A Sunrise Stroll in Nanteuil en Vallée
Some places are at their most beautiful before the world wakes up. For me, Nanteuil-en-Vallée is one of them. In the quiet of an early morning, with only birdsong and the sound of the river for company, this beautiful village feels almost timeless.
At first light, before the village wakes, the streets are quiet, the light is golden and it feels as though the Charente belongs only to you.
Come with me for a sunrise stroll through Nanteuil-en-Vallée.
There are some villages that are best explored without a plan, and Nanteuil-en-Vallée is most definitely one of them. Leave the car, put on a comfortable pair of shoes and simply start walking…
Into the Village
If you park in the main car park on the edge of the village, you’ll naturally find yourself drawn upwards towards the lovely église Saint Jean-Baptiste.
In the little square beside the church, take a seat and enjoy a coffee while looking out towards this fabulous old building, currently undergoing restoration.
Nearby, Auberge Saint-Jean is a family-run business offering a choice of menus to suit different budgets. You can even stop for a generous breakfast, particularly welcome if you’ve chosen to arrive here by bicycle!
From here, you’ll find a little brocante full of interesting finds, as well as the sweet Dolly’s tearoom, with homemade goodies and a bright, modern interior.
Up Towards the Arboretum
Continue up the hill towards the arboretum, but first take a moment to admire the lovely cyclist sculpture, a lovely fun addition and the perfect foreground against a beautiful blue Charente sky.
From here, you have a choice.
Head one way and climb the hill for a fantastic view towards the Abbaye Notre Dame de Nanteuil, where there are many cultural events hosted throughout the year. Go even further and find walking routes through peaceful forests.
Or take the other and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the arboretum, with its frog-filled ponds, little bridges, majestic trees and gently flowing stream.
It’s wonderfully peaceful first thing in the morning.
Follow the walk and you’ll eventually find yourself back towards Auberge de l’Argentor, another great address to remember for lunch. There’s also a small kiosk in the carpark there with print out walking guides and trails in and around the village and they are all colour coded so you don’t get lost!
Look Up, Wander & Discover
Nanteuil-en-Vallée is a beautifully preserved little village, but some of its loveliest details aren’t necessarily the obvious ones.
Take your time.
Look up at the old houses. Peer through archways. The aged patina of old doors and natural stonework are dreamy. And, above all, follow those wonderful little stone steps that seem to disappear between the buildings, leading you towards another path, another view and another little corner of the village waiting to be discovered.
That’s perhaps the best way to experience Nanteuil-en-Vallée.
Don’t arrive with a checklist.
Just wander.
And if you can bring yourself to get up early enough, go at sunrise when the village is still sleeping and, just for a little while, it feels as though you have this beautiful corner of the Charente entirely to yourself.
Katie’s Favourites
Best for: A peaceful start to the day
Perfect companion: A coffee and a warm croissant afterwards
Photo opportunity: The river reflecting the morning light beneath the old stone bridges
Why I love it: It reminds me that slowing down isn’t wasting time, it’s often when you notice the most.
More From My Charente
← Apéritifs in Verteuil-sur-Charente
→ Market Mornings in Ruffec
