Local Area Information

Poitou-Charentes is a region made up of four departments - Charente-Maritime, Charente, Deux Sèvres and the Vienne.  It’s one of the sunniest regions in France, second only to La Côte d’Azur, with long dry summers, and short winters. 

'We enjoyed exploring the local area but it was difficult to tear ourselves away from the house so there were many days when we just relaxed in the garden, there was so much to do in the grounds, especially the swimming pool.'

If you can bear to leave La Vieille Ferme you will find plenty of attractions, some on your door step.

Beaches

The stunning freshwater Lacs de Haute Charente are minutes away and are the perfect place to hire a pedalo, swim, fish or just sun bathe on the beach. 

The beaches have marked swimming areas and lifeguards every day through the Summer except Sunday and Monday. There are bars and restaurants as well as a play area for children and throughout the summer there are a range of activities including giant inflatables on the lake - great fun for all the family!

www.lacs-de-haute-charente.com

Restaurants

Staying at La Vieille Ferme you will be in food heaven. The quality of food served by our local restaurants is AMAZING with delicious three course lunches starting at 15 euros!

Riding

Horse riding is also available nearby. https://www.celhc.fr/

Action & Adventure

For those who enjoy adventure and activity, there's plenty on offer:

• Base Nautique, a water sports park at the local lakes, where you can sail and windsurf   www.lacs-de-haute-charente.com
• River kayaking   http://canoeconfolens.fr/
• Velo-Railing in an old rail cart which you pedal up 14 kilometres of track to the nearby station   https://www.cf-charentelimousine.fr/
• Acrobranche - an adventure park suspended in mid-air, with zip wire, bungee jumps and rope bridges. http://www.aventure-parc.fr/lacs-de-haute-charente/galeries/le-parc-en-images
• At Angouleme there is an indoor swimming park with flumes and wave generators     http://www.nautilis.fr/
• Parc Bellevue is a great amusement park at Limoges which is a fun day out     http://www.parc-bellevue.com/en/parc-bellevue-amusement-park-in-limoges-haute-vienne/
• At Poitiers, there is the amazing Futuroscope which is an absolute must   https://en.futuroscope.com/

Cities

The cities of Limoges and Angouleme are less than an hour away, and beautiful Bordeaux is just 90 minutes drive. All three cities are ideal for shopping and sight seeing. 

Circuit des Ramparts D'Angouleme

The world famous classic car race is held every year in Angouleme. The weekend long events sees classic cars hurtling round the ancient, twisting roads of this beautiful hill top city.

Brantome is a beautiful town in the Dordogne, just a short 40 minute drive from La Vieille Ferme. It is known as the Venice of the Dordogne and has a lovely mix of medieval and renaissance architecture to admire. The town is classed as one of 'les Plus Beaux Villages' in France and has lots of lovely shops and restaurants to visit. Canoeing is also available great fun for all!

Bourdeilles is a lovely village which sits on the edge of the river Dronne and boasts a chateau, a moulin (mill), a medieval centre and a panoramic viewpoint. It is just 9 km from Brantome and well worth a visit.

http://www.limoges-tourisme.com/en

www.angouleme-tourisme.co.uk

https://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk

https://www.france-voyage.com/tourism/brantome-310.htm

Fishing

Etang de Chauffie – Pressignac is less than a ten minute drive from the house. The mature lake is 5-6 acres and has Carp, up to 17 kilos, Roach, Rudd, Tench, Chub and Grass Carp. There is a bar serving both hot and cold meals close by.

Lacs de Haute Charente are 400 hectare freshwater inland lakes with Pike-Perch, Carp, Black Bass, Wels, Common Perch, Tench, Northern Pike. Fishing is available on both Lac Lavaud and Lac Mas-Chaban all year round. Fishing permits can be bought at the post Office or Tourist Office.

Golf

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf in nearby St. Junien. The 18 hole par 72 course is set in a beautiful woodland setting.

Sea

The beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Coast are just a couple of hours away.

Cycling

For cyclists, La Vieille Ferme is the perfect place to discover the Charente's 6000 km of cycle tracks, the ideal way to discover the beautiful surrounding countryside. We can even help you with bike hire!

http://www.bikehiredirect.com/

Monkeys

For animal lovers, how about a visit to The Valley of the Monkeys where monkeys and gorillas are separated from you just by water! www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr

Vineyards

For the adults there are many vineyards and of course the famous Cognac distilleries where you can take a tour and enjoy a tasting session as well.  www.ruedesvignerons.com/cognac

Oradour - sur - Glane

On June 10 1944 the village of Oradour- sur - Glane was destroyed when 682 of its inhabitants were massacred by the Nazis. After the war Charles de Gaulle decided that the village should not be rebuilt but remain as a memorial to the victims who lost their lives.

Brantome Horse Sanctuary

A fantastic horse sanctuary for retired British Police Horses. Visit the horses, hear their stories and enjoy a beautiful home made afternoon tea - perfect. 

Cassinomagus

Just a few minutes away are the amazing Roman Baths of Cassinomagus - they are among the best preserved ancient monuments in Europe.

Chateaux

The chateaux at Rochechouart and La Rochefoucauld are nearby and well worth a visit and offer stunning views. Excellent restaurants are also in abundance, you really will be spoilt for choice! 

Towns and Villages

Pressignac has a post office and Depot de Pain for your breakfast croissants. In nearby Chabanais and Rochechouart you will find a wide range of shops including  supermarkets.

Villebois-Lavalette

The village of Villebois-Lavalette is a lovely hilltop village with an imposing chateau. The village also boasts a beautiful traditional 17th century open market hall in the town centre. The weekly market takes place on a Saturday morning.

Verteuil-sur-Charente

The beautiful village of Verteuil-sur-Charente stretches along the river and is a lovely place to wander around. The stunning chateau and a beautiful water mill situated below the chateau contributes to the charm of this village.

Markets

The area has many weekly markets including one at Piegut Pluviers on Wednesday mornings. This market has been held since the seventeenth century and is one of the largest markets in the South West of France. You will find everything here from artisan foods, arts and crafts, clothes and shoes to household goods and livestock!

Night Markets

Nearby, St Matheau holds a Tuesday Evening Market during the summer, with food, drink and stalls selling local produce. You can even buy your meat and have it cooked for on the BBQ for you whilst you relax & listen to the music. A real taste of France.

La Vieille Ferme really is the perfect holiday location for all the family, but please note a car is essential.