General Information about the house and surrounding area
Towns:
Montbron (8 miles): has interesting churches and brocantes and a tourist office for up to date information. Mainly functional with supermarkets (Intermarché and Aldi) and several cafes and restuarants. Kayacking centre close by.
La Rochefoucauld (12 miles): has an imposing chateaux still owned by the Rochefoucauld family and interesting churches. Pretty town with a large supermarket (Leclerc), several good restaurants and a chocolate outlet!! Karting centre close by.
Rochechouart (16 miles): has another imposing chateaux and a couple of restaurants. Famous for the discovery of a large meteorite near the town with a museum to prove it!
Chabanais/Confolens (14 miles) are further interesting towns on the Vienne river which is magnificent.
Further afield (approx. 35 miles) lie Mortmart (to the north east) and Brantome (to the south), both are lovely towns to visit.
Lakes:
Lacs de Charente (two), about 15 minutes drive. Lovely to walk round, let the kids play on the beaches and maybe something more active! Lifeguards in summer.
Lac de St Mathieu, about 20 minutes drive (east). Also lovely to walk round and end up at La Grange du Lac for a well earned drink. Also beaches and lifeguards.
Grande Lac de St Estephe, about 25-30 minutes drive. Lovely lake, beach, restaurant and walks. Nearby is the Crazy Frog pub.
Activities:
Within close proximity you will find, golf, horse riding, karting, kayaking, tennis. Current leaflets should be found at the house except for tennis. This is a court behind the school near Ecuras on the main road into Montbron. Just use the racquets from the house and turn up!
Historical:
There are many historical connections to the area. Most recent and perhaps disturbing, is the town of Ordour sur Glane where the Germans massacred an entire town for no apparent military reason in 1944. Further back in history you’ll find references to Richard Coeur de Lion who fought several battles in the area before succumbing to an arrow randomly fired from Chalus Castle late at night.
Attractions:
Kids: Adventure Park near Massignac when not star gazing at the house.
Adults: Market at Peigut Pluviers (Wednesday am) when not relaxing by the pool.
Summer Festivals/Events:
Many and varied but all really worth seeking out. Main ones are:
Confolens, week long, normally first half of August
Montenbeouf, first half of September
St Mathieu, 8th August Local Products market; 26th Beer Festival
Angouleme, 15-17th September, Circuit des Ramparts