Local Attractions
Chateaux (Castles)
Chateau de Villebois
1 Grand Rue - Place des Halles 16320 Villebois Lavalette
Tél : +33 5 45 62 28 44
Guided tours only, from €3.50, available in English and French
Perched on its hill, the medieval fortress of Villebois-Lavalette and its fortification flanked by six round towers, has a vast panoramic view of the surrounding country. Just below the castle, there is a magnificent 17th-century covered market hall which hosts a market every Saturday.
17 mins drive - Directions
Note: Chateau de la Mercerie (below) is near here also.

Chateau de la Mercerie
Near Villebois
16320 Magnac Lavalette Villars
English-speaking information line +33 545 316821
Open from Easter to the end of October
Known as the 'Versailles of Charente', the chateau's impressive 220m long façade in white limestone is being painstakingly restored by the commune and is well worth visiting.
17 mins drive - Directions

Château de Bourdeilles
24310 Bourdeilles
Tél +33 5 53 03 73 36
Open February-December, admission €8.30 per adult
The chateau consists of two parts, the original 13th century fortress, whose 35m high octagonal keep affords superb views of the village and river below, and a richly furnished 16th century renaissance palace. Both castles are surrounded by sturdy fortified walls and there is a beautiful courtyard garden full of flowers and lined by trees.
43 mins drive - Directions

Château de Bourdeilles
24310 Bourdeilles
Tél +33 5 53 03 73 36
Open February-December, admission €8.30 per adult
The chateau consists of two parts, the original 13th century fortress, whose 35m high octagonal keep affords superb views of the village and river below, and a richly furnished 16th century renaissance palace. Both castles are surrounded by sturdy fortified walls and there is a beautiful courtyard garden full of flowers and lined by trees.
43 mins drive - Directions
