Perhaps you have never heard of the Charente? Why come here for your holiday? Jan 18 2007
 Perhaps you have never heard of the Charente? Why come here
for your holiday?
The Charente lies one hour north
east of Bordeaux and an hour inland from the coast. It is an undulating
department with woods and vineyards and sunflowers, scattered about with small
lakes and picturesque villages often dating back to medieval times. Thirteenth
century churches and chateaux are in abundance and provide fascinating
viewing.
Most Charente grapes are grown for
Cognac or Pineau( a delicious mix of eau de vie and grape juice drunk as an
aperitif,) but the fine wines of Bordeaux and St. Emilion are grown within
driving distance of its borders. A trip to a distillery or vineyard is an
interesting excursion, usually with plenty to taste in the
process!
For relaxation many of the lakes
have beaches. Picnic tables nestle under shady trees. There are golden sands for
the children to play on and clear, clean waters for swimming often patrolled by
lifeguards to ensure your families safety. There are way marked walks and cycle
tracks for the energetic though these pursuits are best followed on the warm
days of late spring or early autumn. Summer will be hot but after lazy days by
the pool, there are plenty of night markets and street concerts. There is a
highly renowned ’blues festival’ in Cognac during the last weekend of July each
year. Cognac also offers one of the finest golf courseswithin the
department where many of the holes are sponsored by the famous cognac
houses.
There are many restaurants to suit
all tastes and budgets. There are several gourmet, star-rated establishments but
also many homely cafes with daily changing 3 or 4 course menus and house wine
thrown in, all for under ten pounds a head. And why particularly Brossac?
Brossac Situated at the most southerly point of the Charente is an ideal
location with the borders of the Gironde, Dordogne and Charente-Maritime within
10 minuets drive. Brossac A charming village, built close to a leisure lake, it
offers all amenities. Bakers, Butcher, Supermarket, Bank, Holiday accommodation, Post office, Restaurants, Tennis, Swimming, Fishing....you
will find them all here. There are night entertainments in summer and Chalais
with its enormous weekly market is just ten minutes away. It is 45 minutes to
Cognac and the distilleries or a 30 minute drive to Aubeterre with its
subterranean church. A must see! There is kayaking and river sports on both the
Drone and Dordogne rivers. If you want to visit a large, historic town then you
are spoiled for choice... Angouleme, Libourne, Saintes, Perigeux, all driving
distance and with history dating back to the Romans! If you fancy a day by the
sea you can choose quiet coves, bustling marinas or natural phenomenons like the
dune du pyla. Freshly caught fish can be found on restaurant menus
everywhere. |
