| Anam Cara(Celtic "soul friend") is a beautiful Charente holiday cottage with private pool & large grounds - a perfect place for couples or families with children. Budget flights & cheap ferries |
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| Total floor size of 150 m² |
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New! Speedferries Supertickets at £27 per crossing.
New! Ryanair flights to Angouleme from London Stanstead.
Lovely Cottage of honey-coloured charente stone, in walled grounds, offering complete peace, privacy and relaxation as well as safe, spacious play areas for children. Private pool. Child friendly. Situated near to an ancient church in a delightfully pretty village.
Bar and restaurant in the village. bold}
Excellent Air, Rail and road links for easy access by discounted ferry or cheap flights with budget airlines. Ask for our travel information sheet.
Ideally situated for enjoying the sun & warmth, the beautiful scenery, lively activities and cultural heritage of Ruffecois, as well as trips to Futuroscope theme park, nature and wildlife parks, medieval towns, Poitiers, Confolens, La Rochelle, "Green Venice" the Marais Poitevin, Limoges and Cognac country.
Just ask and we'll email you a full photogallery and feedback from previous guests.
Anam Cara is something special -a Charente holiday cottage offering accommodation of ancient character and modern comforts, at an affordable rental price in idyllic surroundings. Child friendly. Safe private pool. Perfect for couples and for families with children.
WALK to a friendly bar and restaurant in the village.
5 Mins to shops, supermarkets, cafes, bars and restaurants.
5 Mins to the Charente river and the Rejallant - a free leisure base/bar/restaurant/swimming/picnic area at a restored water mill.
Just email us for a 100 photo Photogallery and further information
Situated near the ancient pilgrim's route of St Jaques de Compostelle (also known as Santiago de Compostela, or the route of St James)
Anam Cara (meaning "soul friend") is a place to restore and refresh the spirit. A chance for a real change of pace. Walk in at the start of your holiday - float out at the end! Whether you want to be active in town, or in stunning countryside, or whether you prefer peace and relaxation at home, Anam Cara and the Ruffecois area offers you a warm welcome and everything you could need for a memorable and rejuvenating holiday in one of the sunniest parts of France.
There's plenty to do at home. Children have space to explore and play safely and there is a covered sandpit for younger children. You have a very large lawned garden with a grapevined suntrap patio dining area, as well as areas of shade under fig, beech, cherry, magnolia and medlar trees. You can play badminton and other games, laze in the hammock listening to birdsong , or cool off in the private above-ground pool.
Anam Cara is not part of a gite complex: you have private and exclusive use of all facilities.
In the evening, help yourself to some of the parsley, rosemary, basil, thyme, chives, garlic, onions or tomatoes to add to your evening meal, turn on the garden lights and relax in the warmth as you dine outdoors under the sunset. Or, if you don't want to cook, just walk up the road to the village bar and restaurant.
A very short walktakes you to the friendly village bar-restaurant, tennis courts, the village vineyard or glorious sunny woods, fields and country lanes.
Well-equipped and well-furnished accommodation combines ancient character with modern comforts.
There are two attractive, light and airy double bedrooms, both with clothes storage, bedside tables and reading lights. All household linen is provided and your bed is made up before you arrive.
A large, chandeliered living room, with exposed Charente stone walls, beamed alcoves and fireplace with woodburning stove, looks via French windows onto a restful balcony overlooking grapevines and mature gated gardens.
Easy access to sunflower fields and vineyards, Futurescope theme park, lively towns, unmatched chateaux, bathing lakes, mills, boating, swimming, superb restaurants, friendly bars, picturesque and interesting villages and a region of rich cultural heritage.
In a nutshell
Property Type: Cottage
Nearest Airport: Poitiers - 60 kms or Angouleme
Location Type: Fishing Nearby, Horse Riding, Near the sea, Quiet, Riverside, Rural/Village, Town, Watersports
Bedrooms: 2 Double Bedrooms. Comfortable, airy bedrooms, both with sitting space and views of the orchard and an ancient church. Additional double sofabed in the lounge. Cot available on request.
Bathrooms: 1 Shower, 1 Separate WC. The bathroom adjoins the main bedroom and has shower and sink, with a separate WC.
