La Clisse: Church, Arnoult and local history

If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in La Clisse, you can choose your destination based on several specific themes: the church of Sainte-Madeleine and its architectural and artistic history, the landscape of the Arnoult, and the history of vegetable growing. The church and natural environment appeal to different interests; local agriculture adds another perspective on the village’s history.

Church of Sainte-Madeleine: architectural history and art

Construction of the church of Sainte-Madeleine began in 1130, in the 12th century. The façade features headless sculptures, including a lion motif. Above the altar is a crucifix painting by the Saintongeais painter Pierre Vincent. The work dates from 1784 and has been restored. The façade and interior therefore offer different points of interest for visitors: the sculptural decoration outside and the dated painting inside.

The church is normally open daily throughout the year, with free admission. If it is closed, you can contact the town hall to arrange for it to be opened. This information is useful when planning a visit, while acknowledging that the church may occasionally be closed.

The Arnoult and the landscape of La Clisse

The Arnoult, a tributary of the Charente, forms a three-kilometre boundary of La Clisse between Luchat and Corme-Royal. The river is therefore a distinct reference point in the local landscape. At the exit of the village towards Corme-Royal, a clearly visible cliff can be seen at the Marais de l’Arnoult. The river boundary and the cliff describe two different landscape features: a longer stretch along the Arnoult and a striking feature at the village exit.

Habitats and species in the Arnoult Valley

La Clisse lies within the ZNIEFF Type I site “L’Arnoult”. Its boundaries include the entire Arnoult Valley, from source to mouth, as well as some adjoining satellite marshes. Habitats there include wet eutrophic meadows and bocage landscapes. The ZNIEFF also includes habitats for the European otter, European mink, European pond turtle, notable dragonfly species and bats.

For at least 15 bat species, the valley serves as a feeding area or possibly a breeding area; 13 of these species are considered defining species. The observations on which these figures are based are historical records.

Vegetable growing and the Gabirotte

Vegetable growing is also part of La Clisse’s history. It dates back to the Middle Ages and developed in the 19th century, after the Arnoult was canalized in 1812. The Gabirotte offers a tangible connection to this history: this traditional shelter for vegetable growers is made of dry stone masonry and stands in the park of the same name next to the town hall. The Gabirotte provides an architectural perspective on the subject, while the development of vegetable growing describes its history over time.

When planning your stay, you can weigh up these different points of interest: the church’s architectural history and art, the landscape and habitats along the Arnoult, or the village’s agricultural history. When looking at specific hotel offers, you can then compare the features listed for each one with your personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Loup, Saint-Augustin, Soulignonne, Talmont, Villemorin, Léoville, Breuillet, Boresse-Et-Martron

For the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.