Things To Do
Château De La Valouze
The venue has tennis courts, a jazz bar, a pool and tons of park land for guests staying on site to enjoy.
Villebois-Lavalette
This is the town we will all be in for the welcome dinner. It is where Matt's french family is from. It houses a cool historic castle (you can take a tour) atop a hill of cute streets. It also holds the beautiful church Matt's parents and previous generations were married.
La Roche-Chalais
Where to buy food and gas: Intermarche Supermarket Well stocked supermarket with fresh fish, meat & cheese counters Gas station same opening hours but with 24 hour credit card facility Opening Hours - Monday to Saturday 9am - 7.30pm Sunday 9am - 12.30 Leader Price Discount supermarket with its own brand foods Opening Hours - Monday to Saturday 9am to 12.30pm & 2.30pm to 7 pm Sunday 9am to 12.30pm (Excellent Oyster stand outside on Sunday) Local Produce Market every Saturday morning
Chateau de la Mercerie
Matt and Sarah loved visiting this odd Chateau. It has gone through may different owners and levels of care. In 1934 two brothers began the extension of the castle and planed to turn it into Versailles Charente with the construction of a long facade of Italian Renaissance style. This took place mainly in 1947 with the help of a score of workers. ..but stops in 1970 for lack of money. This all leads to bits of the Chateau being quite fancy and other parts being almost in ruins, the contrast is quite interesting. The Chateau is open Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon, Saturday by reservation for groups. The price is 10 € individually, 8 € from 10 to 29 people, and 7 € more than 30 people. The price of the rose garden and walnut park is 2 € in individual entrance. The entrances contribute to the safeguarding of the castle.
Moulin De Porchere- flour mill
A flour mill where you can learn the history and partake in making your own bread. The visit + bread making will last around 2-3 hours. But you can take the tour without the bread making.
Moulin de Parcoul -hire canoes or kayaks
On the outskirts of Parcoul on the bank of the river Dronne you'll find Parcoul 24 where you can hire canoes or kayaks. The organizers will take you up the river and drop you then you can make you own way back at your own pace. Open everyday from Easter. VTT (mountain bikes) can also be hired from here. Tel No: 05 53 90 79 73 / 06 25 17 02 78
Le Massou - Horse back riding
Horses & ponies are available to suit all levels of riding experience. Hacks & walks into the beautiful surrounding countryside where the english speaking leaders will allow riders to make use of their individual riding skills. Booking essential. Closed Tuesday. Tel No: 05 45 98 63 46
Laubardemont (The Village of Books)
"Come and explore Laubardemont, an unusual village set at the confluence of rivers Isle and Dronne in an architectural complex steeped in 5 centuries of history. Upon your arrival, a team of enthusiasts will hand you the keys to 5 Universes, a breadcrumb trail to lead you through an inexhaustible labyrinth of books and miscellaneous objects. Go and meet those craftspeople who made our History, living links between past and future, and become a child again, wondering at such treasures, sources of inspiration and creativity. A journey through time, art, history and culture."
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a commune in the Charente department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of south-western France. It has been officially listed as "One of the most beautiful villages in France," since 1993. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is also well known for its Church of Saint Jean, an underground, Monolithic Church.
Cognac
The world's best-known brandy comes from the peaceful countryside surrounding the Charente River. The medieval town with its cobbled streets leading down to the river are full of history. The pedestrian shopping area is a great place to discover the delights of the chocolaterie, coffee house, clothes & perfume shops. Many lovely cafes & restaurants. Tours around the great Cognac houses (in English & French) - Martell, Remy Martin & Hennesy with the option to "taste" the cognac afterwards. River cruises on board a reproduction barge or river boat are a peaceful way to enjoy the sights along the river (usually morning & afternoon trips). Also beautifully kept public gardens & a nearby water park along the river. Guided tours in most of the Cognac houses & trips on the Charente river from May to September.
Brantôme
This was a surprise stop for Sarah on our first France road trip in 2015. A cute fairytale town with a nice mix of medieval and renaissance architecture to admire. Look inside the abbey as well (built by Charlemagne in 769 and the main historical highlight of the town) and at the troglodyte section behind the abbey including the famous cave of the 'Last Judgement'.
Angoulême
Around the heart of Angouleme historic centre (which is classified among the French Towns of Art and History) there are more than two kilometres of the ramparts remaining intact, while the boulevards that follow the walls are wide, open streets with good views across the surrounding countryside.
Bordeaux
The city is beautifully restored and has an ultra-modern public transport system. The “Port of the Moon” is also now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Stone Bridge, with its 17 arches, crosses the Garonne, offering pedestrians a lovely view over the docks and harbor. Take a stroll through old Bordeaux in the Triangle d'Or and stop at Place des Quinconces, France’s largest public square. The city of Bordeaux is an ideal base for exploring the greater wine region’s unforgettable sights and tastes.
Dordogne
This is the area where the wedding venue is located. Dordogne is a department located in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees, and is named after the Dordogne River that runs through it. There are an astonishing array of medieval towns and ancient castles, prehistoric caves, hanging gardens, spectacular views, and luxuriant countryside.