Paddling on the River Dronne at sunset, listening to a recital in an underground church, tasting Charentais delicacies at a night market or strolling along the clay path at the Festival des Potiers… this little town in South Charente has many surprises in store for you!
The river Dronne at night
Are you looking for a bit of peace and quiet? How would you feel about canoeing at dusk? Every Friday during the summer, SNPA Canoë-kayak d’Aubeterre organises a unique experience: ‘The River Dronne at night’. This night-time adventure starts off at the Poltrot leisure centre in Nabinaud and ends in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.
Plan for around two hours of serene paddling through the great outdoors, accompanied only by the unique atmosphere. You might see a deer quenching their thirst on the riverbank or even a kingfisher bird soaring above the water. This river outing will appeal to nature lovers, who can watch the orange and pink tinted sunset turn into a starry sky as night falls.
This experience on the River Dronne is available one time a week in July and August, from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The experience. Bring a headlamp. To book: +33 (0) 5 45 98 51 72.
Musical evenings at the underground chruch
Every summer, the village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne organises the Les Nuits Musicales Festival. Many concerts take place inside the underground church of Saint-Jean. The impressive size of the large hall with its 20-metre-high vault provides singers and instrumentalists with exceptional acoustics. The monolithic reliquary, a replica of the Holy Sepulchre, serves as the set.
Whether it’s piano recitals, Corsican or Balkan polyphonic songs, Indian music, voice-harp or cello duets, the programme draws in a diverse audience every year. Whether you are a seasoned music lover or simply have a passing interest in music, you’ll be captivated both by the beauty of this extraordinary site and by the quality of the musical groups selected for this festival. Five performances are planned this summer, between mid-July and the end of August.
Aubeterre night market
This huge night market happens every first Thursday in August in Place du Champ de Foire in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. Starting at 6 p.m., locals and holidaymakers can make their way to the heart of the village to take part in this popular event. This night market, organised in the hills of Aubeterre, one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, has many craftsmanship, artisanal and local food stalls.
This foodie gathering is a place to enjoy the good times and share with your loved ones on the tables dotted around the square. If you fancy a bite to eat, there is a refreshment bar and several food trucks selling fresh and local products. The music gives a ‘guinguette’ feel to the event, which attracts several hundred people each year.
The Potters Festival
À l’occasion des journées européennes du patrimoine, les céramistes de l’association Albaterra organisent un festival des potiers à Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. Le 3e week-end de septembre est un rendez-vous très attendu par les amoureux de poterie artisanale. Une trentaine d’artistes professionnels présentent leurs créations face à l’église souterraine Saint-Jean.
Plusieurs animations sont proposées tout au long de l’évènement avec comme fil conducteur le « Parcours d’argile ». Il conduit le visiteur à la découverte d’expositions de céramiques installées dans le village.
For the European Heritage Days, ceramic artists from the Albaterrea association are organising a pottery festival in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. Mark your calendars for the third weekend in September if you’re a fan of artisanal pottery. Thirty or so professional artists will be exhibiting their creations outside the underground church of Saint-Jean.
There are various activities on offer throughout the event, the main theme of this event being the ‘Clay Trail’. The Trail leads the visitor through the different pottery exhibitions set up in the village.
There are also different modelling workshops, interactive and thought-provoking activities on offer. Clown performances, music and storytelling about the clay arts will appeal to our youngest visitors.
Find all the infos about the next Potters Festival!