What to do in the Charente - West France
Charente River
Many people associate the Poitou-Charentes with the Atlantic coast and beach holidays; however, the region has much more to offer. There is the historic city of Poitiers, a major site of Romanesque art, picturesque Angouleme with its splendid medieval cathedral in the old walled part of the city, Saintes with its Roman history and Niort with its famous keep. The beautiful Charente River and the tranquillity of the Marais poitevin marshes with its wealth of bird life, and of course the vineyards of Cognac. This region is much more lush and pastoral than further north. The light is bright and clear - perfect for artists and photographers alike, and unassuming villages with 12thC Romanesque churches are commonplace.
Everywhere you venture there is the food and wine of a highly gastronomic region, deservedly ranking among the best in France. Good seafood restaurants can be found in most towns, and local specialities include the Marennes-Oléron oysters, mussels from Ré and Oléron, Poitou-Charentes lamb, Limousine beef, goat's cheeses, escargots (or "cagouilles" as the Charantais people say), duck, fois gras and of course not forgetting Pineau des Charentes and Cognac. Local wines are good, but just to the south lies the Bordeaux wine-producing region of France with all the wine one could wish for and beautiful, historic towns like St. Emilion.
For those wanting beaches, the coast is about 1 hour away with Royan, St. Palais sur Mer, Talmont and La Rochelle as popular venues. Closer to hand, at Brossac, near Barbezieux; there is a stunning 3ha. spring-fed lake with a man made beach. The whole is situated on a 35ha. estate with woodland, rivers for fishing, an equestrian centre, tennis, restaurants and play areas for children.
Aubuterre-sur-Dronne, which is reputed to be the most photographed village in France and has a most amazing underground church, is about 90 minutes away.
The Cobbled Streets of Jonzac
There are many other options for sightseeing and days out including zoos, theme parks, watersports, river cruises, spas, nature reserves and aquariums. A comprehensive guide to restaurants and things to do is provided in each of the gites for use by guests.
For those looking for sports facilities: Cognac Golf Club is a Championship course located just 15 minutes away with excellent clubhouse facilities. Saintes Golf Club is another excellent course, though very hilly on the front nine; it has a nice restaurant and good facilities and is about 40 minutes drive away. At Saintes you will find a ten pin bowling centre. There is a tennis club at Barbezieux and courts available to rent at Archiac and Jarnac-Champagne. Les Antilles at Jonzac is a complex with indoor swimming pools including lap pool, lagoon, waterslides, wave machines, tropical gardens, gym & saunas and beauty therapy centre.