Vieux-Ruffec

Oh, to be in Vieux-Ruffec...

Its church, which dates back to the 11th century, is a handsome structure flanked by fragrant lime-trees, just a stone's-throw from the lavoir (communal washing-place).

On the other side of the D176 road, nestling into the hillside, is a large house which was, until the sixties, the local bar, general store and even the smithy. Continuing westwards, past the cemetery, soon brings you to the mairie and, beside it, the building which used to be the primary school. All these places speak of a former generation, of a community enlivened by a larger population than there is today. But it must be said that there's still plenty of life in the games of boules which take place behind the mairie on Saturdays and Sundays.

From the administrative centre on the valley floor, reaching all other parts of the commune means going up: a short distance away, an avenue - or rather a tunnel - of acacias leads to Chez Galard, with its production of goats' milk; to the west, La Martinerie is noted as much for the variety of its domestic fowl and animals as for the extent of its noble buildings; to the east, La Simonie is also an impressive size. Near it lies a wooded pond which is occasionally set off by almost motionless cattle, as if in one of Constable's paintings. The pond at Peumant, at the southern extreme of the commune, looks altogether different, forming as it does the centre of the village. It is from Peumant that a steep hill leads down to the magnificent viaduct which provides a starting-point for bicycle rides, without hills or traffic, along the disused railway line.

Links to other sites

The following sites, each with their respective links, provide a mixed bag of perspectives on the north-east of the département of Charente.

A useful national site... Météo-France (weather information)

nearby villages:

Moutonneau Villefagnan