Out & About
Cycling Local Markets Kayaking & Canoeing River & Lake Beaches Restaurants Places of Interest Food shopping
Cycling
If you want to get out and explore locally, there are various walks in all directions from the house (Ordnance Survey maps are kept in the desk) alternatively book bicycles with Bike Hire Direct.
Neville Wright, who owns and runs Bike Hire Direct with his wife Natasha, is extremely helpful and will do whatever he can to help meet your cycling requirements. He comes highly recommended, but book in advance because they are extremely popular.
0033 (0)5 45 25 24 09
charente@bikehiredirect.com
Local Markets
The towns of south-western France are well known for their weekly produce markets and are well worth a visit.
Click here to download a PDF with further information of local markets.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Brantôme, known as the 'Venice of the Périgord' is a 40 minute drive away.
There are leaflets with information on where to go canoeing on the notice board in the farmhouse kitchen. Brantôme Canoe has several options, but recommended is a beautiful 2 hour peaceful route down the tree-lined river Dronne and over 3 weirs.
There is also kayaking at the Base de Sports Nautiques et de Plain Air, SNPA Route de Riberac, 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Dordogne.
….if you prefer to enjoy the river views without the effort you can always take a cruise with Brantôme Cruises.
River & Lake Beaches
Just 30 minutes drive away, Angouleme offers several aquatic options, including inland lake beaches.
About 40 minutes drive in the other direction is the beautiful town of Aubeterre sur Dronne where the river beach is very popular in the summer months.
Restaurants
Le Lavalette - A local gem just up the road in Villebois Lavalette Eat under the covered market square.
Des Tourbieres - A hidden treasure. Don’t be put off by its rustic location, and temporary appearance - this is a local favourite that never fails to please. Just take a read through its Trip Advisor recommendations.
Restaurant L’Ecole - Our favourite ‘local’ restaurant, where you are guaranteed a fabulous welcome by hostess Sandrine, and her companions Thomas and Francois. Be sure to arrive early for aperos in the garden before your meal.
Jimmy’s Bar - Our local bar, a 15 minute walk from Belle Etoile (usually a little longer to get back!). Offers great value serving good food and a great selection of drinks with a warm welcome.
Places of interest
L’eglise-souterraine in Aubeterre sur Dronne, carved into the rock in the 12th century, is the largest subterranean church in Europe.
And if you stop off at Gurat on the way you can visit the 10th Century church of St. George.
Right on the doorstep is the fabulous Chateau at Villebois Lavalette. As well as weekly English speaking guided tours, there are regular events and performances held in the grounds of the chateau, so it is always worth checking with the Office de Tourisme to see what’s on during your stay.
Also on our doorstep is the curiosity/folly (take your pick) of Chateau de la Mercerie at Magnac Lavalette. We recommend booking one of the weekly English-speaking tours on a Tuesday.
Dune du Pilat is Europe's tallest sand dune, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, an enormous pine forest, the Arcachon Bay, a sandbank and a peninsula. It is 190km and 2hrs drive away, but if you have never been it is worth a day trip because it almost defies description.
You could break up the journey by stopping off at the World Heritage site, St Emilion on the way.
Food shopping
Just 5 minutes drive away is a large Super-U supermarket where you can purchase just about anything you require, from washing machines to fresh lobster. Also in Villebois Lavalette are two more boulangeries for your fresh pain and croissant: La Mie Qui Chante, 24 Grand Rue; Jean Philippe, 2 Grand Rue.