Kitchen: New gas Cooker, Hob, Microwave, New Fridge-Freezer, Iron. Well-equipped kitchen (including toaster, coffee maker, etc) overlooks the patio dining area. The kitchen receives morning to early evening sunshine.
General: House Linen. Rental includes all utilities, heating, bed linen, towels and a welcome pack which gives you all you need to know about about where to go, what to see and how to get there.
Dining: Seating for 6. The house is equipped for indoor and outdoor dining. The dining area (to seat 6) looks out through French windows onto grapevines, lawn and beautiful trees.
Entertainment: TV for DVDs,Radio, CD System, Board Games, Tennis Court. Lots of interesting books in French and English(including "Anam Cara" by John O'Donohue) , children's games, radio, tape and CD player, and music are available.
Outside: Private Pool, Terrace, Garden, BBQ, Parking, Balcony, Garden Furniture. Above-ground pool . Parking and drive space.Beautiful garden (floodlit for evening dining)and patio area with vines, honeysuckle. (Use the fresh herbs and vegetables if they are ready! )
Suitability: Children Welcome.
Let us know what you like to do and we will email you information sheets to help you plan your holiday. The area has a wealth of attractions for both adults and children.
A very short drive or bike ride takes you to indoor and outdoor pools, river bathing, horse-riding, canoes, kayaks, picnic areas, a bathing lake with beach, a variety of interesting cafes, bars and excellent restaurants.
or you can go: fishing, explore the forests of Ruffec, buy fresh farm produce at local markets, visit the cinema, clubs, outdoor concerts, artists' workshops, taste the incomparable food and wine at "Gourmet Days".
or take a look at: the Chateau of Verteuil, the panoramic views at Barro, the medieval church of Ruffec, the silver mines of Melle, the 12th century abbey at St Amant de Boixe, the protected medieval village of Tusson with spectacular gardens and a museum of rural life, the aquatic labyrinth at St Fraigne, restored mills at Condac and Villefagnan, the frescoes in the Chapel of Courcome, the International Dance Festival at Mansle (don't miss the fuchsia gardens), the restored chateau of Bayer - or just explore: you will find beautiful places, local fetes and festivals, and real French life.{
As you are 5 minutes from the N10, (and the main Paris to Bordeaux fast train route) access further afield is quick and easy to : the fascinating town of Poitiers and the Futuroscope theme park, The Vallee des singes (monkey park), Angouleme with its ancient streets and National Comics and Images Centre or the Chateau de la Rochefoucauld (with its nearby chocolaterie.) Or go east to the porcelain centre in Limoges and the International Folk Music Festival of Confolens; west to the excellent port of La Rochelle; north-west to the "Green Venice" of Marais Poitevin; ; south-west to Cognac(for tours and brandy tasting in the town or vineyards) or the superb Roman amphithatre and town of Saintes. Or take the TGV (fast train) from Ruffec to Bordeaux or Paris for the day.
Futuroscope Theme Park
Futuristic, multimedia, high-tech theme park which attracts visitors from all over Europe. Just outside Poitiers
Charente Tourist Information
Official Tourist Information site for the Charente with lots of good descriptions of outdoor activities, the Cognac area, roman archirecture, churches, picturesque villages, places to visit.
Parc Animalier de la Colline Enchantee
11 hectare animal park with wallabies, llamas, ostriches, emus, stags, deer, yak, antelopes, bison, dromedaries, and farm animals.
Confolens World Music & Dance Festival
In August every year Confolens hosts this international festival - ten day event with troupes of musicians and dancers from all corners of the globe. After the organised stage shows, small groups of artistes can be found on the terraces and bars of the town until the small hours
La Vallee des Singes
in a 15 hectare park, 350 monkeys, chimpanzees, apes, gorillas roam (almost) freely. Children can mix with the animals and join in feeding sessions.
La Toque Blanche
Excellent Hotel restaurant in Ruffec with lovely food and atmosphere at reasonable prices.
Zoodysee
Wonderful animal park set in a beatiful natural environment in the Forest of Chize, with over 500 animals to see.
Oradour sur glane
The famous "martyr Village" subject to a terrible Nazi massacre in Worl War Two. Rebuilt village with museum, artefacts, memories, exhibitions.
