Médillac appeals to travellers with a range of interests: the Église Saint-Laurent offers a specific cultural destination, while the Vallée de la Tude Natura 2000 site showcases a natural area with diverse habitats and waterways. Two routes complement these themes in different ways. You can therefore plan your stay around one of three focal points: the church, the protected landscape or one of the routes. If you are looking for a holiday rental, this distinction can help you get started: decide which theme should be the main focus of your stay in Médillac.

Église Saint-Laurent: a monument and newly made windows

The Église Saint-Laurent was classified as a historic monument by decree on 2 June 1970. The church windows also have their own historical connection: they were newly made using techniques and materials from the 12th century. This brings together two distinct points of reference: the church’s classification in 1970 and the 12th-century techniques and materials used in the new windows. You can consider both aspects together during a visit.

The church is freely accessible, and you can visit independently at any time. Check local access conditions before your visit.

Vallée de la Tude: water, habitats and species

Médillac is one of the municipalities covered by the Vallée de la Tude Natura 2000 site. The area includes a network of waterways with more than 140 kilometres of watercourses, as well as alluvial forests, tall-herb communities and wet meadows. Wet Atlantic heaths and alluvial forests are classified as priority habitats of Community interest. This diversity means the area’s natural character is not limited to the river alone: waterways, wetlands and alluvial forests are all part of the protected site.

The European otter (Lutra lutra) and the European mink (Mustela lutreola) are listed as Annex II mammal species within the Natura 2000 site. The Vallée de la Tude also forms an important corridor between the Charente and Garonne catchments, which the European mink continues to use. The mink is therefore mentioned both in the species list and in connection with the area’s role as a corridor.

Two routes with different points of reference

The Circuit des Étangs is 36 kilometres long and passes through Rioux-Martin, Médillac, Saint-Avit and Chalais. It is described as a route crossing several municipalities, and its length also provides a specific framework for planning. The Circuit VTT n°9 starts in Yviers and goes as far as Médillac. On the stretch before Médillac, it follows unpaved paths alongside the small Argentonne stream. After leaving Médillac, the route heads towards the Tude and follows the river.

The two routes can be distinguished by different features: the Circuit des Étangs is defined by its length and the sequence of places, while the Circuit VTT n°9 is defined by its starting point, surface and waterways. Check the current route of the Circuit VTT n°9 before setting off. For the Circuit des Étangs, check the signage and accessibility locally.

Discover more destinations: Yvrac-Et-Malleyrand, Cellefrouin, Saint-Saturnin, Maine-de-Boixe, Rivières, Gondeville, Cherves-Châtelars, Étagnac.

For the broader travel overview: Charente.