Tel: 05 45 31 01 19
Email: barbou@lecouventdescordeliers.com
Website: www.lecouventdescordeliers.com
Le Couvent des Cordeliers - a lovingly restored convent that combines history with comfort
For a real sense of French history Le Couvent des Cordeliers is hard to beat. Originally founded in 1471 by Jean de la Rochefoucauld, Lord of Verteuil, it was home to Franciscan monks until the bloody events of the French Revolution when it was taken over by the revolutionaries and later sold as State property. In the 1920s it became a working farm; in the 1970s it was officially listed as a State protected Historical Monument and has since been lovingly restored.
Today is has six bright and airy bedrooms, each of which reflect the history of the convent with stained glass windows, half-timbered walls and beautiful period furniture yet at the same time have all modern necessities for a truly comfortable stay.
Each has been inspired by famous people from the fifteenth and sixteenth century who stayed in the village of Verteuil such as king Francois IV and Anne de Polignac, the second wife of the Lord Verteuil and was a renoved patron of the arts and literature. The room to the left was that of the chaplaine.
Dinner, Table d’hôtes under reservation, is offered and is taken in what was the monk’s refectory with its majestic fireplace and original wall paintings. In the landscaped grounds on the banks of the Charente river find a quiet spot for reflection or take a refreshing dip in the pool.
If you feel like exploring, you can walk, go by bicycle or take a boat ride along the river. The medieval village of Verteuil, with its striking chateau (very occasionally open to the public), is well worth a visit. Next door to the convent, the church often holds concerts and exhibitions.