things to do
summer
Summer in France doesn’t really need any suggestions, the region has many of the delights of blighty, the rolling hills, lush green landscapes, tasty food but without the dubious and unpredictable weather. The Charente region boasts the least rainfall in the whole of France bar the southern coast...that’s what you need for a holiday.
There’s plenty to do at the house, games to play, cycling, walks, swimming pool, sun loungers to lounge on or if you fancy a more challenging swim it’s only a 15 minute drive to the lac at St Estephe which has a beach, swimming, canoeing and an impressive summer programme of watersports and land based activities.
If you fancy a day trip then Bordeaux, with it’s vineyards, Royan with it’s beach, Sarlat with a host of tourist attractions, Futuriscope, Cognac and a host of other activities are under 2 hours drive. There’s very little that isn’t within our reach.
Or pack up a picnic and find a quiet spot, you don’t have to go far, the field surrounding the house which may be planted with sunflowers, maize or wheat belongs to the house so you could park your rug on the other side of the field and enjoy the view.
Autumn
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Our small corner of France is a picture at this time of year. The autumn leaves are falling and there are some charming walks from our very doorstop. Cycling is also brilliant at this time of year as the summer heat has gone and overheating is kept to a bare minimum. We can arrange for you to hire extra bikes delivered directly to our house from www.dordognecyclehire.com .
There are a number of local hills that are perfect for flying kites...we have a parachute kite at the house which is great fun for children and adults...it’s pretty powerful when the wind gets behind it, so beware of going alone!
The last weekend of November every year is Angoulemes annual food festival,Gastronomades. There is a tasty range of opportunities to explore the culinary delights of french cuisine and their traditional markets. Eat and shop to your hearts content and then bring it home and try your own hand at french cooking. We have a great selection of French cookery books (all in English), you could even try some regional dishes if you’re feeling bold!
Speaking of food, autumn hails the mushroom foraging season and we have a wealth of woodland surrounding the house which is home to the good, the bad and the ugly of the mushroom world. But don’t fear, we have provided a mushroom foraging book to guide you to the edible delights and if you’re really unsure then the local pharmacy will verify your picks.
winter
As the nights draw in we know that relaxing in comfort is the key. If the weather is nice then wrap up warm and go and enjoy the great outdoors. But if the weather takes a bit of a turn for the British then there’s still not problem. We’ve got plenty to do in the house. Games, books, jigsaws, films, take your pick. Shutter down, light up the woodburning stove, put on the perfect tune and snuggle up in comfort in the toasty comfort. You could even roast some chestnuts on the top of the fire...just don’t forget they’re there or your quiet will be disrupted.
When was the last time you enjoyed a fondue?...well they’re scrummy (and comforting) in the cold weather and perfect with a bottle of chilled local wine. The delight of a holiday is you’ve got the time to enjoy the things your don’t get round to doing at home. And don’t forget to think up some forfeits for anyone who drops their food into the pot.
Angouleme is famous for it’s cartoons, in fact you’ll find them all over the walls of the city, you can even take a tour. Every year at the end of January the city plays host to the world’s largest comic art festival. Why don’t you come and enjoy a slice of the action?
spring
Whether it’s a Hoopoe or a Honeybuzzard, spring is one of the best times of year to spot wildlife. The fertile soil encourages a wealth of flora which results in a explosion of colour all around. The local authorities have recently invested in a huge number of marked trails which mean that there is plenty of easy walking to be done right from our doorstep.
If you fancy moving a little faster there are many bike trails (we can organise extra bike rental) and horse riding is available a short drive away (www.hippocamp.fr ). Or if you’re a real petrol head you could head off road on one of the many tracks designed for Le Chasse or visit the local Karting centre ( www.circuit-karting-perigord.com ). Paintballing (www.paintballwm24.fr ) and hang gliding for the more adventurous.
For a more relaxing kind of sport you could try a round of golf or fishing before returning to the house to enjoy the peace and quiet and on a warm spring day you could whip out the bbq.
If, however, you happen to be missing a good old cuppa, the Abbaye up the road is a deliciously decadent environment to enjoy a proper english afternoon tea (www.fontainevive.com ) and their kitchen garden is abundant.