Guidebook for Blanzac-Porcheresse
Sightseeing
Known for its Cognac but beautiful old parts of town. Tours round the big ‘houses’ and samples at the end of course. Quantity of good eating places outside in the main square.
182 locals recommend
Cognac
Known for its Cognac but beautiful old parts of town. Tours round the big ‘houses’ and samples at the end of course. Quantity of good eating places outside in the main square.
Picture postcard fortified village of classic white-washed houses and hollyhocks built by Edward I Duke of Aquitaine. Oustanding 11th century Romanesque church overhanging the clifftop
240 locals recommend
Talmont-sur-Gironde
Picture postcard fortified village of classic white-washed houses and hollyhocks built by Edward I Duke of Aquitaine. Oustanding 11th century Romanesque church overhanging the clifftop
Beautiful place, position, steep and in some places VERY steep cobbled streets, good outdoor eating, Tours, known for its wine! Tours of monolithic cathedral (N.B. get tickets from the tourist office BEFORE going down a VERY steep cobbled street to the cathedral entrance)
816 locals recommend
Saint-Émilion
Beautiful place, position, steep and in some places VERY steep cobbled streets, good outdoor eating, Tours, known for its wine! Tours of monolithic cathedral (N.B. get tickets from the tourist office BEFORE going down a VERY steep cobbled street to the cathedral entrance)
Angles-sur-l'Anglin
Benedictine Abbey on the River Dordogne, canoeing, caves, eating and much, much more
269 locals recommend
Brantôme
Benedictine Abbey on the River Dordogne, canoeing, caves, eating and much, much more
Villebois-Lavalette
Elegant boulevades and architecture. Replica 18th century frigate Hermione which sailed to USA in 2015 commemorating the originals historic voyage to aid the American War of Independence (can go aboard). Corderie Royale (Royal Ropeworks) dubbed the Versailles of the Seas – now has maritime exhibitions
132 locals recommend
Rochefort
Elegant boulevades and architecture. Replica 18th century frigate Hermione which sailed to USA in 2015 commemorating the originals historic voyage to aid the American War of Independence (can go aboard). Corderie Royale (Royal Ropeworks) dubbed the Versailles of the Seas – now has maritime exhibitions
Situated at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. Medieval heart shows former prosperity from oyster fishing and sea salt trade.
Magnac-Lavalette-Villars
Situated at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. Medieval heart shows former prosperity from oyster fishing and sea salt trade.
Chateaux well worth a visit. You can even dress up whilst you are visiting!
34 locals recommend
La Rochefoucauld
Chateaux well worth a visit. You can even dress up whilst you are visiting!
Getting Around
Our local favourite. Magnificent old town on top of a hill with winding streets, open squares where you can eat, drink and get merry whilst listening to live music in the evenings. Masses of restaurants, both inside and outside eating, magnificent buildings and views over the ramparts, indoor market, art everywhere, shops galore, comic strip museum
187 locals recommend
Angoulême
Our local favourite. Magnificent old town on top of a hill with winding streets, open squares where you can eat, drink and get merry whilst listening to live music in the evenings. Masses of restaurants, both inside and outside eating, magnificent buildings and views over the ramparts, indoor market, art everywhere, shops galore, comic strip museum
Shopping
Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire
Markets Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also supermarket Super U. Can hire kayaks to go on our love River Charente
7 locals recommend
Châteauneuf-sur-Charente
Markets Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also supermarket Super U. Can hire kayaks to go on our love River Charente
Food Scene
New Restaurant in the centre of Blanzac. Chic and good food. Open Tuesday - Friday lunchtimes only Friday - Sunday evening meals only.
Can hire bikes in La Rochells to view the town and local area. It also has a wonderful aquarium
514 locals recommend
La Rochelle
Can hire bikes in La Rochells to view the town and local area. It also has a wonderful aquarium
Chalais
Chateaux open plus very good restaurant
Really good lunchtime food either from the menu or plat du jour. Very good value, near Angouleme
12 locals recommend
La Couronne
Really good lunchtime food either from the menu or plat du jour. Very good value, near Angouleme
Le Resto de Nonac
Le BourgGood food locally
L'arthemy
4 Pl. Saint-ArthemyEssentials
Blanzac-Porcheresse
Entertainment & Activities
Lovely town on river Dronne (swimming/boating) Outstanding Monolithic cathedral (Eglise Saint-Jean). Good selection of eating places, very attractive town
173 locals recommend
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Lovely town on river Dronne (swimming/boating) Outstanding Monolithic cathedral (Eglise Saint-Jean). Good selection of eating places, very attractive town
Monkey Valley
Jonzac
Nautilis station
Etang Vallier Resort tel:0545980783 Lake, mini golf, bike hire, watersports, nautic skiing, Restaurant
7 locals recommend
Étang Vallier
Etang Vallier Resort tel:0545980783 Lake, mini golf, bike hire, watersports, nautic skiing, Restaurant
Arts & Culture
Gorgeous! Wine museum. On UNESCO World heritage list. Outside of Paris it has the highest number of preserved historical buildings in France and Shops Galore!
716 locals recommend
Bordeaux
Gorgeous! Wine museum. On UNESCO World heritage list. Outside of Paris it has the highest number of preserved historical buildings in France and Shops Galore!
Full of everything. Stunning cathedral, medieval town, daily market, The Gallo Roman Vesunna Museum, 3 other museums. Quite a large place to get lost it but very interesting and lovely tiled roofs to look down on.
275 locals recommend
Périgueux
Full of everything. Stunning cathedral, medieval town, daily market, The Gallo Roman Vesunna Museum, 3 other museums. Quite a large place to get lost it but very interesting and lovely tiled roofs to look down on.
Le Maine Giraud (Ancien Domaine d'Alfred de Vigny)