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La Peruse village green |
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The 11th Century church in La Peruse
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Swimming pool at local lake,
just 5 mins drive from house |
Local lake with sandy beaches,
canoeing and windsurfing. |
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One of the smaller fishing lakes nearby
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Canoes on the Lac de Lavaud |
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Beaches at the
lakes
Lessignac |
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Restaurant at
Lake Lavaud |
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The lakes south of La Peruse
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Chateau
de Nieuil (www.chateaunieuilhotel.com
) |
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Restaurant La Grange aux Oies, Chateau de Nieuil
(www.grange-aux-oies.com)
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Limoges is a medieval cité d'arts du feu
set in the green rolling heart of Limousin, full of shops
selling exquisite porcelain and jewel-coloured enamels. It is a
lively place with 20,000 students and the city buzzes 24/7. By
day explore churches, museums and half-timbered streets lined
with elegant boutiques. At night visit the bars and drinking
dens before ending the day with a Kir royal in place de
la Motte. |
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Limoges
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Limoges |
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Limoges and the Church of St
Pierre. |
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Limoges
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Angouleme is a pretty city set amid lush vineyards above the
River Charente. The old town with its cobbled streets and
ancient districts full of typical French café-lined squares and
cool fountains offset by local white stone, is known for its
architectural, artistic and historic interest. Guided tours of
the old ramparts, river cruises on the Charente, and bike hire
for the riverside cycle paths are all recommended. |
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The cathedral city of
Angouleme |
Angouleme
Cathedral |
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Cartoon art on buildings
throughout Angouleme and annual Festival of Animation
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Angouleme’s huge indoor market,
open every morning.
(There are dozens of markets within easy driving distance. www.frenchentree.com/france-charente-business-directory) |
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Nautilus
Aquatic Park, Angouleme |
Nautilus
Aquatic Park, Angouleme |
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Nautilus
Aquatic Park, Angouleme |
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Chateau at Rochechouart, with
Museum of Contemporary Art inside. |
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The beautiful chateau at La Rochefoucauld
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The mediaeval city of Confolens |
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The Gallo-Roman baths at Chassenon |
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Cognac
is the next town along the River Charente from Angoulême. This
beautiful old town is where distilleries galore introduce you to
the joys of France's greatest brandy - cognac. The Petite
Champagne area around Barbezieux is where the cognac vineyards
are located, if you fancy a walk amongst the vines. |
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Cognac
|
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Futuroscope, near Poitiers – France’s second most popular
tourist attraction
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Aubtierre sur Dronne |
The fortified village of Brigeuil |
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Chateau Rochebrune and the lake at Etagnac |
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The Velo-Rail
from Roumazieres (or Confolens) to
Manot |
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There are events, festivals and exhibitions across the Charente
throughout the year, in both large towns and small villages
encompassing every type of interest. Here is a taster:
End June/Early July,
Festival des
Sarabande des Bouchauds, Rouillac. This is a festival
for all ages with circus performances, theatre shows and bands
playing everything from rock to jazz, plus children's
entertainment - make sure you book your tickets early!
June/July,
La Maison du Comédien de Maria
Casarès, Alloue. This house was gifted to the town in
1996 and is a focus for actors, writers, directors and everyone
with an interest in theatre, with an annual summer festival of
performances, lectures and workshops.
August.
Festival Danses & Musiques du
Monde, Confolens. For over 40 years Confolens has
welcomed dancers from across five continents to celebrate dance.
This is one of the key events in the Charente each August.
September. Classic
Car Rallye, Angouleme. A great sight to see lots of beautifully
restored classic cars driven around the old cobbled streets of
Angouleme. |
