The Charente countryside is an area of rolling hillsides and vineyards, with woods and forests to explore, crossed by small streams and rivers.
There is a wide variety of places to explore and visit, here is just a brief selection, but of course we can help with any questions you may have.
Watersports on the lakes:
The river Charente runs through the region and the lakes of Lavaud and Mas Chaban play an important role.
The lakes cover almost 400 hectares and their setting provides plenty for ramblers to explore, as well as plenty for mountain bikers, canoeists and those who enjoy sailing.
While for those who want to relax there is the chance to bath in the lakes, try a spot of fishing or just enjoy the lovely peaceful countryside.
Visit Forests and Gardens:
The woods and forests of the area are commonly of oak and chestnut, and play host to a great variety of animals and flowers.
The vast Forêt de la Braconne is home to deer and in some parts strange pits and caves due to subsidence. Close to Angoulême is the Forêt de Bois Blanc which takes its name from the limestone hillocks and underground caves.
If you appreciate fine gardens and flowers then don't miss the opportunity to explore those found in the Charente.
The village of Tusson is not only a beautiful and historic place to visit, the monastery gardens have been restored based on the principles of Medieval times.
At the foot of the castle at La Rochefoucauld, the garden of Saint-Florent offers up around 700 varieties of roses and perennials which can be visited in a truely peaceful setting.
The botanical park of the Bois du Signe is home to a variety of fuchsias, which were brought back from the West Indies by Charles Plumier, the botanist of Louis XIV, and the collection numbers around 500 with vivid colours.
For the children:
There is plenty for children, both young and old, to do in Charente with canoeing, go-karting, adventure parks and plenty more on offer.
A favourite day out for us, as well as guests, is a visit to the Circuit de Perigord that plays host to major international karting championships - but even if you are a first time driver you can take a kart for a spin.
The Valley of the Monkeys, or Forêt des Singes, is a fascinating animal sanctuary that is home to more than 130 monkeys living in total freedom.
Whilst the famous Futuroscope is sure to dazzle and thrill the senses as you escape into new worlds of fun, live in the future today and see this world in a new light.
