Fontcouverte’s aqueduct history can be seen at several specific sites: at the Font-Morillon spring, at restored pillars of the Pont des Arcs, and at remains on a golf course. Also here are the Romanesque Église Saint-Vivien, paths along the Escambouille, and a natural open space. During your stay, you can choose between architectural and historical traces, and experiences in nature and on walking routes.
Culture and History in Fontcouverte
The Font-Morillon spring in the present-day commune supplied the oldest Gallo-Roman aqueduct, built around 20 AD. At the Pont des Arcs, several restored pillars of the aqueduct bridge have been incorporated into the Golf Rouyer-Guillet golf course in Fontcouverte. On the first nine holes of Golf de Saintes Louis-Rouyer-Guillet, visitors can discover remains of the Gallo-Roman aqueduct that supplied ancient Mediolanum Santonum. If you plan to play golf, check the booking conditions in advance; they may change.
Another highlight is the Église Saint-Vivien. Built in the 12th century, the church is an example of Saintonge Romanesque architecture. It also contains a fragment of a 14th-century mural depicting the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian. Pilgrim markers are also part of the local landscape: 14 markers in Fontcouverte point towards Saint-Jacques.
Paths along the Escambouille and Nature
The Escambouille crosses Fontcouverte over a distance of 4,500 metres from east to west. A walking trail follows the watercourse through an area of particularly rich biodiversity in Fontcouverte. The Natura 2000 site “Moyenne vallée de la Charente, Seugnes et Coran” counts the Escambouille among its tributaries.
Another natural destination is the Vallon de Montignac: this 1.6-hectare natural open space is used for walks and sporting activities. These offer different ways to enjoy nature—a walking trail that follows the Escambouille and an open space used for walks and sport. If you are planning time outdoors, this information can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
Discovery Game and Circular Routes
Benéz à Fontcouverte is a moderately difficult digital discovery game covering 3.8 kilometres and taking 1 hour and 30 minutes. It starts in front of the Médiathèque de Fontcouverte. Check app availability before your trip.
The two VIA Fontcouverte circular routes have different themes. Circuit 1 follows the Pont des Arcs and the Gallo-Roman aqueduct system. It starts and ends at the Arches car park by Golf de Fontcouverte. Circuit 2 visits four of Fontcouverte’s eight wash houses; it starts and ends at the car park by the stadium. When choosing between aqueduct history and wash houses, you can also use the respective start and end points for guidance. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Pont-L'abbé-D'arnoult, Les Portes-En-Ré, Montguyon, Néré, Courpignac, Trizay, Saint-Crépin, Vérines.
For the full travel guide: Charente-Maritime.
