Charente and the Dordogne in sunny S.W. France
If you are planning a tour of S.W France we have the perfect place for you.The stunning countryside and surrounding towns and villages offer something for everyone Cycling,Walking,Canoeing etc. Below is a summary of the most popular places to visit, but there's nothing to stop you finding your own!
LOCAL PLACES OF INTEREST
CHALAIS
Chalais, the local market town, only 5km away, is a town typical of the Charente region. Set in pretty, rural countryside, it comes to life on Monday mornings when the market sets up its myriad of colourful stalls to sell local goods and produce in the time honoured way. Winding and weaving through the streets, the traffic is diverted, as shoppers seek out the freshest fruit and vegetables and onlookers are enticed with bargains, as normal life is temporarily suspended.
BRANTOME
The enchanting town of Brantome, known as the “Venice of Perigord” is encircled by the river Dronne. The Abbey is an historical sightseeing place, and canoes can be hired for a relaxing glide along the river, a favourite for both adults and children. Brantome offers the family a lovely day out for there is something for everyone. Explore the river Dronne in a hired canoe, or cruise on one of the sighseeing boat trips. There are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants to suit all budgets, along with art galleries, craft shops, antique shops and a lovely market on Fridays. In July and August there is also a farmers market every Tuesday and Friday.
RIBERAC
Set in attractive, rolling countryside in the northern Dordogne region, Riberac is very pleasant to visit, with cafes and restaurants bordering the main square. Riberac is, however, at its best on Fridays, market day, which is reputed to be the largest in the Dordogne.
LA ROCHELLE
Under a couple of hours drive west to the coast is the 17th Century jewel of La Rochelle. La Rochelle is arguably the country’s most elegant port, rich in history, with its surrounding medieval architecture. The pace of life is slower than back home and the weather is so sunny, that you need to wear sunglasses even in the winter!
AUBETERRE
Sitting high up above a bend in the river Dronne, is the picturesque town of Aubeterre. It’s charming, narrow streets, which are lit at night, wind through the ancient buildings and white stone houses. Aubeterre is one of France’s prettiest villages and has many places of interest, including a Monolithic Church. Around the tree-lined square are several restaurants and shops. Aubeterre has a fine, sandy beach along the banks of the Dronne, which is close to a campsite and a snack bar. Canoes can be hired during the Spring and Summer where it is safe to swim and fish. There is plenty to do around Aubeterre including shopping, kayaking, walking, swimming, tennis, cycling, fishing and of course eating and drinking!
ST AULAYE
The nearby village of St Aulaye has a beach, which is situated on the banks of the river Dronne. There is a café and children’s play area and canoes , kayaks and bicycles can be hired and even tennis courts. During the summer months there are various fetes and events ranging from open air concerts to firework displays. There are numerous restaurants , a mini supermarket and a very friendly pub!
SAINT-EMILION
The name Saint-Emilion conjures up the taste of rich red wines,but the town itself is well worth a visit. Situated 30km east of Bordeaux, between Libourne and Castillion-La-Bataille, Saint-Emilion can now be easily reached by the new A89 Autoroute. This medieval town stands proudly at the top of a hill, overlooking the Dordogne valley, and was built in the shape of an amphitheatre. Elegant and cosy, the town has lots of cobbled streets, medieval buildings and romantic views. All the houses have the same warm colour, as they were made from luminous ochre limestone. The entire town is now protected to preserve this inherent harmony. From the moment you arrive, Saint-Emilion is an enchantment,with many underground museums and galleries to the breathtaking Monolithic Church dug out of solid limestone.