Feeriland
A world in miniature: a Lilliput land containing hundreds of miniature models; Caesar's army approaching a medieval village; the Wild West; a Gaelic Village; the Renaissance in miniature; animated scale models. At Veyrac, ten minutes from Limoges, near Oradour sur Glane.
Ruffec town hall & information
Guidede tour of the town, tourist information, photos and events calendar.
Le petit fute
Descriptions of major towns, tourist information, interesting sites and places to visit.
Charente Guide
Tourist guide to Charente events, festivals, carnivals, concerts, exhibitions and guided tours.
Snake Island
L'ile aux Serpents is a fascinating world of snakes, iguanas, varans, alligators, lizards, turtles and mangees living in a natural environment including caves, water and flora. The vivarium is open all year and you can have close contact if you wish. At La Trimouille, east of Montmorillon and not too far from Les Geants du Ciel at Chauvigny.
Giants of the Sky
Les Geants du Ciel is at the stunning medieval city of Chauvigny. Eagles and other birds of prey, white storks, African marabous, Australian kookaburras, parrots and other birds from all over the globe perform spectacular and colourful demonstrations of their skills in flight.
Charente Museum Guide
Information and virtual guides to museums in Poitou-Charentes. Includes: archaeology, ethnology, Arts and Natural History museums throughout the region. Events calendar showing exhibitions.
Puy du fou
Medieval theme and adventure park near the Marais Poitevin |
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| PHOTOS (click on the thumbnail to open a bigger version) |
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| Lowest Daily Price: |
N/A |
Highest Daily Price: |
N/A |
| Lowest Weekly Price: |
175 GBP |
Highest Weekly Price: |
495 GBP |
| Charging Method: |
Per unit |
| Payment Types: |
Credit Cards, Cheque, PayPal |
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| An area full of rich cultural heritage, romanesque buildings, chateaux, beautiful rivers and scenery. Close to nature and wildlife parks, lakes and boating, Futuroscope theme park, beaches at La Rochelle, brandy tours at Cognac, Roman town of Saintes, Angouleme, Confolens. |
| Address:
rte de Courcome, Villegats Ruffec 16700, France |
| Nearest Airport: Poitiers - 30 Miles |
| Accommodation located in
village, countryside, leisure area, rural, near the beach, near shopping area, near restaurants & bars, near historical interest, near cultural interest, near tennis courts, near water sports, near horse riding, near fishing area, near futuroscope theme park, near the charente river ! |
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| Rental Notes:Accommodation is all one one level, but there are steps up to the house.{linebreak}{linebreak}We can send you information sheets on:Travel Information (How to get here inexpensively by air, sea, road and rail), Nearby cafes and bars, Nearby Chateaux, Places to visit, Boats & Boat Trips, Boulangeries & Patisseries, Restaurants, Wine, Cognac & Pineau, Lakes, Nature & Wildlife Parks, Supermarkets, Activities for Children, Villages to visit,Ruffec town, Days out to Angouleme, Cognac, Saintes, Poitiers, Confolens, Jarnac - and anything else you would like to know.{linebreak}{linebreak}10% of the booking fee will be sent to our chosen charity of the year, {bold}{-bold}Medecins sans Frontieres. |
| # of Units: |
1 ... and each unit includes: |
| Bedrooms: |
2 |
Bathrooms:: |
1 |
| Single beds: |
0 |
Double beds: |
2 |
| Baby cots: |
0 |
Single sofa beds: |
0 |
Double sofa beds: |
1 |
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Barbecue |
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Disabled Facilities |
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Sauna |
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City View |
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Lift / Elevator |
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Spa / Jacuzzi |
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Sea View |
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Parking |
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Swimming Pool |
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Tennis Court |
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Private Beach |
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Garden |
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Balcony |
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Terrace |
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American Kitchen |
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Fridge & Freezer |
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Oven |
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Microwave |
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Dish Washer |
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Crockery & Utensils |
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Sofa Bed |
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Fireplace |
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Table & Chairs |
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Bath |
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Shower |
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Hair Dryer |
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Towels |
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Internet Dial Up |
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Internet Broadband |
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Cable/Satelite TV |
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Stereo/Radio System |
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DVD Player |
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DVD/Music Collection |
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Library |
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Telephone |
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Fax |
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Washing Machine |
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Safe |
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Ironing Board |
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Work Desk |
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Bikes |
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Bed Sheets |
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Central Heating |
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Air Conditioning |
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Pets Welcome |
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Tours & Excursions |
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Local Transportation |
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Local Guides |
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Butler Service |
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House Chef |
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24h Concierge |
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Daily Cleaning |
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| We speak:
French, English |
Guestbook: Feedback from guests: “Booking arrangements, were very easy, and the information sheets that you mailed were terrific as they gave us a chance to think about what we might like to do before we even got there. The house and garden were very well put together, we enjoyed the thoughtful touches in the fridge, so much so, that we got addicted to that delicious chocolate amongst other things!
