Motte à Peljeau and the Tenaie offer different perspectives on Les Métairies: several historical connections come together at the motte, while the watercourse links the area with the Charente. A ZNIEFF area adds a natural dimension. For planning your trip, there is also a cultural walking trail with seasonal timing, information about a historical event, and a guesthouse in the village. This allows you to consider whether cultural history, nature, or an activity tied to a particular date will shape your stay most.
Motte à Peljeau and its history
Motte à Peljeau, also known as Poljeau, is classified either as a tumulus or as a feudal motte. It is about seven metres high and approximately ten metres wide at the base. These measurements give a clear sense of the size of this mound; its classification remains one of two possibilities. At the edge, the motte rises beside a fairly well-preserved camp, which probably dates from Roman times. Later, it served as the foundation for the Peljeau mill. The uncertain classification and its later use reveal different aspects of the motte: it is characterised not only by its shape, but also by its role as the mill’s foundation.
La Tenaie also adds another connection to the area’s history. An archaeological survey there uncovered remains dating from the early Middle Ages onward. Together with the motte, this discovery offers an additional historical perspective on Les Métairies, without needing to combine the two subjects into a single story.
Tenaie and natural features
The Tenaie rises in the commune of Les Métairies and is a tributary of the Charente. The Plaine de Guitres ZNIEFF type 1 area also covers 3.4 per cent of the commune. These two facts operate at different scales: the Tenaie connects the area to the Charente through a watercourse, while the Plaine de Guitres designates an area within the commune. For travellers who would like to consider natural features as well as cultural history, the watercourse and ZNIEFF add to the picture of the motte.
Cultural walking trail and events
During the 2026 season, the cultural walking trail Au fil de la Tenaie uses Motte à Peljeau as a meeting point at 9:15 a.m. Parking is available there for the morning. The meeting time and parking provide a practical framework for the morning activity; check the current dates before visiting.
The Frairie – Festival de la Tenaie was held for the fourth time in 2025. That year’s event was scheduled for 13–15 June at the Salle des fêtes-Bourg. It is therefore part of the area’s past event history; this edition is not associated with a later festival date.
Plan your accommodation and journey
Les Ecureuils is a guesthouse in Les Métairies. It is located in the owners’ home and can accommodate up to five people. It offers a specific overnight accommodation option in the village if you are looking for somewhere to stay in Les Métairies. Check availability before booking.
For bus travel, the February 2026 COG24 timetable lists the Les Métairies–Brassac stop at the VC crossroads as a bus stop. Check the current timetable before travelling to make sure your journey matches the dates you have planned.
Discover more destinations: Massignac, Marsac, Le Tâtre, Saint-Même-les-Carrières, Confolens, Champmillon, Montignac-Le-Coq, Birac
Go to the regional travel overview: Charente.
