Gite French Rural accommodation

A rural location where time has stood still.
This peace and tranquility will not necessarily suit people who are looking for a vibrant night life.

Where are we?

Located in the south Charente

50km due South of Angouleme in the South Charente area of France, and about 15km from the Dordogne border. The countryside around is rolling farmland with sunflowers, vines and pasture.

This is an old farm that has been lovingly renovated with a water mill that is presently being repaired by Jean Marie,and set in 5 hectares of ground and bordered by a brook.

Gas and electricity are included in the prices.

How to get here?

Bordeaux International Airport is 60/90 minutes drive away.
Angouleme TGV and car hire is 45 mins drive.
All of the Brittany and Normandy ports are about 6 or 7 hours drive.
Calais and Boulogne are about 8-9 hours drive using the motorway.

What can you do?

Bordeaux, Cognac, St Emilion, La Rochelle and the many tourist centres in the Dordogne are all within easy reach, with Aubeterre-sur-Dronne only a 20 minute drive away.

Aubeterre has been designated one of the prettiest villages in France and has the largest monolithic church in Europe, as well as a wonderful Romanesque church. There are several attractive bars and restaurants around the square, a charming puppet theatre giving shows in English and a bank, Post Office and Chemist.

Chalais, 10km away, a small chateau town, has a large traditional market on Monday mornings selling local produce. There are several doctors, dentists and chemists and a supermarket.

There is a tennis court in the village, horse riding nearby and a sandy lake beach at Brossac. Bikes can be hired, and fishing permits can be bought.The nearest golf course is about 20km away.

There are plenty of family restaurants nearby serving excellent food at very reasonable prices including the famous Relais de Chateau at Chalais and Sid Owen's Alba Terra in Aubeterre.

The area abounds with wild flowers and interesting birds and there are many recognised country walks.

The main production area for Cognac is only about 40 minutes away in the town of Cognac itself. There are a number of houses around here to visit including Hennessy and Martells, both of which have organised tours.

For wine, Bordeaux is about 60/90 minutes drive away and to get there you go through Libourne and the famous vineyards of Pomerol and Lalande de Pomerol. Fronsac is about 1 hour away, and St Emilion only 45 minutes. Bergerac and Monbazillac are also close by, with the latter having a large modern tasting centre.