The local town is only a cycle ride away and although it is small, all the basic amenities are available - restaurants and supermarkets (including an 'open all hours' Spar) and alfresco bars/cafes in the town square. Tennis courts and a children's playground are also provided.

The market has an impressive range of fresh fish as good as anywhere in France and less expensive than in Britain. It is also the best place to buy local seasonal fruit and vegetables and farm produce. The bread is particularly good with slightly different mixes used by each shop.

The cave in the main street sells wine from the vat at low prices, which is well worth sampling. The Charente white wine and the local aperitif Pineau should also be tried.

Other places of interest

• Rouillac - has the largest country market in the region which is held on the 27th of the month. It also has a fine council run swimming pool. For archaeological interest there is a Roman/Gaelic amphitheatre built into the steep hillside just out of the town.
• Cognac - distillery tours (given in English), also it has a lovely park - good for children and a particularly attractive golf course, and a jazz festival in August. Also nearby Jarnac is home of the Courvoisier and Biscuit distillery - note Biscuit offer free tours with an English speaking guide. Attractive views along the river and riverboat rides too.
  (Cobbled street in Cognac to left)
• Ile de Re - a delightful holiday island with quiet beaches quaint ports with open-air restaurants and nicely kept villages. The island is flat and has a network of cycle paths, which are extensively used in the summer.
• Brantome - south of Angoulême, picturesque riverside chateau and church, narrow streets gardens and lawns, best visited first weekend in August for the bread festival.
• Oradour sur Glane - an hour’s drive on the road to Limoges. A village left untouched as a memorial to the inhabitants murdered by the SS in the Second World War. There is also a new museum that tells the story.
• Mansle - small tourist town with access to the river for canoeing and good restaurants.

• Angoulême - the administrative centre for the Charente. The centre is raised above the surrounding town and has the attraction of many street side restaurants, bars and live music during the summer evenings (Thursday night being the best). There is also a central covered market on a Saturday. In June the town hosts the 'International Jazz Festival' and in August the 'International Folklore Festival'. The centre is given over each September to vintage car racing, 'The Circuit des Ramparts'. Other attractions include a pleasure lake (on the road from Aigre) with bathing, boating and wind-surfing facilities, a large swimming pool by the river, riverside walks and a golf course open to non-members with no need to book.
  (Angoulême cathedral to left)
• Futuroscope - a large-scale theme park near Poitiers, needs more than one day to see all the attractions, evening laser display and reduced entry after 6pm (closing at 11pm)
• Tusson - preserved historic village known for its craft fairs and farming museum (Sept).
• Rochefort - historic rope-making town, attractive square, shops and cafes.
• Vars - River access ideal for swimming or paddling with diving board, a sandy beach, plenty of shaded grass and a cafe.
• La Rochelle - attractive old port, resort beaches, museums and other attractions.
• Royan - an affluent seaside resort, with broad boulevards, hotels, a marina and long sandy beaches. Chay is a smaller beach if the main beach is crowded and provides children's entertainment. The coastal villages south of Royan are also worth visiting.

• Ruffec - nearby shopping centre, which also has public tennis courts. Also river access for bathing and canoeing very attractive area in the trees with water mill and restaurant. Markets days Wednesday/Saturday. Large markets on 15th and 28th of the month. Caves - many caves located south of Angoulême, Villars is famous for cave paintings.
• La Palmyre - a holiday resort with fine beaches and pine forests, Le Cote Savage beach is known for its big rollers popular for body surfing. It has France's best zoo with parrot and sea lion shows, recommended by visitors. Quad bike trails are also available.
• La Chapelle de Pots - road to Saintes, known for it's pottery and ceramics museum.
• Limoges - famous for it's fine porcelain.
• Saintes - known for its Roman arch and walls, coliseum and cathedral.
• St Jean d'Angely - go-cart track.
• Villefagnan - specially made lake for bathing (on the Aigre road) and a riding school.
• Local Villages - ask us for details of what events are on, such as organized walks, cycle rides and barbecues.
• Festivals - National dress, music crafts and fireworks display. Ask us for more details.