The Charente has many attractive towns and villages, set in rolling countryside in a traditional yet vital region. In a never-ending vista of vineyards, growing grapes for Cognac and table wine is still the dominant activity, alongside crops of sweet corn, sunflowers and wheat.

The area is a popular tourist region, close to Cognac, Jarnac, Segonzac, Rouillac and Chateauneuf, while Bordeaux, Poitiers, Confolens, Royan, La Rochelle, Isle de Re, Isle de Oleron, Perigueux, Limoges, are not far away. Then onward north to the Loire Valley, or south to Dordogne, Bergerac, Riberac.



Main roads are good, with light traffic most of the time and the area is a most attractive place to live, increasingly chosen by people buying vacation and retirement homes.

Local Facilities and Tourism
For eating out you will be spoilt for choice with pavement bars, gourmet restaurants and bistros in Angouleme, Jarnac and Cognac, while nearer home there are relais and small friendly restaurants. The restaurants in the area are very child friendly and most provide children's menus and high chairs. We are happy to recommend our favourites to you and to help you book.



Local Events
In Angouleme they have several annual events including the Bande Dessinée (strip cartoon) conference and permanent museum display, the Rampart Rally for vintage cars, Piano in Valois season, Angoulême Saison de Grande Orgue. In Cognac they have the extremely popular Jazz and Blues Festival, Coup de Chauffe (music and drama with free concerts and street performances) and frequent one-night concerts. Throughout the region almost every village offers exhibitions of local fare, markets, cultural events and regular open air dinners. There is always something happening here, all year round and information is available from your hosts.

Local activities
Golf: There are golf courses in Cognac, Angouleme and Saintes. The golf course at Cognac is particularly friendly and it has an excellent restaurant where non-members are very welcome.

Fishing: The river Charente has pike, carp, trout, bream, chub, char and perch and more besides. It also has pleasant, shady, easily accessible river banks.

Kayaking: Kayak hire is available locally at Vibrac (about 10 minutes away) and also at Jarnac and Cognac.

Swimming: We are 15 minutes away from the Nautilus Aqua Centre where you will find indoor and outdoor swimming pools, lakes, woods and picnic areas, wind-surfing and water slides.

The Coast: Ideal for a day out! We are just 90 minutes from the coast at Royan where you will find miles of sandy beaches, boat hire and trips along the pine tree lined coast. Or you could visit La Rochelle where there are shops and restaurants to suit every taste as well as the old town and harbour to explore. Or maybe you would prefer a trip to the forest or Zoo at La Palmyre.

Le Vallee de Singes (Valley of the Monkeys): Another great day out, this is a unique and delightful place to visit with over 30 species roaming free on wooded isles. Gorillas, pygmy marmosets, macaques, gibbons and capuchin monkeys live in semi-freedom. Monkey-safe picnic baskets are provided too!

Cognac tasting: There are, of course, many Cognac producers in the area. As well as the better known Cognac houses such as Courvoisier, Hennessy, Remy Martin and Otard, there are many excellent smaller houses such as Braastad and Delamain who also offer tours. We have our personal favourites for wines, Cognac and Pineau (a locally produced fortified wine) and will happily share their addresses with you.

If you would prefer something less active we are happy to recommend local restaurants and markets, or to provide maps for scenic drives including the Cognac routes each of which is themed to follow either the river, vines or churches. These are just a few suggestions for activities in our area. There are many more and if you have a particular interest, do not hesitate to contact us to see if it is available.

Useful links
Visit Charente
Jarnac tourism
Cognac tourism (in French)
Angouleme tourism (in French)
Living in Poitou Charentes
Weather for France
Local Golf
Local estate agent