Valleys, hills and river landscape
The three valleys of the Dronne and its tributaries, the Auzonne and Lizonne, mark the boundaries of the Saint-Séverin area. The wooded hills of Les Gravières and Puy Giraud also form natural boundaries. River valleys and wooded heights give the commune two tangible landscape features. The area also has a local history in which paper mills on the Lizonne and historic buildings play an important role.
Paper mills and local history
The long tradition of paper mills on the Lizonne is a distinctive part of local history. Some remains from the 17th century have been preserved at the Moulin de la Barde. The Moulin du Petit Marchais was built in 1837 on the site of an older mill dating from the 16th century. A year later, in 1838, the Moulin de l’Épine was built as a paper mill; from 1987, it served as a sawmill.
The construction dates 1837 and 1838 are just one year apart, but refer to different things: for the Petit Marchais, it is the site of an older mill; for the Moulin de l’Épine, it is its construction as a paper mill. Another industrial distinction is recorded for the Marchais mill: since 1876, it has housed the first parchment paper factory in France. The named mills thus illustrate different chapters of local history.
Church and historic routes
The church of Saint-Séverin was the castle chapel. It was destroyed during the Wars of Religion and reopened in 1595. Its history thus connects its former role as a castle chapel with the destruction and the dated reopening.
The Circuit de la Vallée starts at the Saint-Séverin boating landing (Le Dexmier bas), on the banks of the Dronne. There is a canoe launch point there for routes towards Poltrot and Aubeterre. The Circuit de la Vallée also offers a 3.3 km connection via Petit Bersac towards Poltrot. Poltrot is shared by both routes.
The Circuit des gravières starts at the water tower in the hamlet of Le Peyrat and offers panoramic views and a viewpoint overlooking Saint-Séverin. The distinction is useful when choosing a route: the Circuit de la Vallée focuses on the connection towards Poltrot, while the Circuit des gravières offers views over the village.
The boating landing is equipped for picnics and fishing, making it a place to take a break by the water. The Aire de pique-nique de Saint-Séverin offers a place to eat right by the water. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can plan your trip around the themes mentioned: mill history and the church, or paths, views and the banks of the Dronne.
Discover more destinations: Touvre, Pleuville, Ronsenac, Chassors, Nieuil, Champagne-Mouton, Le Vieux-Cérier, Mainzac.
Go to the main travel overview: Charente.
