Located between La Rochelle and Rochefort, Surgères is above all known for its dairy activity and its good butter. We first engage in small pedestrian streets, before discovering its fabulous medieval walls and its imposing Romanesque church. Surgères is above all centuries of history, cradled by Hélène de Fonsèque, the famous muse of the poet Ronsard. But it's also a village spirit and its counter briefs, a lively market, romantic walks along the banks of the Gères, the doors of the castle which open for festivals... and of course, the taste of butter!
The opinion of Comptoir Local ®
At Comptoir Local®, we love taking the time to stroll through the narrow streets of the town center to experience the soul of Surgères and stop for a coffee on a sunny terrace while the town comes alive. We enjoy the village atmosphere of the market, filling our bags with delicious fresh produce that we then head to the castle park to enjoy during an impromptu picnic.
Surgères and Santiago de Compostela
Did you know that Surgères is a stop on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago )? Discover the routes that pass through Surgères and the various pilgrim accommodation options!
Walk in Surgères
The historic center of Surgères
In the heart of the town of Surgères, admire its medieval walls, home to the Church of Notre-Dame and the remains of the grand 12th-century castle. Over 600 meters of ramparts encircle this historic center, having been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Discover an exceptional architectural ensemble, steeped in history, surrounded by a magnificent park with centuries-old trees. Why not take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic in the castle park, in the shade of the chestnut trees? A stroll through the park within the ramparts is particularly pleasant and offers a glimpse of Surgères' essential monumental heritage, including the Romanesque Church of Notre-Dame, the town gate, the Renaissance gate, the town hall , the Helen Tower, and other stately homes.
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Can we visit the castle of Surgères?
Many remains of the castle still exist, including the ramparts, the drawbridge, and a Renaissance gate, which can be seen from the outside throughout the year. discovery trail introduce you to the history and anecdotes of these buildings! Free booklet available at our Local Counters.
Town center and market
A stroll through the narrow streets of the town center is a must for anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of Surgères. Enjoy a coffee in the sunshine on a terrace on market days when the town comes alive. Savor some delicious farm-made ice cream, lovingly crafted by our local producers. Lose yourself in the little streets to admire the elegant townhouses or the Café Français, which now occupies the former premises of the Hospice on Rue Bersot.
Stop by the market to stock up on fresh produce, goat cheeses and artisanal cakes, and on the outskirts of town, visit the Ferme d'Aunis farm shop , where you can discover the local beer La Rieuse, organic bread, farm chickens and other local products!
Terra Aventura
Ready for a family adventure? We invite you to discover Surgères via the Tèrra Aventura circuit. Puzzles to solve, following in the footsteps of Zabeth, for a fun and free discovery of the city!
Available since June 2018, the course is accessible throughout the year. All you have to do is download the free Tèrra Aventura application on your phone and go hunting for “Poï'z”!
At the crossroads of territories
To the north, the Marais Poitevin. To the south, Saintonge and its treasures of Romanesque art. To the west, La Rochelle and Rochefort, which formed the former province of Aunis. Surgères has always been a true crossroads for our regions. And it is precisely its excellent geographical position that brought it into being.
Surgeres and surroundings
Surgères and the surrounding villages benefit from a central location which makes it an ideal place to stay for discovering the main destinations of Charentes.
In this area, you can explore the islands of Aix, Madame , and Oléron along the coast, and even take a boat trip to the famous Fort Boyard. Inland, Rochefort , the naval port city 25 km from Surgères, is a fascinating stop to discover maritime history through its sites and heritage. You can also visit the charming villages nestled along the banks of the Charente River or enjoy major attractions like the Palmyre Zoo.
A little further north, about thirty kilometers from Surgères, lies the city of La Rochelle , its port and its historic center, a place of maritime discovery rich in history!
Once upon a time in Surgères...
A shield against the Vikings
To defend Aunis, Saintonge and Poitou from the Vikings, the Count of Poitou had a first wooden fort built and installed a garrison there. This is how the town of Surgères was born. Three centuries later, Surgères becomes a small city. The lords of the town, who were among the "greats" of the parliament of Saintonge, built an imposing castle and the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame.
La Belle Hélène
The Renaissance period is very much associated with Hélène de Fonsèque, muse of Ronsard, the daughter of the lord of the place. The tower, the last vestige of the original medieval dwelling, was recently baptized “Tour Hélène” in her honour. It was at this time that Charles de Fonsèque raised the walls, built the castelet and the magnificent Renaissance gate that can still be admired today. Surgères then lost its importance during the wars of religion.
From the distillery… to the butter
The town experienced significant growth until the end of the 19th century, thanks to its vineyards and distillery, which was unfortunately quickly devastated by phylloxera. The vineyards were sold to farmers, and Surgères then turned to the dairy industry. In 1888, Eugène Biraud established the first dairy cooperative in Chaillé, in a former distillery. This allowed farmers to process their milk into butter and expand its distribution to Paris via the railway. The reputation of Surgères butter still extends far beyond the region today.
