Spring comes early in the Charente. Huge flocks of Cranes migrating north herald the end of winter at the end of February or early in March. By April other migrants such as the Hoopoo are arriving and the fields and road-sides are a carpet of wild flowers. May sees Nightingales singing in our gardens and the surrounding woods and the rare Stone Curlews are calling in the fields. It is a marvelous time for exploring the countryside.

Summer brings long sunny days and warm evenings. The pool and BBQs are in daily use and the fields of sunflowers are a spectacular sight. The first broods of swallows are receiving flying lesson diving in and out of our barns. There are fetes and night markets in the surrounding towns and villages and the local tourist attractions are in full swing. There's plenty to see and do for everyone.

Autumn is a time of plenty. Grapes are ripening on the vines and markets are full of local produce. Temperatures can often be in the 20s until late October - Another great season for walking, cycling and exploring.

In Poitou-Charente, eating is always a feast with fish from the sea, shellfish such as the renowned Marennes-Oléron oysters and also freshwater-fish: eel, trout and pike. Other mouth-watering local recipes make the most of prime meat and wild fowl, and there are fine butters and cheeses. Also popular are Cognac, the Pineau des Charentes (an aperitif of grape juice and Cognac), and the light fruity wines from Haut-Poitou, Deux-Sèvres and Charente. For more "serious" wine, the vineyards of Bordeaux are within easy reach.

Cultural, sporting and other special events: Angoulême is known as the "City of Festivals". Click here for details of forthcoming events.

• Forêt de la Braconne - Right on our doorstep. Walking and cycling on miles of farm and forest trails. Wildlife in abundance - Wild boar, deer, red squirrels, buzzards, golden orioles, hoopoo etc.
• Swimming, canoeing or fishing on the river Charente.
• A choice of bars and restaurants serving everything from classical French cuisine to British bar meals.

• Romanesque churches in virtually every village.
• Gardens open to the public including the fuchsia garden at Mansle and the mediaeval monastic garden at Tusson.
• La Rochefoucauld chateau - Open to the public but privately owned by a family whose ancestral tree includes Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots and several other British monarchs.

La Rochefoucauld

• Angouleme - capital of the Charente set on a hill-top surrounded by ramparts.
• Cognac - The most celebrated "eau de vie" in the world. Visit the distilleries and enjoy a tasting or two!
• Lacs de Haute Charente - Water sports of all descriptions with beaches for bathing.
• Les grottes du Quéroy - Limestone cave formations.

Rouillac Fair

• Rouillac fair - Really a large market. Once a month on the 27th. Hundreds of stalls selling everything from local produce and livestock to grandfather clocks!
• Silver mines at Melle - Dating back to Roman times.

• Valley des Singes - Wildlife park with many species of monkey.
• Oradour - WWII martyr village of the French resistance preserved exactly as it was when the villagers were massacred as a reprisal.
• Paper making museum and mills in Angouleme.

Futuroscope

• Limoges - If you're interested in porcelain then this is the place to go.
• Royan and the coast - One of France's largest seaside resorts.
• Futuroscope - Futuristic theme park dedicated to computerised technology and robots.
• Bordeaux and vineyards - Take home a case or two.
• Aubeterre - "One of the most beautiful villages in France".

Aubeterre

Comments From Our Guest Book

Tim & Liz: "We went to many interesting places ... We'd certainly visit again"

Barbara & Peter: "So many places of interest"

Carol (Age 13): "Go and see La Vallee des Singes. Also go to Futuroscope"

Andrew, Andrea, Sophie, Robyn and Joshua: "Had some great days out ... Cognac - a visit is a must"