Your lovely, and patient neighbours (-listening to my mangled attempts at speaking french!), deserve a special mention as they were charming and welcoming, even providing us with delicious produce from their garden. Please let them know how much they were appreciated by us.
We had some lovely lazy days at 'home', Anam Cara is a very relaxing place to be and the kids loved the pool, while we thoroughly enjoyed some of your books when ours ran out! We also enjoyed the games; our seven year old is now proficient at backgammon, while our nine and twelve year olds have become bingo whizzes, making up their own very funny bingo calling!
We visited the interesting Chateau (-complete with spooky caves and dressing up room ...very good for a giggle!)) at Rochefoucauld one morning; which has a fantastic tea room in it's shadow, next to the river that sells fabulous ice creams and crepes. We followed this up by going about 20 minutes further to the lakes at Massignac (we went to the one signposted la Guerlie), which has a terrific beach complete with water volley ball, restaurants, pedalos, canoes and sailing. A practically perfect day out.
Another lovely day out was spent at Aubterre-sur-Dronne. Really pretty hill town, has a delightful square in the centre with a gaggle of pleasant parasol-shaded eating places ... we liked 'Sel et Sucre' All very lovely and 'artsy'; interesting shops, and terrific for pottery (pleasant and talented potter based along from the fascinating church sculpted from the rock, although the one opposite it had some good things too.) Definitely take your bathers as the river below was a good find with beach and safe play park, also cafe... in fact we particularly loved this about the whole area in general, that you can enjoy both culture and some outdoor fun mixed in together.
We had a great evening at the Confolen festival watching the parade on our last night which was a terrific way to end our fortnight. All in all a very memorable and enjoyable holiday, which we will remember fondly. Thanks for all your help, warm regards Sara & Mike and family. August 2006
“Dear John,
We had a wonderful time at ‘Anam Cara’. Your card was very thoughtful. We felt everything was very efficiently arranged and the information you sent us very helpful. The house was lovely and the garden very beautiful. We thought the house was very well equipped. We made good use of the pool, the children enjoyed it tremendously. Our older child was very grateful for the DVDs! He actually put watching ‘Popeye’ as one of his holiday highlights,along with the pool! It was our most relaxing family holiday.
We thought the castle at La Rochefoucauld and the small town absolutely delightful.There is a restaurant/cafe opposite the castle, where you can sit on the terrace overlooking the river and the castle. It was very peaceful and the meal was lovely. I’m sorry I can’t remember the name of the restaurant but it’s on the same side as the castle, you see the terrace when you cross the bridge.
Confolens was lovely. We also went to La Rochelle, to the Maritime museum. Our French is sadly limited but this didn’t affect our enjoyment. Aigre was a lovely village with a good market and all the shops were open on the Sunday morning.
There was too much to see and do in the area and unfortunately not enough time. The neighbours and the people in the village were very friendly and welcoming.
