Chartres Abbey

Just 4 kilometers east of Cognac, nestled on the banks of the Charente River between vineyards and woods, the Abbey of Châtres displays its ancient stones in a peaceful, verdant setting. Founded between the 11th and 12th centuries, this former Benedictine abbey offers a precious example of the region's Romanesque religious architecture. Every July, its history-laden walls come alive with a captivating sound and light show, recounting significant episodes in local life. A must-see cultural event, its theme, renewed each year, blends heritage and living memory.