Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

Charente
Art & crafts
Artists’ and craftspeople’s studios
Family-friendly
Religious heritage
St John’s Monolithic Church
River
River Dronne

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, a gem of southern Charente clinging to its cliff

Set off on a charming getaway between Charente and Périgord: Aubeterre-sur-Dronne invites you to stroll through its cobbled streets, meet its passionate artisans and discover its troglodytic treasure — the monolithic church of Saint-Jean, carved out of the rock.

Panoramic views of the Dronne Valley, relaxation by the river, shaded terraces, and a heritage that will capture your heart… Ready to experience this little slice of paradise?

Cave dwellings, panoramic views and the Charente way of life

Carved into the cliff face, nestled beside the River Dronne and brought to life by its artists, Aubeterre reveals its secrets: its troglodyte heritage, swimming and a leisurely stroll through its flower-filled alleyways.

Eglise monolithe Saint-Jean pbvf

Eglise monolithe Saint-Jean

Carved into the cliff in the 12th century, this immense underground church is unique in Europe. Every visitor is captivated by its 20-metre-long nave, Romanesque stone reliquary and mysterious baptismal font.

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Eglise Saint-Jacques D. Mairey

Eglise Saint-Jacques

Dating back to the 12th century and rebuilt in the 17th century, the church's finely carved Romanesque façade features Hispano-Moorish decorations and bears witness to Aubeterre's medieval history.

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Place Ludovic Trarieux pbvf

Place Ludovic Trarieux

Lined with plane trees and cafés, the central square is the bustling heart of the village. It is named after Ludovic Trarieux, the founder of the Human Rights League and a native of Aubeterre.

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Belvédère sur le village d'Aubeterre pbvf

Belvédère sur le village d'Aubeterre

From the viewpoint on Rue Saint-Jacques, you can take in the stunning views of the village, castle and corbelled houses. It is one of the finest views in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.

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Word of Mouth

Typical of Aubeterre, the stacked wooden galleries on the houses were once used to dry crops. Facing the Dronne, they lend the village an exotic charm.


Your experiences to live in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

Explore the village on foot ©Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Explore the village on foot

Stroll along the flower-lined, cobbled streets paved with old river pebbles, admire the contrast between the white façades and the red-tiled roofs of the houses clinging to the cliff in an amphitheatre-like formation, and take a break in one of the village’s shaded squares.

Enjoy the view ©Aubeterre-sur-Dronne Tourist Office

Enjoy the view

From the viewing point on Rue Saint-Jacques, take in the panoramic view of the houses with their Spanish-style balconies, with the fortified gate of the old castle in the background. One of the finest viewpoints in Aubeterre

Take a refreshing break on the banks of the Dronne

Take a refreshing break on the banks of the Dronne

Fancy a breath of fresh air? Head to the banks of the Dronne. It’s the perfect setting to relax whilst enjoying a picnic, a swim or a spot of fishing.

Meet the craftspeople

Meet the craftspeople

Potters, milliners, leatherworkers… Alongside shops selling local produce and art galleries, local craftspeople showcase their talents in the heart of the village.

Sample local specialities

Sample local specialities

Whether at the Sunday morning market or in the shops, treat yourself to some delicacies from the Charente and Périgord regions

Relax on a terrace on Place Ludovic Trarieux

Relax on a terrace on Place Ludovic Trarieux

Watch the village come to life at the first light of day whilst sipping your coffee, enjoy an afternoon tea with the family or an aperitif (in moderation) with friends as the sun sets…

Ideas for everyone, all the time

Marché hebdomadaire d'Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

From Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026 from 9 a.m.

Marché hebdomadaire d'Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

The Aubeterre-sur-Dronne market is a pleasant rendez-vous in this magnificent village classified among the "Most beautiful villages of France". It is held on the central square of the village, lined with shops and restaurants, ideal for prolonging the moment.

