Villebois-Lavalette road cycling loop - Circuit exploration 54C

Villebois-Lavalette is a small town full of character. This pretty village clings to the slopes of a limestone spur crowned by the white ramparts of its castle. First of all, after a few pedal strokes through a gently rolling plain, you'll enter the little village of Ronsenac, where you'll find the legendary fountain at the source of the Ronsenac, the stream that gave its name to the village. For a long time, this fountain was used as a wash-house, and its pure, fresh water is said to have miraculous virtues, with many legends surrounding the spring. You will then discover the sumptuous remains of a priory founded by the Order of Cluny in 1081. Back on the road, you'll pass through the village of Juillaguet, where you'll see its castle and the parish church of Saint-Hilaire. Then, near the ancient Roman road known as "Le Chemin Boisné" linking Saintes to Périgueux, you will discover the village of Charmant, marked by the history of the Knights Templar and boasting a remarkable heritage with its castle and church. You will then pass through Fouquebrune and Magnac-Lavalette-Villars, where you will be amazed by the Château de la Mercerie, the "Little Versailles of Charente", the only one of its kind in the world, inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Finally, you'll come across the rock known as "le Champignon" on the outskirts of Gardes-le-Pontaroux, before arriving in the picturesque little village of Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard, with its grand Charentais mansions grouped around a "chateau".