Villars-les-Bois: Viticulture, Village History and Tastings

Villars-les-Bois overlooks the vineyards of the Cognac region’s lower reaches. The village offers several distinct ways to shape your stay: interpretive trails about viticulture, old bread ovens, an originally Romanesque church, and activities centred on regional produce. When planning your trip, you can focus on the landscape and viticulture, village history, or meeting people at the market and at tastings.

Vineyards and interpretive trails

An information board overlooking the vineyards offers a tangible connection to the surrounding area. Picnic tables are available at the viewpoint overlooking the vineyards, so you can combine the scenery with a planned break.

The “La nature en héritage” interpretive trail is 8.1 km long. “Les vignes” is 8.5 km long and takes you into the world of viticulture; the trail introduces the work of winegrowers and distillers. It can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by car. The stated lengths differ by 400 metres. If you are particularly interested in viticulture, “Les vignes” offers an expressly described thematic focus. Trail details may be updated by the municipality; check the latest information before setting out.

Old bread ovens and church history

“Les Fours à pains” features two old bread ovens: one in the Bourg and one in the village of Chez Lunaud. Both are still used for events today. The ovens are therefore not only part of local history, but also remain connected with local occasions.

The originally Romanesque church in Villars-les-Bois is believed to have previously served as a fortress and watchtower because of its geographical location. Its apse was classified as a historic monument on 14 August 1912, and its nave on 18 March 1950. The two dates refer to different parts of the building: the apse is the end section, while the nave is the church’s main space. This also makes it possible to distinguish the two classifications architecturally.

Market and tastings

The Arts-Terre farmers’ market welcomes local producers offering products from farms with high environmental value. It provides an opportunity to meet people and sample products. The market takes place year-round on the first and third Friday of each month, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The producers represented and the nature of the meetings and tastings may vary depending on the market date. So check the date and time before your visit.

A visit to Maison Bégaud concludes in the shop with a guided tasting, accompanied by specially selected food pairings for Cognac and Pineau des Charentes. Before travelling, check the latest visitor information and whether booking is required. You can therefore consider the market and the tasting as distinct occasions when planning your trip: one follows a regular market schedule, while the other is subject to Maison Bégaud’s visitor arrangements.

Discover more destinations: La Brée-Les-Bains, Varaize, Bernay-Saint-Martin, Rétaud, Sainte-Marie-De-Ré, Boutenac-Touvent, Saint-Denis-Du-Pin, Rivedoux-Plage

Go to the regional travel overview: Charente-Maritime.