Champdolent offers a range of themes to help you plan your trip: architectural and local history around Saint-Pierre, walks through the countryside, and activities on the water. The church brings together building phases from the 11th and 15th centuries. At the Bel-Ébat lock, nature lovers will find a peaceful, green setting; hikers and water sports enthusiasts also have other specific places to visit.
Saint-Pierre and the History of the Village
Construction of Saint-Pierre Church began in the 11th century. Its nave and bell tower were built in the 15th century; since 1925, the church has been classified as a historic monument. Several centuries of architectural history come together in this one building: the start of construction and the creation of the two parts mentioned are separated by a considerable span of time.
The bell also has its own precisely dated history. It weighs 106 kilograms, was cast in 1655 and restored in 2018. It is also classified. The timeline from casting to restoration adds the story of an individual object to the church’s architectural history.
Other Historic Traces
Only part of the Logis de Bellébat, Champdolent’s second château, remains: a fire destroyed the château around 1838, and today only the outbuildings survive. This sets the site apart from Saint-Pierre, whose building phases can still be read in the church itself.
Champdolent is also associated with Marquis Abraham Duquesne-Guiton. The lieutenant general of the navy and governor of Martinique retired to Champdolent in 1720, died there in 1724 and was buried in Champdolent Church. His dates add a personal connection to the village’s history alongside its architectural history.
Hiking: Choose a Route or a Landscape
The 14-kilometre “Randonnée boisée Bords–Champdolent” hike is easy, shaded and intended for all audiences. It starts at Place de l’église “Marc Tranquard” and initially heads towards the bakery. Before setting out, check the waymarking and starting conditions on site.
At the edge of the forest along this hike, there is an orientation board and a bench. As small amenities can change, check before your visit whether the board and bench are still there.
The “Sur la route de Champfleury” hike has a different focus: it passes through hamlets, fields and meadows crisscrossed by canals, streams and drainage ditches. When choosing between the two routes, consider whether you prefer a numbered, easy and shaded route or a landscape of waterways and scattered hamlets.
Bel-Ébat Lock and Activities on the Water
Bel-Ébat Lock is on the Boutonne and offers a green setting for nature lovers seeking peace and quiet. At the sites by the locks, there are launch points both upstream and downstream of the structures, allowing people to fish from small watercraft.
At Bel-Ébat, the authorised fishing areas include the Vieille Boutonne channel and the stretches of water above the weir and the lock. According to the fishing federation, this regulation has been in effect since early 2025. Check the current local rules before fishing.
A launch point in Champdolent is set up for launching and taking out kayaks or stand-up paddleboards independently. Check the local conditions before using it. This keeps water activities and fishing rules clearly separated as distinct planning considerations.
Discover more destinations: Croix-Chapeau, Clion, Salles-Sur-Mer, La Flotte-En-Re, Saint-LĂ©ger, Rochefort, Gourvillette, Saint-Sauvant.
For the regional travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
