Villa gallo-romaine de Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie
Free-access archaeological site with the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa decorated with frescoes, a discovery space and an ancient garden in Embourie.
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About the museum
The Les Châteliers site in Embourie was discovered in 1968. More than forty years of excavations have uncovered the residential part of a former farming estate, about 800 m² of structures. The villa was occupied from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD, through three successive villas. The site is listed as a historic monument.
The excavations yielded many everyday objects, such as jewelry, toys, coins, farm equipment and pottery. Fragments of ancient frescoes are particularly numerous and of exceptional quality, which is what makes the site famous.
The Communauté de communes Val de Charente now manages the site. A discovery space, created in 2011, explains the history of the villa, how an ancient fresco was made and the work of archaeologists, with a model, panels, reproductions and a film. Since 2020, seven information points, translated into English, guide visitors through the remains. A neighboring ancient garden evokes the setting of a wealthy Gallo-Roman villa. The site is part of the Via Antiqua network of ancient sites.
Highlights
- Remains of a Gallo-Roman villa occupied from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD, free access
- Ancient frescoes of exceptional quality and quantity
- Discovery space with model, reproductions and film on the work of archaeologists
- Ancient garden, free access all year round
- Seven information points in French and English on site
Permanent exhibition
- Espace découverte de la villa – Model, panels, reproductions and film on the history of the villa, the making of an ancient fresco and the work of archaeologists.
- Founded
- 2011
- Operated by
- Communauté de communes Val de Charente
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Reduced | €2.50RSA recipients, job seekers, holders of privilege cards and partner discount vouchers, members of the Amicale du Ruffécois |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Free guided tour for children under 16 outside school groups |
| Groups (15+ people) | €3 per personGuided tour from 15 people |
| Guided tour of the Embourie archaeological site (full rate) | €3.50Reduced rate €2.50 |
Access to the archaeological site and ancient garden is free all year round; only guided tours are paid. With a paid ticket, the reduced rate of €2.50 instead of €3.50 applies at the Château de Saveilles, 5 km away.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Workshops for school groups, young people and adults (ancient fresco, ancient masks, introduction to archaeological digging), with a teaching room and dig modules. Free guided tours for children under 16 outside school groups.
Getting there & parking
The site is in the village of Embourie, in the commune of Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours in summer and for groups of about ten people on request to the heritage department. Educational workshops all year round for groups and schools: ancient fresco, masks, archaeological digs. Seven information points in French and English allow visitors to explore on their own. Meeting point for the summer guided tours: in front of the church in Embourie. |
