Saint-Jean-de-Côle is a medieval village in the Périgord Vert region, boasting a rich and well-preserved heritage, and listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.”
It is renowned for its narrow streets and beautiful stone houses, with their ochre walls and brown roofs, some of which feature half-timbered facades along its historic streets.
In fact, the village’s roofs earned it first prize in the “Toits de France” competition.
A Bit of History…
The history of Saint-Jean-de-Côle is closely tied to that of its castle, the Château de la Marthonie. Saint-Jean-de-Côle endured English invasions as well as numerous sieges and other acts of pillage suffered by the castle and its inhabitants. It was not until the 19th century that the village experienced an economic revival thanks to the railway line between Angoulême and Brive.
A Rich Heritage
The village is home to the Château de la Marthonie, built in the 11th century on the banks of the Côle River. The castle is a listed historic site but is not open to visitors. It can, however, be admired from Place Saint-Jean, which it overlooks. It is open to visitors only during the summer season by reservation through the Tourist Office!
Another highlight of the town’s heritage is the Roman-Byzantine-style Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, built in the 12th century, adjacent to a priory (not open to visitors) and a Gothic cloister, both designated as historic monuments.
The church boasts a design unique in the Dordogne Périgord region and features a scenic display with an original play of light.
Not far away, the famous Gothic bridge spans the river—the Pont de Ierre, paved with cobblestones and dating back to the Middle Ages.
Finally, don’t miss Les Floralies de Saint-Jean, a major flower festival held every year on the second weekend of May. Over a hundred exhibitors showcase and sell plants and gardening products.
Saint-Jean-de-Côle Town Hall
5 Rue de la Mairie,
24800 Saint-Jean-de-Côle
Tel.: : 05 53 62 30 21
http://www.ville-saint-jean-de-cole.fr/
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