Nonac: Nature, hiking and Romanesque architecture

Nature, historic buildings and local hiking routes offer different points of focus for planning a trip to Nonac. The Natura 2000 site “vallée du Né et ses principaux affluents” gives the nature theme a specific framework. At the Église Saint-Hilaire, the focus is on its Romanesque construction and traces of frescoes; the Château de la Léotardie adds a different architectural history to the historic theme. You can organize the local highlights according to your interest in landscapes, architecture or hiking.

Nature and habitats

The Natura 2000 site “vallée du Né et ses principaux affluents” extends partly across the commune of Nonac. Its habitats include alluvial forests, aquatic plant communities, wet tall-herb communities and wet meadows. In total, it contains eight habitat types of Community interest, including two priority habitat types. The eight types apply to the site as a whole, only part of which extends across Nonac. This gives the nature theme a clearly defined ecological focus, rather than speaking only about the landscape in general.

Église Saint-Hilaire and traces of frescoes

The Église Saint-Hilaire in Nonac is a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. Traces of frescoes remain on the walls, capitals and window arches; frescoes have also been preserved on the floor of the small crypt. Capitals are the upper parts of columns; mentioning them draws attention to another architectural detail alongside the walls and window surfaces. Both the period of construction and the specific locations of the frescoes are therefore of interest for understanding the church’s cultural significance. By decree of 4 September 1913, the church was classified as a Monument historique. The date of the decree refers to its protected status and should be distinguished from its construction in the 12th century.

Château de la Léotardie

The Château de la Léotardie dates back to the 15th century and was extensively remodelled in the 18th century. By decree of 13 April 1944, its façades and roofs were placed under heritage protection. Compared with the Église Saint-Hilaire, it has a different timeline: the church’s Romanesque construction in the 12th century is its defining feature, while the château combines its 15th-century origins with its 18th-century remodelling. The scope of protection also differs: the Église was classified as a Monument historique, while the protection of the château specifically covers its façades and roofs.

Hiking routes and navigation

For local hiking routes, you can select a route and download its GPX file for use with GPX Viewer. “Nonac Nord” is listed as a hiking route among the local routes. Check the route details before setting off. This gives you two different ways to find your bearings here: a general option to choose a route and download its GPX file, and a specifically named route listing.

Lavoir Saint-Hilaire de Nonac

Following the works, the Lavoir Saint-Hilaire de Nonac washhouse has two stone benches suitable for taking a break. This practical detail complements the architectural history of the church and château with a place to pause: on stone benches.

Discover more destinations: Vars, Fouquebrune, Baignes-Sainte-Radegonde, Condéon, Criteuil-la-Magdeleine, Saint-Angeau, Touvre, Oradour-Fanais.

For the wider travel overview: Charente.