What to do,
where to go:

Ruffec, situated on the Lien River, is our nearest market town.

A quiet town, Ruffec has maintained a small historical centre around Armes Square and the church (the focus of your visit).  Armes Square is dominated by its grand Town Hall which was built in the 1830s.

It has a useful selection of shops and restaurants and three supermarkets, including a large E. Leclerc.

Nanteuil is an attractive village to explore, with a mix of traditional houses - mostly in stone and some half-timbered - dating back at least to the 12th century. Many of these have been renovated though there are enough that have not been touched to give the village an attractive authenticity.

Verteuil castle is a very impressive sight, with several imposing towers capped by conical slate roofs and dominating both Verteuil-sur-Charente and the river below. It is generally considered to be one of the finest castles in the Charente region.

Built by the locally important Rochefoucauld family the castle dates from the 15th century, having largely replaced an earlier 12th century castle in the same location. The square castle keep is the main part of the original medieval castle still to be seen, while the round towers with their conical roofs are the 15th century additions.

One of the rooms in the castle used to contain a tapestry called the "hunt of the unicorn" but this tapestry is now in the Rockefeller Centre in New York.

Set in attractive parkland, the castle was further substantially modified in the 19th century at the time the parkland was created.

Angoulême is located on a limestone plateau overlooking the Charente River. Thanks to its perched position, the city is nicknamed the “balcony of the southwest” France. When you stand at its edge looking over the surrounding countryside – you’ll know exactly how it got that name.

Its location has always made it highly coveted, the Romans, taking it for themselves, fortified the hilltop town against would be conquerors and it’s certainly had a turbulent past.

Nowadays, it has a vibrant, dynamic feel. It’s the capital of the department of Charente and there’s plenty to keep visitors happy.

More on Angoulême here.

Poitiers is a classic French provincial city. Capital of the Poitou area of western France, and county-town of the Vienne department, it is a historic city that has conserved much of its old world charm.
   A traditional stopping spot on the route from Paris to Bordeaux, southwest France and Spain, it is a city that has catered for passing travellers since Roman times.

For most people, the word “cognac” inevitably makes them think of the famous local product and it’s true that the city owes its reputation to the beverage. But it’s not the only element. The birthplace of François I has a rich history and a heritage that goes way beyond the world-famous spirit.