Charroux Wine & Gourmet Fair Brocante

Charroux Wine & Gourmet Fair with brocante

Charroux, classed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is a jewel of southern Vienne (86250). In the Civraisien in Poitou, it holds the spectacular remains of Saint-Sauveur abbey, with its famous octagonal Charlemagne Tower dating from the 11th century. In this remarkable medieval backdrop, Charroux's festival committee runs its annual Wine & Gourmet Fair with an associated brocante that fills the village streets.

A major gastronomic and festive event of southern Vienne. Combines wine tasting and sales (Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Pineau des Charentes, Cognac wines), gourmet producer stands (cheese, charcuterie, jams, honey, spirits) and, in parallel, a brocante through Charroux's picturesque alleys.

A brocante in a medieval setting

The main draw: hunting between Charroux's old stone houses, around Charlemagne Tower and abbey ruins, is a unique experience. Antiquarians and private sellers offer variety. Visitors stroll from wine fair to brocante, pausing for tastings and finding treasures down alleys.

What to find

• Antiquarians: rustic furniture, Poitou items, old crockery
• Private sellers: trinkets, books, clothes, toys
• Wine-themed: old glasses, tastevins, corks, oenology books
• Old vine and cellar tools
• Porcelain, faience, old glassware
• Wine producers: Loire Valley, Cognac, Pineau des Charentes
• Gourmet producers: cheese, charcuterie, honey, jams

Charroux, Most Beautiful Village of France

Founded around its Benedictine abbey in the 8th century by Roger, Count of Limoges, Charroux was one of the most powerful Carolingian monasteries. It held relics given by Charlemagne. The 37m octagonal Charlemagne Tower, supported by 8 pillars for processions, is the most remarkable vestige. The village also keeps its belfry, halls, half-timbered houses — a preserved medieval bourg.

Civraisien in Poitou

Charroux is the landmark commune of southern Vienne, at the Poitou-Charentes border. A gentle farming region with little valleys, limestone slopes and vineyards near Cognac. Neighbouring Civray, with its famous Saint-Nicolas church in Saintonge Romanesque style, complements the heritage offer.

Visitor tips

Come early for quieter alleys. Cash for buying (especially brocante). Wines taste with moderation — a tasting glass usually available at entry. On-site food and village restaurants. Peripheral parking, centre partly pedestrian.

A full South-Vienne day

Brocante and wine fair morning, lunch on site, Charlemagne Tower and abbey ruins afternoon. Extend to Civray or a Civraisien walk. Note: don't confuse Charroux Vienne (86) with Charroux Allier (03), also Most Beautiful Village but mustard-famed.