Chambres d'hôtes / Bed & Breakfast
Melle
Romanesque market town a short drive away has an old silver mine once owned by the kings of France and exploited between the 6th and 10th centuries, and 3 historic churches to explore. Many cultural events are held in the town and the market is held on a Friday. Melle also has a ‘Path of discovery’ a ramblers delight, as well as a cinema, squash courts, jazz bars, cafes and restaurants and also excellent horse riding stables.
Niort
A large town lying on the banks of the Sevre Niortaise river. Excellent covered food market, shops, museums and many restaurants and bars within pedestrianised streets. There is a golf course nearby approximately 35 mins drive. There are regular live music July and August.
Poitiers
Ancient historical city, parks, excellent shopping, bars and cafes, live music, market and airport. Futuroscope—a magnificent theme park based on 3D technology just outside Poitiers, visit their website
La Rochelle
Is an old seaside town with a lovely old harbour with wonderful seafood restaurants, beaches, smart shops, maritime museum, public parks and footpaths. Fabulous aquarium with over 10,000 species. Boat trips from here to Fort Boyard. You can find free bike hire for two hours and visit the largest yachting marina on the Atlantic coast.
Cognac
Flourishing home of Hennessy, Martell and Otard with ancient streets and mansions built by Cognac merchants. Now host to film, music, comedy and literature festivals. Attractive town with a maze of old streets running down to the river Charente. Summer river cruises.
Gencay
Gencay is a lovely little ancient town around 20 minutes from Civray. There are cafes, restaurants and shops including Christie's English book shop and tea rooms , visit their website
Angouleme
Architectural and historic hilltop town surrounded by ramparts. Watch the classic car event racing around the town in September. Cartoon festival held in February.
Oradour Sur Glane
The original village was destroyed on June 10, 1944, when 642 of its inhabitants were murdered by a German Waffen-SS company. A new village was built post-war on a nearby site and the original has been maintained as a memorial.
Chef Boutonne
The chateau at Javarzay is one of the most important Renaissance chateaux in Poitou, with park and fishing lake. There is a 12th century church and is the source of the river Boutonne.
Civray
This small market town is the capital of the Canton which is made up of the 12 surrounding communes. Built on the Charente river it has many attractive walks and interesting buildings. Civray’s market square and surrounding streets come alive on Tuesday mornings, when the weekly market is held. There is also a cinema and swimming pool and local ‘beach’ beside the river. A short distance away, an amazing day out at “Valley of Monkeys” at Romange brings you into direct contact with around 30 species of monkeys roaming free in natural environment.
Ruffec
A 15 minute drive takes you to Ruffec steeped in history and rich in architecture, you can explore the famous Chateaux and Romanesque churches or visit the gourmet markets and local restaurants around Ruffec to soak up the atmosphere of this charming unspoilt region. Visit the market on Wednesday and Saturday with sea food, fresh from the Atlantic and a range of delicious local foods including farmhouse foie gras and cheese tart. Try the famous Pineau des Charentes, meet the locals and sample life the French way.
