Chassenon: Cassinomagus and Gallo-Roman Heritage
Accommodation in Chassenon
In Chassenon, archaeology and geology come together: the Gallo-Roman remains of Cassinomagus are located in an archaeological park within the municipality, and impactites from the Rochechouart-Chassenon astrobleme can be seen in the baths. When planning your stay, the park, geological traces and a walk starting at the church square offer several points of interest.
Cassinomagus: sanctuary and archaeological park
The sanctuary of Cassinomagus is estimated to cover seven hectares; it included a 30-metre-high temple and a sacred grove. It was one of the largest sanctuaries in Roman Gaul. The two measurements offer different perspectives: 30 metres refers to the temple’s height, while seven hectares is the area of the sanctuary. Cassinomagus can therefore be understood not only through a single building, but also as a larger sacred complex. The Gallo-Roman remains are located in an archaeological park within the municipality of Chassenon.
Impactites from the Rochechouart-Chassenon astrobleme can be seen in the Gallo-Roman baths. This makes the geological connection visible in a specific building at Cassinomagus. The astrobleme’s nature reserve extends across five municipalities in the Haute-Vienne and Charente départements. This is the wider regional context; in Chassenon, the visible impactites in the baths point to the geological connection.
Cultural heritage and geological walk
The published guide “Balade géologique à Chassenon-Pressignac-Rochechouart” describes a walk in detail, with illustrations and step-by-step directions. The walk in Chassenon starts at the church square. The starting point is clearly identified, while the geology-themed route provides the walk’s focus.
Another aspect of the town’s cultural heritage is the église Saint-Jean Baptiste in Chassenon. The entire church, including the sacristy, is protected as a historic monument; it was listed by decree on 8 February 2019. The site thus brings together different themes: the Gallo-Roman sanctuary and a protected church whose historic-monument status also covers the sacristy.
Seasonal activities and visit planning
Cassinomagus’s “Labyrinthe des dieux” offers an hour-long puzzle and games trail exploring mythology. It is open seasonally from May to early October. In addition, every summer archaeologists welcome visitors to the excavation sites in Chassenon to explain their research findings. Check the programme for the current summer season for this activity. The one-hour trail gives a specific time frame for this activity, not for the entire visit.
The recommended route to the archaeological park follows the Nationale 141 between AngoulĂŞme and Limoges. At the Chabanais exit, follow the signs to the park. Cassinomagus is partially adapted for visitors with reduced mobility: the reception area and exhibition are wheelchair accessible, but the baths are not fully accessible. Staff can suggest an adapted route. If accessibility is important to your plans, check before your visit which route would be suitable.
Discover more destinations: Chabanais, Claix, Salles-Lavalette, Mainxe, Chalais, Champagne-Mouton, Bassac, Poullignac.
Go to the main travel overview: Charente.
