Aulnay offers a historical perspective spanning several eras: a surviving keep, the Church of Saint Peter, a Gallo-Roman sanctuary and a Celtic-inspired temple introduce different historical themes. There is also a treasure-hunt walk, a market and a long tradition of leatherworking. When planning your stay, you can decide whether architecture, archaeological sites, outdoor activity or local produce should be the main focus of your visit.
Church, Keep and Historical Traces
The Church of Saint Peter in Aulnay was built in the 12th century and is listed as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It lies on the Via Turonensis between Melle and Saint-Jean-d’Angély. In the churchyard stands the 14th-century Hosanna Cross, which has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1926. The building’s history, its connection to the pilgrimage route and the story of the cross offer several historical points of interest within the church complex.
Only the keep remains of the former castle of the Lords of Aulnay. It is partially protected as a historic monument and now houses a permanent exhibition about the Roman military camp of Aulnay. The exhibition has seasonal opening hours; check whether it is open to visitors before you arrive.
Le Colombier is another notable historic building: this dovecote belongs to the municipality and dates from the 15th or 16th century. Recent restoration has preserved a large part of the building. The Medieval Garden contains vegetables and medicinal plants, adding a garden with a practical botanical focus to the historical themes.
Archaeology and Routes
The Celtic-inspired temple in Aulnay dates from the 1st century BC and is considered one of the most important temples in Roman Aquitaine. The Gallo-Roman sanctuary in Aulnay was made accessible to visitors in 2013. A wooden walkway also allows visitors to explore an archaeological site that remains underground for preservation reasons.
For those who prefer to combine history with activity and puzzles, Aulnay has a Tèrra Aventura geocaching walk. The circular route covers several kilometres; puzzles lead to picturesque spots, Aulnay’s local heritage and its anecdotes. There is also a pilgrims’ station in the town centre for walkers. Check whether the station is available before you arrive.
Les Voix d’Aulnay includes summer evenings of a cappella singing inside the Church of Saint Peter. If you would like to include this event in your plans, check the dates before your trip. The summer evenings add a musical element to a visit to the church, while the Tèrra Aventura circular route combines puzzles with a walk.
Market, Produce and Crafts
At the Aulnay market, local traders sell fruit, vegetables, organic bread, cured meats, cheese, fish and meat, among other things; seasonal flowers are also available. Oysters can be shucked at the market and enjoyed on the terraces of local cafés. Alongside the historical attractions, the market offers regional produce and a chance to sample it.
Leatherworking has been part of Aulnay’s traditional craftsmanship for many years. The market and crafts offer a different focus from the church’s architecture, the keep and the archaeological remains: here, the emphasis is on products and a local craft tradition. Depending on your interests, you can discover the town through its history, a treasure-hunt walk or its products.
Getting There and Planning
Aulnay can be reached via the A10 motorway, using exits 33 or 34, as well as via the RN 150 and the D 950. As road layouts can change, check your route before setting off.
When looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: architectural and church history, archaeological sites, a treasure-hunt walk, or the market and crafts.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Christophe, Geay, Salignac-Sur-Charente, Saint-Denis-Du-Pin, Dompierre-Sur-Mer, Arvert, Champdolent, Archingeay.
For the overview of the wider area: Charente-Maritime.
