Aumagne brings together Roman traces and buildings whose details range from coloured glass to roof shapes. Visitors will find several historical and landscape themes here: archaeological evidence, striking architecture and a walking tour that also includes Chagnon.
Roman traces and archaeological interpretations
The Roman column of Aumagne stood in the Bois de la Chagnée, at the centre of a square enclosure measuring 26 metres on each side. The Roman road between Saintes and Poitiers has been identified in Aumagne at the foot of the column. Its location at the foot of the column directly links Aumagne with the Roman road between Saintes and Poitiers.
The interpretation of the Chail de Babelot is tentative: it is thought to be the fallen and partially broken capstone of a dolmen.
Architectural details
The conservatory at Chez Chagnon was added to the property in the 1880s. Its iron framework supports leaded stained-glass windows, many of which are still original. Lead strips frame individual panes, hold them together and divide the window into separate sections.
The dovecote gateway at Le Treuil can also be described through specific architectural features. Its rectangular roof, hipped on all sides, is covered with flat tiles and topped by a ridge feature. A stone projects from the south façade, where it served as a landing board. A hipped roof has sloping surfaces not only on the long sides but also on the gable ends. A ridge feature is a structure built on the roof ridge. A landing board is a projecting surface where pigeons can land; at the gateway, this function is served by the stone on the south façade.
The Le Pignaud estate once comprised three châteaux: Montorgueil, Montalaise and Montapeine. Only the foundations of Montorgueil remain; Montalaise and Montapeine are still standing.
Landscape, water and nature
The Saudrenne flows through Aumagne. Another local feature is the water tower, supplied by a horse-powered noria. This technical detail adds the subject of water supply to the area’s architectural history. Chagnon is also home to a notable holm oak, with a circumference of 4.15 metres measured at a height of 1.30 metres.
Walking tour and practical information
The “Explorer autrement Aumagne–Chagnon” walking tour takes visitors through Chagnon’s built and natural heritage. A smartphone or GPS and a quiz are used to explore the area. The tour starts at the corner of Rue Principale and Impasse de l’École in Chagnon. Confirm the starting point before your trip.
Another practical feature is a playground at the Grange à Robin rest area. As facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Saintes, Asnières-La-Giraud, Pont-L'abbé-D'arnoult, Saint-Séverin-sur-Boutonne, Vert-Bois, Benon, Genouillé, Nuaillé-Sur-Boutonne.
For the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
