Montpellier-de-Médillan combines a landscape of cereal fields, vineyards, forests and meadows with a church rich in history. The Église Saint-Martin ranges from a Romanesque nave to Gothic features and later additions; there is also an intercommunal circular route and the Miellerie d’Anaïs. You can therefore choose between different focuses when planning your trip: architecture, landscape, or a pedagogical visit to the Miellerie, which requires a reservation.

Landscape as a travel focus in its own right

The landscapes of Montpellier-de-Médillan include cereal fields, vineyards, forests and meadows. Cereal fields and vineyards are examples of areas shaped by agriculture, while forests and meadows add other landscape features. When planning your trip, this broad focus on the landscape differs from visiting a specific building such as the Église Saint-Martin. This allows you to decide in advance whether you would rather discover Montpellier-de-Médillan through its landscape, its architectural history, or both.

The Église Saint-Martin: Romanesque, Gothic and later building phases

The Église Saint-Martin is an example of early 13th-century Saintonge Gothic architecture, built on an 11th-century Romanesque nave. The third bay of the nave dates from the 12th century, bringing together different building phases within the church. The façade also dates from the 13th century. Its portal has four archivolts and two side niches. Two side chapels dating from the 15th century complete the church. The square bell tower has two windows on each side, divided by colonnettes. The dates make it possible to compare the Romanesque nave, the Gothic façade and the later chapels. Archivolts are curved mouldings that frame the portal arch in several bands.

The church is free to enter; individuals and groups can visit independently at any time. Check the visitor information before your visit.

Circular route No. 15 on foot or by bike

The intercommunal hiking and cycling area includes circular route No. 15, “Montpellier de Médillan.” This provides an active alternative to architecture, on foot or by bike. The two options are quite distinct: at the church, the focus is on architectural history and individual features; on the route, it is on a walking or cycling trail. Check the latest route information before setting out.

Miellerie d’Anaïs: visits and products

The Miellerie d’Anaïs is a beekeeping business in Montpellier-de-Médillan. Its products include honey, gingerbread, sweets, soaps and candles; honey and honey-based products are sold directly at the farm. The business offers educational visits for children aged three and over, by prior reservation. If you plan such a visit, book in advance and check the visiting arrangements before travelling. The range of products may change.

Discover more destinations: Cherbonnières, Charron, Aytré, Villars-En-Pons, Tesson, Clion, La Benâte, Muron

For the broader travel guide: Charente-Maritime.