Explore Beautiful Towns and Villages

Our area is steeped in history, with charming towns and villages that will transport you back in time.

• Aubeterre-sur-Dronne: Known for its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and the impressive monolithic church, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a must-see village. It’s a wonderful place to explore, offering historical architecture, boutique shopping, and delightful cafés.

• Brantôme: Often called the "Venice of the Dordogne," Brantôme boasts stunning views of the river and ancient architecture. Take a boat tour along the river, visit the Abbey of Brantôme, or simply wander the town’s quiet lanes lined with shops and cafés

• Villebois-Lavalette: This charming medieval town is home to the Château de Villebois-Lavalette, a beautiful fortress with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The town also hosts a lively market and local festivals throughout the year.

• Angoulême: A vibrant city, known for its comic strip heritage and impressive architecture, Angoulême is perfect for art and culture lovers. Explore its historic old town, visit the Angoulême International Comics Festival (held annually), or enjoy the local cafés and galleries.

Vibrant French Markets: A True Taste of Local Life

The markets in our region are the heart and soul of local life, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and authentic French delicacies. Here are a few must-visit markets:

• Aubeterre-sur-Dronne Market (Sundays): Set in one of France's "most beautiful villages," this lively market offers an array of local produce, from fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade soaps and artisan cheeses. Don't miss the chance to try local specialties like Charentais melons and dried sausages.

• Angoulême Market (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays): Known for its wide selection of fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, and seasonal fruits, the market in the heart of Angoulême is a great place to immerse yourself in the region's gastronomic delights. You can also find vibrant flower stalls and hand-crafted goods to bring home as souvenirs.

• Brantôme Market (Fridays): Often referred to as the "Venice of the Dordogne," Brantôme's market is set alongside the picturesque canals, offering a charming atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to pick up local honey, truffles, and even a bottle of Dordogne foie gras.

Exploring Vineyards and Châteaux

Wine lovers will find plenty to savor in this region, with several vineyards producing excellent wines. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, the Charente-Dordogne area has much to offer.

• Château de Villebois-Lavalette: A thousand-year-old castle that has had several lives, a superb panorama of the rolling landscapes from the walk at the top of Puy Sanseau. With guided and non-guided tours and many specific activities, escape games, murder parties and investigations all year round and for everyone. Only 15 minutes away and just one of the many Châteaux to visit in the area.

• Château de Bridoire (Just south of Bergerac): An incredible castle with 900 years of history, Bridoire has masses to do for the whole family including, obviously a visit to the castle itself including giant cludo, faithfully re-constructed historic games, a labyrinthine wooded course over several hectares of woods and rivers in the grounds of the château, and much more.

• Château Rousselle (A little under 1.5 hours west of Les Chauvins): This family-owned vineyard produces wine from local grape varieties, offering intimate tours and tastings. Learn about the vineyard’s sustainable practices and sample reds, whites, and rosés that reflect the flavors of the region.

• Saint-Emilion wine tours Discover the timeless beauty of Saint-Émilion's vineyards, where centuries-old winemaking traditions meet world-class Bordeaux wines. Nestled among rolling hills and sunlit landscapes, each vineyard offers a taste of heritage in every glass. Explore prestigious châteaux, indulge in wine tastings, and immerse yourself in the charm of this UNESCO-listed wine region. Distinguished vineyards that offer exceptional wine-tasting experiences.

• Château des Plassons (Bors): Sandrine and Julien welcome you to the production of cognac and Pineau des Charentes in centuries-old cellars. Enjoy a free tasting of their cognacs and pineaux des charentes.

Delightful Dining: Indulge in the Flavors of Southwest France

Food lovers will feel right at home in this region, where the emphasis is on locally sourced ingredients and authentic French recipes. Whether you're in the mood for a casual bite or an elegant meal, our area has something for every palate.

• Le Moulin de L’Abbaye (Brantôme): Located in the beautifully picturesque town of Brantôme, this Michelin starred restaurant offers a predictably delicious menu! You have a choice of places to eat – enjoy either their elegant, white-stoned walled restaurant or eat out on the terrace and watch the River Dronne flow past.

• Le Lion Rouge (Angoulême): Situated in the most beautiful building in Angoulême (think Art Deco style, an enormous glass lantern ceiling and lots of plants), this trattoria serves a typically Italian menu at reasonable cost.

• Chez Hannah (Cherval): Well worth a visit for a relaxed meal and just a short drive from us, Chez Hannah is a family-run bar-restaurant with an excellent and extensive menu (vegetarian and vegan options included). They also pride themselves on their artisan beers and extensive wine list.

• La Cloche (Bors): Also just a short drive from us and enjoying the most beautiful views overlooking the local vineyard (which supplies the wine) this pub attracts a highly multicultural clientele. Serves a very simple menu of, mainly, burgers (but the best you’ll get!) and, as a passionate micro-brewer, the owner’s excellent home brewed beers.

• Hyggy (Angoulême): To quote a happy customer on TripAdvisor, “What a lovely surprise this inventive and gourmet menu is! Quality products, unexpected flavours, generous plates... While passing through Angoulême, we were delighted by this Scandinavian-inspired cuisine combined with attentive service and a cosy and warm setting..” We couldn’t agree more!