The Forteresse d’Angles-sur-l’Anglin rises more than 40 metres above the waters of the Anglin and has stood for almost a thousand years. From one of its towers, there is a panoramic view over the Anglin Valley, particularly of the Sainte-Croix district with its houses featuring gently sloping tiled roofs and its Romanesque church. The fortress can be visited free of charge; guided tours are only available by prior registration.
Those planning a stay in Angles-sur-l’Anglin may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture
The Église Sainte-Croix is the remnant of an abbey church founded in the 11th century by Isembert I, Bishop of Poitiers, and is an exceptional example of 12th-century Romanesque architecture. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross, and the nave has a ribbed vault; on the façade, two blind portals flank the main portal.
Jours d’Angles are handmade embroideries that have shaped the reputation of Angles-sur-l’Anglin for 150 years. At the Roc aux Sorciers, the carved frieze depicts animals and human figures from the world of Cro-Magnon people. It dates from 15,000 years ago and features three carved women below it. A 20-metre-long prehistoric frieze and a lifelike reproduction are also presented there; in addition, there is an immersive film and a reproduction that visitors can touch.
Nature
Angles-sur-l’Anglin comprises an upper town and a lower town with picturesque, narrow and steep streets. The Anglin Valley is a Natura 2000 landscape with caves, limestone cliffs and rare species. The “Vallée de l’Anglin” Natura 2000 site covers the municipalities of Angles-sur-l’Anglin, Saint-Pierre de Maillé and Béthines and is home to 15 different bat species, with more than 1,000 individuals.
Activities
The Anglin Valley near Angles-sur-l’Anglin can be explored on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by canoe. Swimming is possible in the Anglin; however, there are no supervised bathing areas there. Climbing is possible in Angles on the rocks of La Guignoterie (routes 6 and 7) and in the La Dube area (routes 4 and 5).
Canoëcolo provides boats, life jackets, paddles and waterproof containers on the left bank at the level of the bridge in Angles-sur-l’Anglin. On Canoëcolo’s canoe experience, the trip returns to the starting point because the provider does not offer transport.
“Tèrra Aventura: Les jours d’Angles sont contés” is a free treasure hunt open to everyone and conducted on foot. The GR100 passes around 30 historic sites, including Angles-sur-l’Anglin, over 20 stages.
Other places in the directory: Antigny, Latillé, Nalliers, Sossais, Moncontour, Journet, Ceaux-En-Loudun, Prinçay.
