Discovering the village of Bassac | By Sandrine Richard

Between Angoulême and Cognac, the village of Bassac has preserved an extraordinary heritage, reflecting a Charentais identity that goes far beyond the Benedictine abbey founded in the 11th century by the lord of Jarnac, Gardrad Lorichès, and his wife Rixendis. The presence of the Guirlande river, which meanders discreetly through the village, reveals a remarkable heritage: the mills and old covered market (halles), which give us an idea of the once flourishing economic activity (wheat and wine trade) from the 11th to the 19th century. Lanes and alleyways lead us here to the little suburb of La Trache, linked by a bridge of medieval origin, and there, at the western end of the village, to the remains of the former parish church of St Nicolas, whose history and adventures over the centuries I'll tell you all about.

To discover this village is to take the time for a stroll and let yourself be charmed by an atypical heritage of stone and water. It’s a story that’s sometimes forgotten, but one that also highlights the importance of safeguarding and promoting our rural heritage, with care and respect for the environment.