Things to Do
Beauvallon Beach
-This is a lively bar/restaurant 7 mins away at a natural swimmable lake, "Lac Beauvallon" with peddle-o's and paddle boarding. -We spent an afternoon here and loved it.
Circuit de Haute Saintonge
About 15 mins away, and according to the locals, this is NOT your average karting track, and is very technical. When we visited, Alpine (yes...F1 fans, Alpine!) had rented the entire circuit for testing! -Karting is 55 euros for a single seat karting experience, however if you want a once in a lifetime experience and want to splash out, there's a Formula 2 single-seater half-day or GT experience for 300 euros or so. -Please stay tuned, as we are interested in hosting a karting event after the big day if anyone staying in the local area wants to have a race with us!
Ô Bistrot
-We had a lovely meal here, and the restaurant has a beautiful terrace overlooking the circuit. You have to book in advance as it can be quite popular.
Château de la Magdeleine
An impressive castle built in the 16th Century, not far from Château Fengari, with owners Mr + Mrs Grison (who we hear are lovely people!) -You can call in for a cognac/Pineau tasting which apparently is spectacular. -Unfortunately we did not get to visit, and there's some freaky looking "pram collection" (not everyone's cup o' tea, but each to their own)...beyond that we hear it's amazing.
Montguyon Castle / Town
The nearby town to Clérac, about 9 mins away with a central car park and a small amount of shops is Montguyon. -Château de Montguyon is a medieval ruin adjacent to the small town which has bakeries, tea room, coffee shop, bar, and small souvenir stores, see below:
Le Boudoir, Montguyon Town
A small but inviting tea room, offering cakes, coffees and teas. We visited on a Sunday, so it was closed, but looked very chic/cute inside!
Black and Beers, Montguyon Town
A cocktail bar. We didn't get to visit but seems to be the only bar/dive spot in the area!
Moulin de Porchères
Moulin de Porchères is an old flour mill about 25 mins away. -We visited and had a bread making class and tour for 11 euros. (see the gallery for our creations!) -We don't recommend taking the tour if you're strapped for time as it ends up being about 2 hours long, and felt that it wasn't too necessary to learn about every piece of machinery... that being said there's water activities and we saw people renting cycle boats and kayaks along the river. The cocktails were also great!
Intermarché Super
-About 10 mins away is a mega supermarket. We recommend buying a few essentials (wine, meats, cheeses ;-)) this is because restaurants and bars are wonderful, but do close early, so could be a good idea to stock up. -We bought a red Bordeaux for 8 euros here, and it was the best bottle of wine we have ever had! -There is a small restaurant and bakery at the supermarket and both are great.
Vineyards + Wine tasting (Everywhere)
While Château de la Magdeleine is nearby, not many vineyards are advertised online. When driving you will see signs, and you can simply call in to see the owners for a free and wonderful tasting. They usually stop what they are doing and love to share their hardwork, a few that we did see online: -Chateau La Rabelle -Domaine Bonabaud -Vignobles Bourdillas -Chateau Vilatte (See gallery, we called in after our bread making class and met the whole family during their harvest. Charlotte and her dog gave us a private tour and tasting!)
Brasserie les 3 Promises
A local brewery we didn't get a chance to see, but saw the beer served locally.
AUBERGE DES LACS BLEUS
This is a no frills, but yummy restaurant with great atmosphere (all the locals come here) and bar. We had 2 lovely pints and snacks for 7 euros. -This is a 5 minute walk from our venue, and it is also a hotel. We have blocked out all the rooms for select guests to stay in.
Local Restaurants
There are several restaurants in the local area all 7-15 minute drives. We went to Auberge de Cercoux, a gastropub and had the best burger + rosé of our lives! See the below for other local recommendations: -A la Forch'ette (pizza) -Chez Poirier in Bardenac -Cave La Quincaillerie à Montendre