Sablonceaux: Abbey, Dolmen and PR N°16 Hiking Trail

Sablonceaux offers three different points of interest to help you plan your trip: Notre-Dame Abbey, with its medieval buildings; the Neolithic Pierre Levée de Berthegille Dolmen; and the PR N°16 hiking trail, which passes through woods and fields. There is also Le vieux four, a former bread oven. These highlights range from architectural and monument history to a walk through the countryside. You can explore the area according to the time available and your interest in historic buildings, a prehistoric monument or outdoor activity.

Notre-Dame Abbey: Foundation and surviving buildings

Notre-Dame de Sablonceaux Abbey was founded in 1136 by Guillaume X, Duke of Aquitaine, as an Augustinian abbey. Medieval buildings from the former abbey have survived: the church, the chapter house and the tithe barn. These three names make the surviving remains tangible and show that the former complex consisted of more than a single building. The abbey has been patiently restored since 1962 through the work of André Malraux. The abbey’s history therefore brings together its foundation, surviving buildings and restoration.

The Pierre Levée de Berthegille Dolmen

The Pierre Levée de Berthegille Dolmen dates from the Neolithic period and has been classified as a historic monument since 1937. Its present-day form reflects specific changes: the capstone has toppled and lies partly on the ground; two other stone slabs are still visible. The two dates answer different questions: the dating places the dolmen in the Neolithic period, while the classification refers to its later status as a historic monument. This distinguishes the monument’s period of origin from its more recent designation as a historic monument.

Unlike the abbey, the dolmen is not a surviving ensemble of medieval buildings but a prehistoric monument with a clearly described stone structure. Their different periods and visible forms offer two distinct points of interest if you are interested in the history of these places.

Hiking on the PR N°16

If you would like to plan a hike, the PR N°16 hiking trail starts at Sablonceaux Abbey and runs through woods and fields. The trail is 8.0 km long and takes about 1 hour and 33 minutes; it is suitable for beginners. The distance indicates the length of the route, the approximate duration helps with planning your time, and the rating gives an indication of the difficulty. Historically, the route follows the path once used by priests to travel from the abbey to Saint-Romain-de-Benet. The PR N°16 thus combines a walk through woodland and farmland with a historical link to the path’s former use.

Le vieux four and local orientation

Le vieux four is a former bread oven that was restored with the help of volunteers and municipal employees. It can be seen at the edge of the village on the road from Sablonceaux to Saint-André or Nancras. The former bread oven adds another example of local heritage alongside the abbey and dolmen. Its restoration involved volunteers and municipal employees, while its location by the road provides a clear landmark at the edge of the village. The abbey, dolmen, hiking trail and Le vieux four therefore appeal to different interests: historic buildings, a prehistoric monument, outdoor activity or a former place where bread was baked.

Discover more destinations: Rochefort, Saleignes, Saint-Simon-De-Pellouaille, Vaux-Sur-Mer, Aujac, Nieul-Le-Virouil, Landrais, Breuillet

For the main travel overview: Charente-Maritime.