Discover Vouthon

Vouthon brings together several distinct cultural landmarks: the medieval Donjon de La Chaise, the parish church of Saint-Martin in a Templar commandery, as well as visits to the Grotte de La Chaise and the Moulin de Vouthon. For travellers looking for a hotel in Vouthon, these offer clear options based on their interests: defensive architecture, the history of religious orders, prehistory, or the production of oils and flours. The sites also differ in how visits need to be planned. The donjon is viewed from a distance, while the cave and mill have their own requirements.

The Donjon de La Chaise

The Donjon de La Chaise is a square keep built in the 11th century at La Garenne, on a rock riddled with underground passageways. Its square ground plan gives the building a distinctive shape, while the rock and passageways help define its setting. The donjon was remodelled in the 15th and 16th centuries and has been listed as a historic monument since 8 July 1988. For your plans, the viewing conditions are especially important: the donjon can only be seen from a distance. Set your expectations accordingly, focusing on a distant view and the keep’s historical context.

Saint-Martin and the Templar commandery

The parish church of Saint-Martin is located in the chapel of Vouthon’s Templar commandery, which dates from the 12th century. The commandery passed to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1312. This site thus brings together a medieval building, a religious use and a later change of order. Unlike the donjon, the focus here is not on the square keep but on the history of a Templar commandery and its chapel. For visitors interested in cultural history, this site offers a different focus from the keep’s architectural history.

Visits to the Grotte de La Chaise

The Grotte de La Chaise adds a prehistoric dimension. Visits to the cave in Vouthon are part of the annual Préhistoire en Tardoire programme. Tours are available by reservation through the tourist office. If you plan to make the cave a fixed part of your stay, arrange your visit with the tourist office in advance and check the programme dates and availability. Unlike viewing the donjon from a distance, a cave visit therefore requires prior arrangements.

The Moulin de Vouthon

The Moulin de Vouthon is another place to visit. Visits are available year-round by prior telephone appointment; confirm the visit arrangements before you travel. The mill produces certified organic oils and flours from hazelnuts, camelina, walnuts and sesame. This adds a theme of food production to the historical and prehistoric attractions. While visits to the cave require a reservation through the tourist office, appointments for the mill are made by telephone.

Discover more destinations: Gourville, Saint-Maurice-des-Lions, Mansle, Rouzède, Chabanais, Mainzac, Le Vieux-Cérier, Guimps

For the wider travel overview: Charente.