1. Aubeterre sur Dronne. Officially listed as one of « The Most Beautiful Villages in France» since 1993. In summer, baroque or classical music concerts are organised within the confines of the underground church of St jean. Great place for a swim in the river with its lovely sandy beach. You can also hire a canoe here. Great bars and restaurants around a stunning little square. Golf course close by with bar, terrace and restaurant. Pony trekking.   http://www.aubeterresurdronne.com/?lang=en

2. Golf courses. Aubeterre sur Dronne. Nestled in a beautiful valley on the Charente / Dordogne border and set within the ground of the Longeveau estate, the 9 hole, par 64 (2x32) golf course offers a challenge to golfers of all abilities. The greens and tees are fully irrigated and there are plenty of bunkers and other obstacles that come into play. Daily, weekly and annual rates are available with discounted green fees for residents staying at Longeveau. Equipment hire, supplies and tuition are available from the bar-clubhouse. The new bar offers great food and drink all year round, with superb views overlooking the course and coupled with a great atmosphere.There is a lovely bar, terrace and restaurant. http://www.longeveau.com/en/golf.php

Also golf at Cognac Golf du Cognac, 18 hole Tel: 0545 32 18 17  and Angouleme, 18 hole Tel: 0545 61 16 94

3. Cycling. The French love to cycle and our area is superb for both Road and Mountain Biking. There are many marked mountain bike trails for all levels. The roads are quiet undulating and well maintained making for wonderful cycling conditions. Cycling around the quiet country villages is a joy and a wonderful way to explore the 'off the beaten track' countryside. Bikes are for hire at the local tourist office at Villebois Lavalette where there are also lots of guides and maps.

4.Villebois Lavalette. The village is best known for the imposing Chateau de Villebois that stands on a raised promontory above the village. The extensive defensive walls and six incorporated towers, in the attractive white stone of the region, were built in the 12th-13th century* and wind around the hilltop, giving access to the inner castle through a gateway between two substantial round towers. The market at Villebois Lavalette is on a Saturday morning under a huge and magnificent ancient hanger, and is a real joy to visit. http://www.villebois-lavalette.com

5. Chateau de la Mercerie. A beautiful Chateau near Villebois Lavalette only 15 minutes drives away,  locally know as Le Petit Versailles. It is open daily in the summer and there are guided tours in English each Tuesday morning. For more information http://www.chateaudelamercerie.fr/ , http://www.francethisway.com/places/chateau-de-la-mercerie.php

6. Riberac. Dating from the 9th century and set in the Dronne valley, Riberac is at its best on a Friday, market day for reputedly the biggest market in Perigord. Its a lovely town with many cafes, bars and restaurants. You can also go canoeing along the river from Riberac which is great fun and will give you a chance to take in some of the beautiful scenery this area has to offer. There are lots of places to hire boats along the river.

7. Brantome. is an idyllic village located to the north of Perigueux on the banks of the River Dronne. The town is known locally as the Venice of Perigord. Canoeing through Brantome gives you a different perspective on the town and is always a popular way to enjoy the setting and the surrounding countryside. Fantastic Friday morning market and well worth setting a day aside to visit with some wonderful riverside restaurants for lunch.

8. Cognac. Take a tour of one of the great Cognac houses (we recommend Remy Martin as you get to go around the vineyards in a little train, but all are good), or alternatively arrange a more intimate tour at one of the smaller producers. Cognac is also a very pretty town so worth  day trip.

If you are lucky enough to be here in July, there is the fantastic Cognac Blues Festival, featuring well known international artists such as Sting, Tom Jones, Lenny Kravitz, ZZ Top, Status Quo, Duffy, Hugh Laurie (OK will stop name dropping now!!) to name but a few! If you don't want to pay to go into the main open air area, there are lots of small artists playing in the streets for free. Its a wonderful atmosphere and well worth a visit. http://bluespassions.com/en/

9. Wine tasting. Many local wine producers will organise tasting. We have a brochure listing them.

10. Angouleme. Perched on a hill above the Charente, Angoulême became the ‘Capital of Paper’ in the Middle Ages when dozens of mills lined the river. Today, it is internationally renowned as the ‘Capital of the Image’, especially comic strips or bandes dessinées (BD).

Angoulême’s annual festival attracts authors, illustrators and enthusiasts from all over the world, but comic strip fans can enjoy the Musée de la Bande Dessinée at any time of year. Opened in 2009 in an old wine warehouse beside the Charente, its unique collection includes 8,000 original drawings.

Explore four themed areas covering the history and techniques of the comic strip, with exhibits rotated three times a year. Enjoy temporary exhibitions and browse the extensive shop for your favourite characters.

You’ll find cartoon characters depicted in over 20 giant wall paintings on the sides of buildings all over town - pick up an annotated map from the Tourist Office. Even the street names are contained within speech bubbles!

And discover the town’s fascinating heritage on three themed walking tours. Stop off at the magnificent Romanesque cathedral of Saint-Peter; enjoy the eclectic collections of the town museum, and don’t miss the panoramic views from the ramparts, scene for the annual Angoulême Rampart Race for classic cars in September. http://www.circuit-des-remparts.com/index-id_page-1-lang-uk.html

11. Chateau de Chalais.  Around 15 minutes away is this stunning Chateau, a lovely historical monument open daily to the public.

12. Brossac. Even if you don't consider yourself a sport enthusiast- when you see the list of local activities, you'll probably feel at home! Many of the sport activities around Brossac don't take any special skills and are good for first timers or experts. If on the other hand you are a true enthusiast seeking a challenge in your particular sport- south charente will not disappoint. You will find world class courses for cycling, running, riding and much more.

13. Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire. located in the heart of the small champagne, has several advantages for the development of a framework for pleasant and attractive living. The city has managed to preserve its architectural heritage, built around the two key buildings such as the castle, dating from the fifteenth century, and St. Mathias church built in the eleventh century. The old center of Barbezieux is lovely and dates largely from the eighteenth century.The castle, historical monument since 1913, is a must see and lots of lovely little restaurants.

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