A sculpture garden with life-size concrete figures, the Romanesque south wall of a church and marl grasslands with water features offer several specific points of interest for a trip to Nantillé. Art, architectural history and nature provide different themes to consider when choosing a stay.
Art and architectural history
The Jardin de Gabriel brings together works of naive art by Gabriel Albert, who lived in Nantillé and created at least 420 concrete statues and busts. Life-size concrete statues stand in the garden around his small house. The Jardin displays works created by Albert, connecting the collection with the place where the artist lived. The Jardin has been open to the public since 2024. Self-guided or guided visits provide access to the house, workshop and sculpture garden. As seasonal visiting arrangements may change, check the conditions for your chosen date before travelling.
The Église Saint-Hilaire also offers specific architectural details. The surviving Romanesque south wall of the nave is divided into three bays by flat buttresses. Its two westernmost windows preserve a design characteristic of Saintonge Romanesque architecture from 1135 to 1140. In contrast, the narrower Gothic choir has three bays as well and large buttresses on the south side. These were probably added in the 15th century. The surviving wall, the dated windows and the choir assigned to a later period make different architectural forms and dates a subject for consideration in the same church.
Nature and activities
The Platrières de Nantillé include marl grasslands with water features and a remarkable plant community. Thus, alongside art and architecture, the local flora is another feature of the area. Nature lovers will find a clear contrast here with the human-made statues and church architecture.
Another option is Les Ailes de la Voie Romaine, which offers introductory open-air ULM flights as well as sightseeing flights to explore the Charente-Maritime landscape from the air. The specific flight route depends on the provider and conditions. The listed address for Les Ailes de la Voie Romaine is Fief de la Cadarousseau, 17770 Nantillé. Check the address before travelling.
The “Sur les pas de Gabriel” programme lists a guided, seven-kilometre family discovery walk through various cultural and natural heritage sites in Nantillé on October 21 and 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. Check before travelling whether the relevant date is available. The fixed dates and stated distance provide a specific framework for planning; the walk therefore differs from visits to the Jardin de Gabriel and flights.
Plan your journey and stay
Nantillé is near the A10 motorway. For your specific journey, take your route and road conditions into account; no distance or journey time is specified. When choosing where to stay, consider whether art, church architecture, nature or a flying experience will be the main focus of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Chervettes, Jarnac-Champagne, Saint-Thomas-de-Conac, Brie-sous-Mortagne, L'éguille, Port-Des-Barques, Thénac, Sainte-Ramée.
See the main travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
