The estate is situated just a km. from the village of St. Claud where you will find all life’s essentials – two bakers, two bar/restaurants, an ATM, a post office and a small supermarket. Another 6 km. takes you to Chasseneuil or 12 km. Roumazieres where the choice widens to several supermarkets, restaurants, etc.
Towns around:
- Angoulême – historic town just 25 minutes away situated on the Charente river. Capital of France’s Bande Dessinee (comic strip) industry – many large murals can be seen depicting famous cartoon characters in the town. In September motoring enthusiasts gather for the annual Race around the Ramparts.
- La Rochefoucauld – pretty local town with shops, restaurants and a huge chateau
- Confolens – picturesque town at the confluence of the Goire and Vienne rivers famous for its International Folklore Festival.
- Cognac– a small town at the centre of a huge international trade in this famous spirit
- Limoges – world famous for its porcelain
- Futuroscope – hi-tech theme park just outside Poitiers offering a fantastic and inspiring day out for all ages. Check out their web site at www.futuroscope.com
- Cognac – taste the products of Hennessy, Martell, Remy-Martin and Camus to name but a few……… all run guided tours and there are many small producers to visit too.
- Oradour – living memorial from the Second World War
- Caves – visit the caves at Queroy (20 min) or Brantome (1 hr.)
- Braconne Forest – beautiful forest around La Rochefoucauld with several “fosse” including la Grande Fosse, a spectacular hole in the middle of the forest.
- Cartoon Museum – to be found in Angouleme
- Wine Tasting – anything from a half day excursion to a local vineyard to a full day’s tasting of Haut Poitou wines, Pineau and Cognac.
- Chocolaterie Letuffe – this always proves to be a favourite – demonstrations of chocolate making followed by tastings!
- Antique Hunting – there are always fairs and “vide-greniers” in the area for bargain hunters.
- Velo Rail – an old railway line where you travel along on cycle-propelled carts – 2hr or 5hr excursions – good exercise!
- Canoeing on the rivers Charente & Vienne – various locations such as Mansle & Exideuil,
- Cycling – the whole of the Charente is excellent cycling country with over 1000 km of cycle routes – quiet roads, not too hilly.
- Lakes of the Haute Charente – good for swimming, sailing and canoeing
- Adventure Park – sail through the tree-tops on a rope! Fantastic fun for kids and adults alike – fully supervised!
- Nautilis Water Park– with water slides and pools just outside Angouleme on the Bordeaux road.
- Golf – a choice of three courses within half an hour’s drive – with no queues to get on the tee!
- Fishing – with rivers and lakes in abundance this is an excellent region for fishermen.