Marthon

This Charentais village is located not far east of the city of Angoulême, close to the border separating the départements (French counties) of Charente and Dordogne. Today, Marthon welcomes cyclists along La Flow Vélo cycle route, reached via a stretch of greenway known as La Coulée d'Oc. In medieval times, Marthon was the headquarters of a significant lordship, hence why it retains the characteristic architectural features of those times. A visit here makes you travel back in time! 

Wander around the medieval village

Keep your eyes wide open as you immerse yourself in the history of this picturesque village. Marthon was of strategic importance from medieval times up until the French Revolution. In the Middle Ages, the village of Marthon also served as a trading post that held fairs. Even up to the end of the 19th century, these fairs marked the local calendar, taking place on the 21st of each month. The place was long surrounded by ramparts and further protected by moats on its southern side. Still today, several remains bear witness to its significance back in feudal times, notably the vestiges of the château, perched on a rocky platform dominating the village. While the castle today only consists of scattered ruins, these are impressive. The keep, also known as the Tour du Breuil, dates back to the 12th century, reaches 15m in height, and is well preserved. It constituted just the lower part of a taller square defensive tower that once stood here. You can reach the keep by going along the Route Saint-Jean, a street flanked by typical old houses, and by hollyhocks in season. Other remnants of the castle include a part-Romanesque gateway with tower on two levels; one level held a perched chapel, reaching 20m in height. As to the separate church of St Martin, it also dates back to the 12th century, displaying Romanesque features. It was officially added to the register of France’s historic monuments in 1925. The stocky bell-tower with its arcades as well as a remarkable statue above the entrance attract visitors’ attention. 

Further heritage to discover 

The surprises don’t stop there! Further edifices attest to Marthon’s rich past. The Château-Neuf, built on the site of a Romanesque castle that burned down in 1347, was designed in Renaissance style. The previous château was ravaged by English troops during the Hundred Years War. It was a 16th-century lord of Marthon, Hubert de La Rochefoucauld, who ordered the construction of the Château-Neuf in the 1560s. Following restoration work and modifications in the 20th century, this château’s mongrel style isn’t harmonious.

On the western side of the parish, certain keen followers of French cinema may recognize the Château de La Couronne, which served as a setting in the comedy holiday film, Nos Jours heureux, featuring actor Jean-Paul Rouve and released in 2006. This castle imparts something of a Disney atmosphere to the area; although it isn’t open to the public, it can be hired for events.

Continuing along La Flow Vélo, sticking close to water

Cyclists will enjoy the fact that La Flow Vélo around Marthon takes you riding beside several local rivers, offering lovely spots for a picnic. Leaving the banks of the Charente, a few kilometres on, La Flow Vélo joins the Bandiat, a river that rises in the département of Dordogne and joins forces with the Tardoire, a tributary of the Charente River. In fact, the Bandiat Valley crosses Marthon east to west and serves as a guide to the stretch of greenway known as La Coulée d'Oc, extending 21km between Le Quéroy (just east of Angoulême) and Souffrignac (just east of Marthon), taking you meandering delightfully along a converted former railway line.

Marthon has plenty to offer cyclists, be they history or architecture buffs or fascinated by medieval times and filled with wonder at tales of the knightly past in these parts.