Aubeterre History

Here you will read a little bit of the Aubeterre history.

It is not a detailed History Aubeterre, just a little bit about the village and the background.

View of Aubeterre

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is in the south-east of the Charente department and is situated on the Dronne river, on the South-East border of the Charente region, close to the Dordogne.

It is counted among 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' since 1993 and there are only 151 of them.

The name Aubeterre is derived from the name Albaterra, which dates back to 1004.

Because of the white chalk rock face that overlooks the town it was given this name.



The biggest attraction in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is the church of Saint-Jean, a Monolithic Church dating in part to the 5th century.

It's main nave is more than 20m high.The nave is skirted by a gallery on three sides of the church, which is accessible via a staircase cut into the rock.

To really appreciate the height and size of Saint-Jean you are able to climb up to the first floor.

The church contains a Roman reliquary and a crypt. Discovered in 1958, the ancient cemetery contains more than 80 stone coffins.

The monolithic church of Auberterre-sur-Dronne became an important stop on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella.

The church is open every day.(except Christmas and January 1st.)

From 9.30 am to 12.30pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm 7 pm from the 1st of June to the 30th of September, (closed on Christmas day and New Year’s day).

Well, this is as far as I will take the Aubeterre history and it should just give you a little feel about it - I hope.

Inside the Monolithe Church

Apart from the Church there are of course other things to do.

Have a look and read what else there is to do.

Just remember to enjoy yourselves.....

Back to Homepage