Les Mirandes - Le Châtaignier

The Poitou-Charentes region on the west coast of France is blessed with innumerable riches, including its weather. The four departments (Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne) form the sunniest region of the Atlantic coastal region. The exceptional number of hours of sunshine is among the highest in France and matches that of the Mediterranean hinterland.

The Charente department is named after the river of the same name, which flows into the Atlantic at Rochefort (Charente-Maritime). It is an area of meandering rivers and vast lakes with sandy beaches. Walks and cycle rides take you through a varied landscape of forests, fields and vineyards. The picturesque villages in this department mostly date back to Roman times.

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (the land of dawn by the river Dronne), for example, a stone's throw from Montmoreau, is among 'les plus beaux Villages de France'. A historic and artistic village, whose sixth-century monolithic church carved into the mountain is world-famous. In summer you can book to experience a unique concert in the underground church, you will be amazed at how beautifully the sounds resonate in this acoustic temple.

Besides being the capital of the Charente department, Angoulême is also the 'capital of comic strips' and attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year on the occasion of its prestigious comic strip festival ('Festival international de la bande dessinée d'Angoulême'). Situated on a rocky plateau and completely surrounded by a mighty city wall, the city offers a nice variety of historical buildings, cosy shopping streets and picturesque restaurants.

Recommended excursions as day trips not to be missed to visit are:

- fashionable Bordeaux (au Bord de l'Eau, on the banks of the Garonne River), with the majestic Place de la Bourse, the starting point from which a labyrinth of picturesque streets departs, with its quaint facades, streets and squares, with the Cité du Vin, where an interactive tour guides you through the history and facts of the world of wine, with the wonderful and creative Bassins de Lumière, etc;

- Royan Atlantique, the region's seaside resort where there is always something going on, known for its beaches, family atmosphere, forest and sunshine. There is also the famous night market (every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) on the promenade Pierre Dugua de Mons, where artisans, designers and producers show you their handmade creations of wood, glass, iron and shells, clothes and jewellery. You can also taste local specialities such as the Mouclade Charentaise, a goat's cheese, a glass of Pineau, etc;

- the picturesque Brantôme, or the Venice of the Périgord, where a boat trip takes you along the limestone rocks and the town's rich heritage, possibly combined with a visit to the troglodyte village of La Madeleine.

Gourmets are king in the Charente. Foie gras, truffles, magret de canard, oysters and a wide range of exceptional cheeses are just some of the delicacies this region has to offer. Furthermore, the region also produces some excellent wines, as well as the legendary Cognac and Pineau des Charentes. With the departments of Dordogne and Gironde in our backyard, among others, the world's most famous wine villages are located nearby: Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Pomerol and St.-Emilion are only an hour's drive away.

In terms of supplies for the family, everything is available in the village of Montmoreau 1 km away, or 1-minute drive. There is a fairly large supermarket, warm bakery, pharmacist, a librairie, etc. There are weekly markets in the neighbouring villages, and for those looking for something bigger there are about 3 commercial centres at max half an hour's drive (Soyaux, la Couronne, Champniers).

Whether you come for the vineyards of the Charente, the rich gastronomy, the charming villages and their markets, the bric-a-brac shops and cosy sun-drenched terraces, the rich cultural and historical heritage or simply for the peace and quiet, nature and good weather, the Poitou-Charentes is a special region to spend your holidays...