Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie: Château, Roman era and cycling route

Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie can be explored through several themes: Château de Saveilles, Gallo-Roman traces, sacred architecture and a designated cycling route. The château has overlooked the commune since the 14th century; it is designated as a stop on the Ruffec–Chef-Boutonne section of La Vélidéale. For your stay, the château’s architectural history, archaeological evidence, the Jardin Antique and the Église Saint-Génis d’Embourie offer different points of interest.

Château de Saveilles: architecture and activities

Château de Saveilles combines the architecture of a medieval castle with the elegance of a Renaissance residence. It has overlooked the commune of Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie since the 14th century. Numerous sculptures, dormer windows with mullioned windows decorated with mythological themes, as well as loopholes, arrow slits and machicolations bring decorative and defensive elements together. The chapel dates from the 19th century and is dedicated to Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs.

The Château is open to individual visitors, groups, associations and school groups. Two fun trails for families or friends offer games, puzzles and challenges. Château de Saveilles in Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie is designated as a stop on the Ruffec–Chef-Boutonne section of La Vélidéale. This gives you a specific named destination to consider when planning this leg. The Terra Aventura activity “RDV en Gaule chevelue” also leads to the treasure through smartphone puzzles.

Gallo-Roman remains and garden

At the Villa Gallo-Romaine d’Embourie, 800 m² of archaeological remains were uncovered from a residence inhabited from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD. The Espace découverte, also called the “petit musée,” displays objects and fresco fragments from the Villa des Châteliers. Models, explanatory panels, illustrations, reproductions and a film explain how ancient frescoes were made and the work of archaeologists. The Villa Gallo-Romaine d’Embourie also welcomes school groups outside the “Enfants du Patrimoine” event.

The Jardin Antique takes visitors through different areas of a landscape shaped by Roman Gaul. Cultivated plants and their significance in everyday life during the Gallo-Roman period are the focus. The garden thus combines landscape areas with a look at the plants that shaped daily life at the time. The Jardin Antique is open daily and free of charge all year round; check the opening information before your visit.

Église Saint-Génis d’Embourie

The Église Saint-Génis d’Embourie offers another way to explore the history of the area. It stands on the site of a medieval cemetery. The arches of the south side chapel, built at the end of the Middle Ages, are still visible. The west façade is listed as a historic monument; this protection has been in place since 16 December 1987. The church thus brings together a medieval cemetery site, the surviving arches of the side chapel and a precisely dated protection status.

Discover more destinations: Chillac, Pleuville, Champagne-Mouton, Saint-Angeau, Palluaud, Pérignac, Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard, Nercillac.

For the broader travel overview: Charente.