The local Area

We are located just outside of the village of Puyreaux, a traditional and sleepy French community.  The closest town and supermarket is Mansle, located 3km away, which boasts various restaurants, butchers and boulangeries.  Also in Mansle is an excellent watersports centre offering canoeing and kayaking on the Charante River.

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Classic and picturesque French towns

We are also close to the classic and picturesque French towns of Vertuil-sur-Charente, Nanteuil-en-Vallee, La Rochefoucauld and Ruffec – two of which have magnificent chateaus, one a lovely arborarium, abbey and church and two host bi-weekly markets.

Angouleme

Our closest city is Angouleme which is the region’s capital and located on a plateau overlooking the Charante and is nicknamed “the balcony of the south west” and has walkable ramparts. With multiple museums, a stunning cathedral and hotel de ville (Townhall) plus countless restaurants, bars, cinema, a summer waterpark and week-long covered market, Angouleme is worth multiple visits.

Limoges

Limoges is the closest airport for our UK visitors, and a 45min drive.  The city is known for its decorated 19th century porcelain, the medieval timber frame houses which line Rue de la Boucherie and for its Oak barrels which are used for Cognac.

Cognac

Cognac gives its name to one of the world’s best-known types of brandy, or eau de vie and is located a 50min drive from the villa situated between the towns of Angouleme and Saintes.  There are six vineyards around the area, all of which are within the Appellation Controlee for Cognac.  Most central in the town are Hennessy, Martell, Otard, Camus and Remy Martin and about 15km east of Cognac is Jarnac, home to Courvoisier.

Poitiers

Poitiers is the administrative capital of the region and just over a 60min drive away.  It is a town with a rich history and a picturesque medieval centre, it is also a university town (the second oldest in France after Paris) and has a large student population and vibrant nightlife

Bordeaux and La Rochelle

Further afield are Bordeaux and La Rochelle, easily reachable with a 90-120 mins drive, and both historic cities are well worth a visit.  Bordeaux is the closest airport for our European visitors.

Things to do in the area

Mansle

Closest town and supermarket

Angoulême

Closest city with countless restaurants, bars, shops, cinema and a summer waterpark