Since the 14th century, the Château de Saveilles has towered over the municipality of Paizay-Naudouin. It combines the architecture of a medieval castle with the elegance of a Renaissance residence and preserves numerous sculptures, dormer windows decorated with mythological themes and featuring mullioned windows, as well as loopholes, arrow slits and machicolations. Its 19th-century chapel is dedicated to Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie should consider the village as a travel destination.
Culture and history
The Église Saint-Génis d’Embourie stands on the site of a medieval cemetery; the arches of the southern side chapel built at the end of the Middle Ages are still visible. The west façade has been listed as a historic monument since 16 December 1987.
At the Villa Gallo-Romaine d’Embourie, 800 m² of archaeological remains of a residence inhabited from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD were excavated. The Espace découverte, also known as the “petit musée”, displays objects and fragments of frescoes from the Villa des Châteliers and uses models, information panels, illustrations, reproductions and a film to explain the production of ancient frescoes and the work of archaeologists. The Villa Gallo-Romaine d’Embourie also welcomes school groups outside the Enfants du Patrimoine event.
Gardens and archaeology
The Jardin Antique is open free of charge every day all year round. It leads through various areas of a landscape shaped by Roman Gaul, where visitors can learn about cultivated plants and their importance in everyday life during the Gallo-Roman period.
Activities
The Château de Saveilles is open to individual visitors, groups, associations and school groups. It offers two playful trails for families or friends, with games, puzzles and challenges. Terra Aventura’s “RDV en Gaule chevelue” geocaching activity uses smartphone puzzles to help participants find a treasure.
On the Ruffec–Chef-Boutonne section of La Vélidéale, the Château de Saveilles in Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie is designated as a stopover.
