Red-tiled roofs, steep cobbled streets and a typically French town square lined with linden trees, no wonder it’s one of the best-known and most popular of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France in the region.

The once fortified town saw battles against the English and then the Huguenots during the Wars of Religion. And as a stopping point for travellers on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the village also has a significant pilgrim history. Aubeterre is a lovely village to wander about in, especially as many of the streets are filled with artisans making and selling pottery and other crafts. At the heart of the town is Place Trarieux, an attractive, tree-lined square that’s the perfect place to stop and watch the world bustle by. It’s named after Ludovic Trarieux, the founder of the League of Human Rights who was born here. Another native is Roger Vivier who invented the stiletto!

What to See and Do

Visit the largest Subterranean Church in Europe

The monolithic church, église souterraine or église monolithe of Saint-Jean: the village’s most amazing site is this church which was carved out of cliff face by monks back in the 12th century. Learn more.

For a touch of Moorish Spain…

Visit the church of Saint Jacques with its 12th century façade – make sure you see the signs of the zodiac! This is the only part of the original church left – the rest of it was destroyed during the Wars of Religion.

Museums

Musée des Marionnettes run by Englishman Keith Hubbard, he has over 200 shadow, rod and glove puppets as well as marionettes. His shows are in French and English. Open June-September. Place Ludovic-Trarieux; Tel:+33 5 45 98 02 71.

Musée du Papillon et de l’Art Africain: a mix of collections of more than 12,000 butterflies and insects that owner Albert Petit and his family have collected from Africa. There is also a smaller collection of African artefacts and jewellery. Open Easter to October. Place Ludovic-Trarieu; Tel:+33 5 45 98 64 58.

Beach fun

At a point where the river Dronne widens to resemble a lake is an artificial beach with real sand that is constantly replenished. It is a great place to spend a few hours splashing around. Route de Ribérac.

Tourist office
Place Ludovic-Trarieux
Tel: +33 5 45 98 57 18

Photo 1 by michael clarke stuff / CC BY 2.0 image cropped;  Photo 4 by Stephane Mignon / CC BY 2.0 image cropped; Photo 5 by kristobalite / CC BY 2.0 image cropped