In Tusson, megalithic monuments meet religious art, historic buildings and crafts. When planning your visit, you can choose from different areas of interest: the tumuli and directions to them, the village’s architectural history, or the exhibitions at the Maison du Patrimoine. A signposted walking tour and a forest trail are also among the options described.
Megaliths and getting around
About one kilometre east of Tusson, a ridge running roughly north to south is lined with five megalithic monuments. The line overlooks the area as far as Charente Limousine. The route to the Tumulus du Vieux Breuil is signposted from the village. The approach is about one kilometre long and starts at the parish church; admission is free, and an information board is provided on site.
The Tumulus du Petit Dognon was landscaped by the Historic Monuments Service of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It can be reached by a local road and lies 400 metres north of the Tumulus du Vieux Breuil. The Gros Dognon has its own historical distinction: for its period, it is one of the three largest monuments in Europe.
The tourist discovery trail through Tusson is signposted and starts to the left of the church on Rue du Maussant. Signage and access information may change; check the information before your visit. The Sentier du Prieuré runs through the forest, adding a scenic highlight alongside the megalithic monuments.
Church, priory and manor house
The Eglise paroissiale Saint-Jacques is a Gothic church consecrated in 1227. It features contemporary frescoes by the painter Robert Mantienne. The Prieuré Fontevriste is a former 12th-century priory that Marguerite d’Angoulême occasionally used as a retreat. The Couvent des Hommes is municipally owned and open to the public free of charge.
Tusson is home to the historic building “Maison du 15e siècle, dite Logis de Marguerite de Valois”. The Logis was built in several phases during the 16th century. The first building rests against an older wall, probably a fragment of the fortifications built at the end of the 14th century. According to Brantôme, the Logis was built to accommodate Marguerite d’Angoulême and her entourage. These details span different periods of construction: from the 12th-century priory to a possibly older defensive wall and the 16th-century Logis.
Exhibitions and crafts
The Maison du Patrimoine features reconstructions of historic regional interiors. It also hosts the permanent exhibition “Les mégalithes en Ruffécois”, with free admission, as well as seasonal art and cultural exhibitions. When planning your visit, it is helpful to distinguish between the permanent exhibition and the changing seasonal programme; the seasonal offering may change.
Since 2009, the Atelier Mains d’Argile has offered hand-thrown functional pottery and decorative stoneware. The workshop can be viewed behind the shop from the exhibition space. Opening arrangements may change, so check them before your visit. Guided tours of Tusson are available by telephone reservation; confirm the booking arrangements by phone in advance.
Discover more destinations: Chadurie, Touzac, Berneuil, Beaulieu-Sur-Sonnette, Blanzac-Lès-Matha, Rivières, Nonac, Saint-Même-les-Carrières.
For the wider travel guide: Charente.