Next dates:

  • From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026
    Open every day
Exposition - Les Immortels par Roger Morton - Tza Tza Tzu Galerie

From July 4, 2026 to Oct. 31, 2026

Exposition - Les Immortels par Roger Morton - Tza Tza Tzu Galerie

The ‘Tza Tza Tzu Gallery’ is delighted to announce the exhibition ‘Les Immortels’ by photographer Roger Morton.

Next dates:

  • From 07/04/2026 to 10/31/2026
16390 AUBETERRE-SUR-DRONNE
Exposition Eclectic - stéphanie Gendre

From Aug. 31, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026

Exposition Eclectic - stéphanie Gendre

A pragmatic aesthete who abhors waste, Stéphanie Gendre is a visual artist driven by the need to salvage, reuse, and transform—a reflection of her lifestyle.

Next dates:

  • From 08/31/2026 to 09/20/2026
16390 AUBETERRE-SUR-DRONNE
Exposition de sculptures et peintures de Cyril Lagorce - Chez Marguerite

From Sept. 4, 2026 to Sept. 29, 2026

Exposition de sculptures et peintures de Cyril Lagorce - Chez Marguerite

An exhibition by the visual artist Cyril Lagorce, known for his burnt wood sculptures! Well worth a visit!

Next dates:

  • From 09/04/2026 to 09/29/2026
16390 AUBETERRE-SUR-DRONNE
Conférence - La forêt : débattre plutôt qu'abattre par Jean-Claude NOUARD

The Sept. 12, 2026

Conférence - La forêt : débattre plutôt qu'abattre par Jean-Claude NOUARD

Come along to this talk on the future of our forests and how we can manage them more effectively in the future whilst respecting nature!

Next dates:

  • 09/12/2026
16390 AUBETERRE-SUR-DRONNE
Concert de l'ensemble vocal CUM JUBILO en hommage à Catherine Ravenne

The Sept. 19, 2026 from 8:30 p.m.

Concert de l'ensemble vocal CUM JUBILO en hommage à Catherine Ravenne

Come and enjoy this concert of medieval songs in an incredible acoustic and historic setting! This vocal ensemble pays tribute to the opera singer Catherine Ravenne, who passed away last year.

Next dates:

  • 09/19/2026
    Open every day
16390 AUBETERRE-SUR-DRONNE
Eglise Saint-Jacques - Journées européennes du patrimoine

From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026 from 9 a.m.

Eglise Saint-Jacques - Journées européennes du patrimoine

A marvel of romanesque art, the former collegiate church of Saint Jacques is one of the treasures of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.

Next dates:

  • From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
    Open every day
Chapelle des Minimes - Journées Européennes du Patrimoine

From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026 from 9:30 a.m.

Chapelle des Minimes - Journées Européennes du Patrimoine

Come and visit this 17th-century chapel of the former Minimes convent and admire its large stone altarpiece.

Next dates:

  • From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
    Open every day
Exposition Eclectic - Stéphanie Gendre

From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026

Exposition Eclectic - Stéphanie Gendre

A pragmatic aesthete who abhors waste, Stéphanie Gendre is a visual artist driven by the need to salvage, reuse, and transform—a reflection of her lifestyle.

Next dates:

  • From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
16390 AUBETERRE-SUR-DRONNE

Rediscover your inner child at the Maison des Marionnettes

Share a ‘screen-free’ moment with your children and introduce them to the world of these wooden and fabric puppets that come to life as a story unfolds… Performances are held at weekends during the summer – in French and English – at the small theatre.

Let’s get in the water! It’s hot

Head to the banks of the Dronne for a family picnic and a day’s swimming, or a canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding trip with friends (by the hour, half-day or full day, on your own or with a guide)!

An exhibition

Visit the Ludovic Trarieux Centre and discover the permanent exhibition on the theme of citizens’ human rights.

Map of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

Extend the visit to near Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

Prepare your stay at Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

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