Ruffec (5 min drive) – A charming market town with a lively weekly market (Wednesdays & Saturdays), great for local produce and regional specialties. Charente River Canoeing & Kayaking (5-10 min drive) – Paddle down the scenic Charente River from Condac or Taizé-Aizie. Family-friendly and great for warm days. Verteuil-sur-Charente (10 min drive) – A picturesque village with Château de Verteuil, a stunning castle overlooking the Charente River, plus quaint cafés and restaurants. Nanteuil-en-Vallée (15 min drive) – A beautiful village with medieval charm, gardens, and scenic walking trails. Great for a relaxing afternoon. Abbaye de Nanteuil (15 min drive) – Explore the remains of a 12th-century abbey with peaceful surroundings.
Angoulême (40 min drive) – The capital of Charente, known for its stunning historic center, comic book murals, and lively café culture. Don’t miss the scenic ramparts and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre. Château de La Rochefoucauld (35 min drive) – A magnificent Renaissance château with stunning interiors and a library said to have inspired the Château de Chambord. Vallée des Singes (40 min drive) – A fantastic primate park where kids can see over 30 species of monkeys in a natural environment. Cognac (45 min drive) – Famous for its world-class Cognac houses (Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin), offering tastings and distillery tours. Futuroscope (45 min drive) – A futuristic theme park with immersive experiences, great for kids and adults alike.
Poitiers (1 hour drive) – A historic city with beautiful churches, including the impressive Notre-Dame-la-Grande, and vibrant streets filled with cafés and shops. Brantôme (1 hour drive) – Known as the “Venice of Périgord,” this stunning riverside town offers boat tours, a historic abbey, and charming streets to explore. Saint-Émilion (1.5-hour drive) – A UNESCO-listed medieval village surrounded by vineyards, perfect for wine lovers looking for tastings and breathtaking views.
La Rochelle (2 hours drive) – A beautiful coastal city with a historic old port, excellent seafood restaurants, and sandy beaches. Île de Ré (2.5 hours drive) – A stunning island with beaches, bike paths, and charming villages, perfect for a seaside escape. Bordeaux (2 hours drive) – One of France’s most beautiful cities, famous for its elegant architecture, vibrant food scene, and world-class wine.