Guide to the Charente

Landscape & Climate This department in the south of the Poitou Charentes is named for the river, La Charente, that meanders through picturesque towns and sleepy villages, past fields of corn, sunflowers and vines. You will find water everywhere; lagoons, lakes and rivers, many with man-made beaches. Traditional creamy stone farmhouses and picturesque medieval villages, like Aubeterre, all add to the charm of the rural landscape with its rolling hills and natural woodland. The capital is Angouleme, the romanesque buildings of the old quarterset high up on a hill providing a lovely vista of the surrounding countryside from the ramparts. The climate here is fairly temperate, spring arrives early and the hot summer sunshine lingers into autumn. Like its neighbour, the Charente Maritime, it enjoys the second highest level of sunshine hours in France.

Gastronomy & Wines The Charente is real cognac country where you can enjoy a tasting not just at famous houses like Remy Martin and Hennessy in Cognac itself, but also at local producers or whilst ambling through one of the weekly street markets. Another speciality is an aperatif called Pineau des Charentes (red or white, but always served chilled), made from a fine blending of cognac and grape juice. Markets provide the ideal opportunity to sample excellent cheese, charcuterie, fresh fish and seafood. Or indulge yourself at one of the excellent restaurants nearby, whether it's fine dining at a chateau or traditional country food at a farm auberge. Regional cuisine includes excellent lamb, magret de canard, confit de canard (duck) and recipes with veal, saucisson, mussels and oysters.

History & Culture You will find evidence of the department's rich romanesque heritage in many of its towns and villages.Fine examples are the cathedral at St Priere at Angouleme, the murals at Saint Savin and the magnificent chateau atRouchefoucauld.Other places of interest include the Talleyrand chateau and cloisters at Chalais, the museum at Champagne-Vigny, the gallo roman thermal baths at Chassenon, the grotto at Queroy, the medieval gardens at Dignac, the medieval old town in Cognac, as well as many pretty villages like Aubeterre, Villebois la Valette, Villefagnan and Tussan.At Aubeterre, for example, there is a pleasant village square surrounded by artisan shops where you can enjoy a coffee beforeexploring the narrow winding streets leading down to the river and stopping to visitthe incredible monolithic church carved out of the limestone cliff below the chateau.

Outdoor Life & Activities With its quiet country roads, rambling/cycling trails, leisure parks, nature reserves and numerous lakes, lagoons and rivers, this is an ideal region for outdoor pursuits. Everything from swimming, horseriding, pedallos and fishing to mountain biking, tennis, boules and simple country walks.Cruising on the River Charente and kayaking on the River Dronne are also very popular.Of course you could always just enjoy wandering through the street markets or following the wine tasting trails. The region also hosts many events and festivals, like the September vintage car rally and the November gastonomade market in Angouleme, jousting events on the River Charente/Dronne and the annual Montgolfiers hot air balloon spectacular.

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