Baignes-Sainte-Radegonde brings together traces of the feudal rule of Montausier with architectural and economic history from later centuries. The Galope Chopine voie verte adds an active option, starting in the town. The themes range from architectural features to a route with several types of use.
Buildings and local history
The Tour de Montausier is the only surviving remnant of the feudal castle of the lords of Montausier. The Manoir de l’Abbé Michon was built on the remains of Montausier Castle. These provide two distinct links to the castle in the context of local history: a surviving remnant and a building constructed on the castle’s remains.
Font Madame has its own distinctive feature: the fountain is shaped like a scallop shell. It was built in 1610 by the father of the Duke of Montausier and dedicated to Marguerite de Châteaubriand. Its shape, date of construction and dedication each give the fountain a distinct place in the history of the town.
The Church of Sainte-Radegonde probably dates from the 11th century. Its north wall features engaged Romanesque columns. This brings together an approximate historical date and a specific architectural detail. A stained-glass window depicting Saint Radegund shows her standing beneath a trefoil arch, holding a cross and a model of a church. The Abbey of Saint-Etienne became the parish church after the French Revolution.
Routes and activities
The Galope Chopine voie verte starts in Baignes-Sainte-Radegonde and is 21.5 kilometres long. It can be used on foot, on roller skates, on horseback or by bicycle, and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. If you include the route in your plans, check local conditions before setting out.
The La ronde des vents route runs through the outskirts of Haute-Saintonge, among mills, vineyards and the Double saintongeaise forest. When choosing, you can compare the various ways of getting around on the voie verte with the landscapes of mills, vineyards and forest. This offers two different options: a route with several types of use, or a landscape defined by its named features.
The municipal swimming pool was open to the public in summer 2026. If you are planning a later season, check the seasonal information in effect at that time before visiting.
A chapter in local economic history
The Union Coopérative des propriétaires laitiers de Baignes Sainte Radegonde is also part of the history of Baignes-Sainte-Radegonde. Founded in 1893, it had 322 members and M. Hillairet as its first chairman. From the outset, the dairy produced butter for sale in the Paris market halls and fattened pigs with whey. These two activities show how the cooperative combined butter production with the use of whey for pig farming.
Discover more destinations: Bourg-Charente, Marcillac-Lanville, Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, Agris, Saint-Séverin, Salles-Lavalette, Maine-de-Boixe, Asnières-Sur-Nouère.
For the wider travel overview: Charente.
