosed within the Rochebeaucourt forest massif. Walks, relaxation, sports and canoeing, there is no shortage of activities in this green space spread across the communes of Charras, Combiers and Rougnac. Since 1932, an incredible arboretum has made the Horte Forest famous, bringing together many varieties of trees such as the Himalayan cedar, the Japanese Cryptomeria, the Bald Cypress and the Salzmann pine. Explore the trails on foot or by bike for a unique escape into the heart of nature.

The Forest of the Poach

Here is one of the largest massifs with a surface area of 5,000 hectares, with a characteristic karst relief crossed by underground rivers. Their presence does not go unnoticed since over time, they create spectacular collapses such as the Great Fosse, the Limousine Trench or the Mobile Trench. Hiking, cycling trip, fitness trail or interactive game, the Braconne Forest has many secrets in store for you.

The Bandiat Valley

This tributary river of the Tardoire attracts fishing enthusiasts every year. Indeed, the Bandiat is a water full of fish with its different courses and streams which are home to trout , but also perch and pike. 92 km long, the river crosses 22 communes, including 10 in Charente, offering a bucolic and pleasant setting to visitors looking for serenity. Fishing, but also hiking and cycling, the Bandiat Valley is a natural setting not to be missed.

La Rochefoucauld, the history of a town in the north of Pays d’Horte

La Rochefoucauld comes from a fascinating history over time, which begins in the ^11th century with the installation of Bourg-Budeau on the left bank of the Tardoire, with a fortress. Saint-Florent and Saint-Cybard were then built, before uniting with the ^first village in 1310 under the authority of Baron Gui 7 de La Rochefoucauld to form only one: La Rochefoucauld. A few years later, the first bricks of the future Château de La Rochefoucauld were laid, the start of an adventure linked to this noble French family for more than 1000 years. Open to visits, it reveals 7 centuries of architecture between the Gothic style, that of the Renaissance and Antiquity. Galleries, chapel, magnificent doors and grand staircase, the centerpiece of the Castle, this is a must-visit!

Montbron, a town to discover in Pays d’Horte

Nestled in the heart of the Tardoire Valley, Montbron has existed for millennia since numerous Paleolithic sites bear witness to occupation in the age of prehistoric man. Many caves are also present in the region. Years later, men from the East settled, building land and cultivating the land. It was the beginning of a long history between occupations, invasions and wars, which did not prevent Montbron from developing until it became one of the oldest and most powerful baronies of Angoumois from the ^9th century. Today labeled “Green Holiday Station”, it dominates the hills from the top of its spur at an altitude of 1440 meters. Rich in historical heritage between its churches, its ^15th century castle, its mills and its chapel, it also has some nice surprises in store, such as the installation of the Hermès Maroquinerie in Montbron in 2022.

Activities to discover in Pays d’Horte and Tardoire

The south-east of Charente is a very popular destination for its bucolic and enchanting setting, but also for its outdoor activities to enjoy with family or friends, at any time of the year.

• Sports enthusiasts can climb aboard a canoe to paddle the Tardoire from Montbron
• Animal lovers can discover the region on horseback or pony for a pleasant walk in the forest
• Hikers will not be able to explore all the trails as there are so many walks to discover between the Tardoire valley, the Horte Forest, the Barconne Forest and the Bandiat Valley. The Sources de la Touvre is also an ecological site rich in varied biodiversity to be discovered on foot.

Fishermen will be able to throw their hook with joy in the waterways and streams of the Tardoire and Bandiat rivers.

Pays d’Horte and Tardoire, many sites to visit

Rich in prehistoric and paleolithic sites, the Pays d'Horte et de Tardoire is a historical gem to discover. Let yourself be guided, here are some essential sites not to be missed:

• Rochefoucauld castle, a history of more than 1000 years to discover in costume if you wish
• The Grotte du Placard in Moulins-sur-Tardoire open 17m above the river and accessible in summer
• The Korssoun Orthodox Monastery in Grassac, a church in pure Russian Byzantine style
• The Grottes du Quéroy in Chazelles, a magnificent spectacle of stalagmites and stalactites
• The Prehistory space in Tardoire in Montbron which presents exhibitions, activities and experiments
• La Chaise and Montgaudier, rocky peaks crossed by underground rivers, rich in caves and cavities

Cultural events in the Pays d’Horte and Tardoire

Stay tuned so as not to miss the events of the year:

• The potter's market in August in Montbron
• The autumn festival in October in Rochefoucauld-en-Angoumois
• The FF Land Festival in August in Orgedeuil
• The Nocturnes of Pranzac in August
• The Nature Festival in May in Nontron

Coming to Rochefoucauld-en-Angoumois

Join the south-east of Charente by your favorite means of transport:

• By car

Paris: A10 motorway to Poitiers Sud then Route Nationale 10 towards Angoulême, take the Mansle exit, towards La Rochefoucauld.
Bordeaux: A10 motorway towards Paris, then Route Nationale 10, take the Angoulême exit, then Route Nationale 141 towards Limoges, La Rochefoucauld exit
Limoges: National Route 141 towards Angoulême, take the La Rochefoucauld exit

• By train

Join Angoulême station before taking a TER towards La Rochefoucauld