The Surrounding Area

This is a cyclist's dream - uncluttered, traffic-free, quiet roads, miles of tree-lined, winding lanes. There are many villages and towns to visit - or you can just meander. We have secure storage for your bike. The owners are bike-friendly, End-to-Enders. Of course, you can explore more and more quickly by car, and you will be equally welcome. Charroux is a charming, picturesque village six kilometres north of the house. Charroux has a very long history, as a centre of power with a very large abbey in the time of Charlemagne. The significant remains of the abbey are a tall tower and some cloisters. There is also a medieval market hall occupying a large space in the middle of the village. You can find all essential amenities there - bank, post office, doctor, pharmacy, tourist office, church, food shops and bars. There is a good food market on Saturday mornings. Where You Can Go - What You Can Do Civray (13km - twinned with Downham Market) Beautiful small town on the banks of the river Charente, offering an extensive lively local market on Tuesdays and a small food and flower market on Fridays. There is a distinctive Romanesque church with interesting historical painting on walls and pillars. The local open-air swimming pool (open June to September), is excellent with diving-boards, children's pool, café etc. Confolens (20 km) Famous for its annual folk festival (second week in August), but also divinely set on the banks of the river Vienne with ancient bridges and pictoresque landscape ideal for photographers or painters.

Ruffec (25km) Chauvigny (70km) Famous for its old medieval town set above the 'new' town. Poitiers Large city with lots of history and a very accessible pedestrianised centre with famous stores such as Printemps etc. Futuroscope Vienne's fascinating cinematic theme park to the north of Poitiers - a 75-minute drive from the house. To get maximum benefit you will need to spend a whole day there although Futoroscope recommend two days. Ideal for adults and children alike. Ample parking space. You will need to get there early in order to see everything. On Saturday nights in the summer, there is a spectacular laser show late in the evening. Limoges (80km) for the porcelain-minded. Cognac 90-minute drive for visits to distilleries (Hennessy, Rémy-Martin, Martell, Bisquit and others) The Coast Two-and-a-half hours to La Rochelle or Royan And all kinds of local attractions: La Vallée des Singes (monkey valley), Val-de-Vienne motor-racing circuit, animal park, etc.