Things to Do
Up to date events and whats on
Sortir label Charente is a locally published free magazine that publishes up-to-date listings of local events, markets, Brocantes, music events, theatre, and much more.
You can pick up the magazine in most shops or you can click HERE to link to their website, where you can download a PDF copy of the latest magazine.
Children & Families
We have a large walled park with a treehouse that is perfect for children to run wild in safety, a saltwater swimming pool as well as a host of indoor and outdoor games available.
There is wonderful family cycling amongst the vines of the Grande Champagne vineyards, we are also fortunate enough to have a closed section of voie verte which is a traffic-free cycle path that runs for 21 KM’s from Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire (which is ten minutes from us) to Chantillac on the Charentes-Maritime border, you will find the details listed on the Charentes tourism website HERE
We can arrange to have rental bikes delivered via Bike Hire Direct http://www.bikehiredirect.com/cycling-in-charente.php
There are great local walks and even a children’s nature trail along the river Né five minutes from our property (Espace Nature de la Vallée du Né).
We now have electric off-road scooters for hire in the commune so you can explore the local area, this is run by TROTT IN CHARENTE find out more and book HERE
Jonzac has a great larger swimming pool with spa water, slides, and activities called Les Antilles Jonzac, the website can be found HERE
Cognac now has a new saltwater public aquatics centre for fitness and fun, details can be found on their website HERE
We can add extra cots and children’s beds to all rooms and cottages on request.
Cognac
This essentially modest town on the river Charente also has one of the best-known brand names on the planet. Thanks to the mellow spirit which bears its name and the efforts of the many companies that have been marketing it since the 17th century, it must rank with Paris, Champagne, St Tropez etc. as amongst the best known names from France.
Cognac is a pleasant place to visit with the river frontage of Cognac warehouses, the elegant park around the Hotel de Ville and the Place Francois 1er with cafes and smart shops in the pedestrianised shopping streets nearby. Visitors can also call in on Martell, Hennessey, Remy or Otard etc., to learn more from the inside about facts such as why so many of the large buildings have blackened facades. There is a good daily indoor market.Cognac is also home to several excellent Festivals each year, such as the Festival of the detective novel and the Blues Passions when the streets come alive with musicians and performers on all the street corners.
For more information on cognac the drink see here
Jarnac and the river Charente
Jarnac is situated on the right (north) bank of the river Charente between Angoulême and Cognac. It is about 20 km west of Angoulême, and about 10 km east of Cognac.
Jarnac has a small covered market, and some wonderful small bars and restaurants and hosts some of the famous cognac houses. The river Charente can be explored from cognac via pleasure boats and kayaks.
More information about what’s on in Jarnac can be found here
Angoulême
Angoulême famous for hosting the circuit des ramparts each year also hosts Frances premier comic festival –du Festival international de la bande dessinée d’Angoulême
Angoulême is an old walled city that has a wonderful cathedral and Gothic town hall “Hotel de Ville”, many interesting churches, the old cobbled streets are full of delightful bars , restaurants and shops, and a covered market.
We are more than happy to advise on where to go and can make reservations at the finest eateries on your behalf.
Saint-Émilion
The historic small hill town of St Emilion with tiny winding streets is the centre of a wine-making appellation established for over 700 years. The local ocre-coloured stone, seen in the many ancient buildings, also the foundation for the well-drained vineyards, is ideal for working with the abundant sunshine to create great red wine. There is a convent, monolithic church and castle which are worth visiting in the town and numerous specialist shops which can advise on the wines as well as abundant bars and restaurants, some with cool inner courtyards. There is an excellent tourist train tour of hidden corners and some famous domains, which takes 35 minutes leaving from the eglise collegiale. Otherwise tour the Grand Cru wine route yourself and stop off at one of the many Chateaux in the St Emilion & Pomerol vineyards.
