Charente and Limousin Holidays
La vie Française
Weather
The Poitou-Charentes has one of the highest sunshine records in France, almost that of Corsica, thanks to the Gulf Stream, benefiting neighbouring Limousin with a mild and gentle climate for its hilly terrain.
Wine & Cuisine
From the waterways come fish such as tench, pike-perch (Sandre) as well as large quantities of eels sautéed in garlic or enjoyed in soup. Oysters of course are also popular. By contrast Limousin cuisine centres on top quality beef, charcuterie, cheese (try La Joncheix) and batter puddings. Over-shadowed by the nearby Médoc wines, grapes are grown here from which Cognac is distilled. Light, fruity wines from Haut Poitou, Deux-Sèvres and Charente are worth trying and Pineau des Charentes, a tasty apéritif of grape juice and cognac.
How would you like to...
See the castle under siege in Richard the Lionheart’s last stand? Capture the light of the Charente landscape in watercolour? Explore the serenity of the France’s Green Venice on 2 wheels, see caves with Neolithic wall-paintings, or inhale the Cognac fumes amongst the aged oak barrels of the famous distilleries?
Holidays in Charente and Limousin
Oyster & Pearl Islands
Fresh sea breezes, sandy beaches and succulent seafood
Visit islands with names to conjure with: Ile de Ré with its charming harbour and donkeys wearing trousers! Ile d’Aix, no cars here so explore on foot or take the horse-drawn “calèche” and discover the cultivation of Mother of Pearl and Ile d’Oléron famed for the best oysters.
Charente Waterways
Trailing willows and emerald waters
A linear tour through the network of quiet waterways and tranquil canals, pretty villages and sandy beaches, ending up in the lovely port of La Rochelle. Cycling is mostly flat, with some enjoyable climbs and many dedicated cycle trails that criss-cross the Venice Verte.
Classic Cognac
Discover the classic Cognacs of Charente
The walking is gentle following the River Charente as it meanders from Angoulême to Cognac through a peaceful landscape of vineyards. Plenty of opportunity to sample some of the great names of Cognac and complimentary tickets to visit Hennessy Cognac.
Périgord Discovery
Discover the river gorges of the Périgord Vert
Gentle cycling through the Périgord-Limousin Natural Park, spending a couple of nights in each of the two most enchanting towns in the Périgord Vert, Nontron and Brantôme, within striking range of prehistoric caves and opportunities to hire a kayak.
Limousin Lakes and Castles
Little known region of rural France
With a backdrop of rolling hills, on this circuit you pedal along quiet lanes through honey coloured hamlets, past glittering lakes and dominant castles that have witnessed many battles and sieges.
Painting in Périgord
The Maison des Beaux Arts in Nontron with Delia Cavers
These art courses are for small groups (max. 4) of all abilities, from beginners to accomplished amateur artists, who wish to expand their drawing and painting techniques using a choice of media including charcoal, graphite, oil and chalk pastels, watercolours and acrylics.
Cognac Classic Cycling
Fine Brandy and easy cycling
Follow the meandering River Charente and cycle through prestigious brandy vineyards with opportunities to taste the finest brands. Gentle hills provide scenic views.
Want to know more?
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