We very much hope to revisit ‘Anam Cara’ in 2008. Thank you for letting use your very pretty cottage.” James Family. August 2006
“We did indeed have a great time at Anam Cara – it was just the right place for us. We especially enjoyed Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Sainte, Coulon, Melle (and the abbey in Celles is wonderful too), Nanteuil (have you discovered the arboretum?), Cognac (the Martell tour is really good), La Rochelle and the Ile de Re, the bakery van, Angouleme, Le Rejallant, the bike (bless you!!!!!), and the weekly Ruffec market. “ Wolfe Family April 2006
“We had a fantastic time in France. The weather ranged from 25 - 36 degrees throughout the two weeks. The neighbour, Jean-Claude was lovely and visited regularly to make sure all was well. When we first arrived we found a nest of blackbirds and it was wonderful to see them grow and finally fledge two days before we left. The birds there are lovely. The house was lovely, although we didn't spend much time inside, only for sleeping and washing. The house book was excellent and we visited a couple of the places listed - the trip to Martell in Cognac was exceptional. We are very happy that we found your house to stay in for this holiday. It was in a lovely setting and you have thought very well about what would make an enjoyable holiday for all. The welcome pack was a lovely idea and gratefully received after the long journey. Thanks again for allowing us to use your house as our holiday home.Kind Regards, Holland Family June 2006”
“Heya, yes thank you we had a wonderfull time, its such a pretty little place. With regards to booking you were great, had no problems there at all. The information was also fine! We had a great day out at futuroscope, loved it! The house was neat and well kept, funiture was good too. Lots of really nice little touches that we ejoyed, from the games there to the postcards, we will be sending a few of thouse out for sure. We didnt eat out all that much, but there was a little pizzaria in ruffec that made rather tastey pizza, Ive eaten a few few in my time and they were probably the best Ive had. Thanks again for a great holiday.” Ben and Jo June 2006
“Hello john just to say we had a great holiday at anam cara , sitting out in the garden and enjoying the swimming pool. le rejellant was a lovely spot. thanks neil
ps loches was 2 hours drive but what a lovely town shops . cafes, old cobbled streets and old castle” Robertson Family July 2006
“Hello John We have just returned from France and have very much enjoyed our time at Anam Cara so big thanks. We had a great time and I wouldn't have any problem recommending the house or area to others. The children particularly enjoyed the lake at Villefagnan as well as the swimming pool, which they virtually lived in! The information you gave us was excellent in planning days out and we found everyone in the village very friendly. I also noted you have a studio apartment in Paris suitable for 2. Any further details would be appreciated. “Warren Family August 2006
“We have viewed loads of websites and properties and Anam Cara stands out to us as an idyllic place for us, and with plenty of things for our children who are aged from 4 – 12 years.” S.G., Dumfries Aug 2005
"Dear John,
Booking arrangements, were very easy, and the information sheets that
you mailed were terrific as they gave us a chance to think about what
we might like to do before we even got there. The house and garden were
very well put together, we enjoyed the thoughtful touches in the
fridge, so much so, that we got addicted to that delicious chocolate
amongst other things!
Your lovely, and patient neighbours (-listening to my mangled attempts
at speaking french!), deserve a special mention as they were charming
and welcoming, even providing us with delicious produce from their
garden. Please let them know how much they were appreciated by us.
We had some lovely lazy days at 'home', Anam Cara is a very relaxing
place to be and the kids loved the pool, while we thoroughly enjoyed
some of your books when ours ran out! We also enjoyed the games; our
seven year old is now proficient at backgammon, while our nine and
twelve year olds have become bingo whizzes, making up their own very
funny bingo calling!
We visited the interesting Chateau (-complete with spooky caves and
dressing up room ...very good for a giggle!)) at Rochefoucauld one
morning; which has a fantastic tea room in it's shadow, next to the
river that sells fabulous ice creams and crepes. We followed this up by
going about 20 minutes further to the lakes at Massignac (we went to
the one signposted la Guerlie), which has a terrific beach complete
with water volley ball, restaurants, pedalos, canoes and sailing. A
practically perfect day out.
Another lovely day out was spent at Aubterre-sur-Dronne. Really pretty
hill town, has a delightful square in the centre with a gaggle of
pleasant parasol-shaded eating places ... we liked 'Sel et Sucre'
(-delicious salads and crepes, good for vegetarians). All very lovely
and 'artsy'; interesting shops, and terrific for pottery (pleasant and
talented potter based along from the fascinating church sculpted from
the rock, although the one opposite it had some good things too.)
Definitely take your bathers as the river below was a good find with
beach and safe play park, also cafe... in fact we particularly loved
this about the whole area in general, that you can enjoy both culture
and some outdoor fun mixed in together.
We had a great evening at the Confolen festival watching the parade on
our last night which was a terrific way to end our fortnight. All in
all a very memorable and enjoyable holiday, which we will remember
fondly.
Thanks for all your help, warm regards Sara Mike and family. July 2006
“A real change of pace…lovely relaxing holiday…the hammock was great.” R.W., Oxford July 2005 |
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