What to see and do

Horse riding, cycling, fishing, canoeing, wine tasting locally, tennis (walking distance from Gites des Bodins), golf.

Futuroscope, a virtual reality theme park with something for all ages.

There are lakes with man-made beaches at Les Gours and Villefagnan ideal for swimming and picnics also the Rejallant at Condac where you can paddle in the cool waters of the Charente river, eat in the restaurant or take a picnic.

Places of interest to visit include Cognac, where you can take a tour at the famous cognac houses and taste the finished product.

Jarnac, where you can take a boat trip along the river or stroll around the picturesque town, with its numerous shops, bars and cafes.

La Rochelle, on the Atlantic Coast, with its old harbour and medieval centre where you will find many shops and restaurants serving superb seafood. Visit the Aquarium with its colourful fish and sealife.

Royan with its beautiful sandy beaches that stretch for miles. There is a superb market which is on most days.

Ile de Re, off the Atlantic coast, with its pretty ports and donkeys in pyjamas! and Ile d’Oleron with its oyster beds and bird park.

Angouleme with its paper mill, many museums and chocolate factory! Plenty of shops and restaurants, a great place to stop for a coffee and watch the world go by.

Oradour sur Glane, visit the ruins of the martyred village.

Saintes a busy town dating from Roman times. Visit the Arena, an early amphitheatre to the west of the town in an attractive wooded spot. Saintes also has an attractive ‘old town’ centre.

For children and adults alike there are some great days out:

Vallee des Singes (Monkey Valley), great family day out with a picnic.

Zoo de la Palmyre on the Atlantic Coast with over 1600 different animals, take a picnic for a fun day out.

Velo Rail, great fun and exercise too.

Nautilus water park near Angouleme is a great day out whatever the weather.

All restaurants in the area are very child friendly and most provide children’s menus and high chairs. We can give you some good ideas on places to eat and help you to book.

All small villages and towns have colourful markets, street entertainment and festivals of music and food with theatre throughout the season.