Brillac brings together the Church of Saint-Pierre-es-Liens, the historic Pont Binot and hiking trails along the Issoire. This offers several ways to shape your stay: explore religious architecture and local history, hike through the countryside or spend time by the river. Which side of the village you would like to discover may also influence your choice of accommodation.
Church, Bridge and Local History
The Church of Saint-Pierre-es-Liens has been listed as a historic monument since 2001. It has a single-nave layout with three bays and exclusively contemporary stained-glass windows. The windows in the choir date from 1964, while the window on the west façade was created in June 2005. The north portal is marked by large granite masonry and the style of Limousin Gothic. The glazing and portal thus showcase different architectural features.
Smaller structures are also among the local sights to discover. Pont Binot is a 15-metre-long bridge built in 1853, with four arches made from local granite. At the Ancienne Bascule, the weighing mechanism and platform for trailers and livestock are still intact. Fontaine Gaillard, meanwhile, has a square ground plan reminiscent of the Moorish style.
Historically, the Grande dévotion de la Trinité followed a seven-kilometre pilgrimage route towards La Lande, Salvert and Chalotte. Pilgrims stopped at around ten crosses along the route. At the end of the 20th century, hiking trails were established in Brillac along routes that had once been used for local devotional processions. This timeline gives the trails a distinctive historical context.
The Issoire, Nature and Hiking Trails
The Issoire river near Brillac is protected and designated as a Natura 2000 site. At Pont Binot, you can swim or fish in peaceful surroundings. Check local conditions and safety before swimming. Fishing on the Issoire is also permitted and regulated; check local fishing rules before your trip. With a little luck, you may spot grey herons, coypus, deer and polecats in the valley around Pont Binot.
The hiking trails described here each have their own landscapes and themes. The Sentier du Bois d’Amont follows the remains of an old Roman road that crossed the Issoire at Pont Binot. The Sentier les Dames starts in Brillac, follows the Issoire, reveals distinctive rock outcrops and then passes through woodland. Also starting in Brillac, the hilly Sentier le Font Melezy offers panoramic views over the Issoire Valley.
The Sentier les Deux Vallées passes small hamlets around Brillac and follows the Issoire Valley. Its landscape includes rolling countryside and the distinctive flora on the banks of the Issoire. When comparing the trails, different interests come to the fore: Roman road remains, the river and rock outcrops, woodland, panoramic views, or hamlets and riverside scenery.
Holiday Homes in Brillac
The Village de Vacances offers 18 individual, fully equipped holiday homes for four to seven people each, set within three hectares. The grounds include a swimming pool, a sports field, and tennis and pétanque courts. If you are considering this accommodation, confirm availability before booking. Operating conditions may apply to the facilities.
Brillac offers a range of ways to explore the area: discover the church’s architecture and local history, choose one of the trails with its own character, or make the Issoire at Pont Binot the focus of your visit. The specific features of the holiday homes and grounds can also help you assess the accommodation options in Brillac.
Discover more destinations: Jauldes, Sireuil, MĂ©dillac, Ansac-Sur-Vienne, Bonnes, Le Vieux-CĂ©rier, Ventouse, Jarnac.
For the broader travel guide: Charente.
