Discover Beauvais-sur-Matha

Beauvais-sur-Matha brings together specific historical connections and two walking routes that differ in their details and format. You can plan a stay around architecture and local history, or around choosing a walking route. Length, walking time and elevation gain are just as relevant when comparing the routes as the possibility of splitting one into loops or experiencing it with audio.

Church portal and local history

The church portal of Beauvais-sur-Matha comprises four archivolts, supported by capitals with plant motifs and angels. Archivolts are arch-shaped mouldings framing the portal; the capitals form the transition to the arches and bear the decorations. This makes it possible to view the design in distinct layers: the sequence of four arches and the motifs on the capitals. The combination of plant forms and angel figures offers a specific point of interest if you are interested in sacred architecture.

Another historical connection is the Templar commandery. In 1150, the Count of Angoulême established a commandery in Beauvais-sur-Matha, headed by Guillaume de Mauzé. The year makes this connection specific in time. Beauvais-sur-Matha is also located on the edge of the former Jarnac–Melle Roman road. This adds two distinct historical connections to the portal's design: the commandery and the former Roman road.

Walking routes with different highlights

The “Circuit vignes et côteaux – PR 17” circular hiking route is 10 km long. It is listed as taking around 2 hours 30 minutes to walk, with an elevation gain of 55 m. The time should be understood as an estimate; the route description was updated on 1 April 2026. When planning your day, you can take an approximate walking time into account alongside the route length and elevation gain.

On the PR 17, the route leads along Rue de la Garde to a fortified barn, described as evidence of a Templar commandery. As well as its route details, the circular route therefore has a specific historical connection along the way.

The “Sur le chemin des fours” walking route is marked and geolocated, about 15 km long, and accompanied by an original audio tour. It is connected with Bresdon, Saint-Ouen-la-Thène and Beauvais-sur-Matha. Near the center of Saint-Ouen-la-Thène, the route can be divided into two loops. Its length, audio guide and option to split it into loops give you different points of reference when choosing a tour.

In direct comparison, the PR 17 is shorter at 10 km; an approximate walking time and elevation gain are also provided. “Sur le chemin des fours” is longer, at about 15 km, and adds an audio guide and the option of splitting the route into two loops to your planning. If you would like to estimate the walking time in advance, the PR 17 provides a guide. For the other route, the audio guide and the option to split it into loops may be important when making your choice.

Choose a hotel to suit your travel plans

Set your dates and check the features and booking conditions listed for specific hotel offers. What matters is whether the details of each offer suit your plans.

Discover more destinations: Prignac, La Benâte, Montguyon, Ozillac, La Brée-Les-Bains, Saint-Cyr-du-Doret, Archingeay, Royan

For the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.