What to do, Where to go…
Set in the peaceful countryside near Ruffec, our location offers the perfect balance of calm and discovery.
Within an hour’s drive you can explore picturesque riverside villages, historic châteaux, lively local markets and the vineyards of Cognac. Days here unfold at a gentler pace — whether you’re canoeing on the Charente, lingering over lunch in a village square, or wandering medieval streets in Angoulême.
It’s a region that rewards curiosity while never feeling crowded, making it ideal for guests who want to experience authentic France without the rush.
Food
Staying near Ruffec places you at the heart of one of France’s most understated food regions, where quality ingredients and simple pleasures take centre stage. Local markets are a highlight, brimming with seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan breads, farmhouse cheeses, free-range poultry and regional specialities. It’s the kind of place where conversations start at the cheese stall and lunches stretch happily into the afternoon.
The Charente is best known for its Cognac and Pineau des Charentes, both produced locally and easy to discover through nearby vineyards and distilleries. Village restaurants and auberges showcase traditional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients — think slow-cooked meats, river fish, Charentais butter, melon in season, and desserts flavoured with Cognac or Pineau. Oysters from the nearby Atlantic coast often appear on menus and market stalls, offering a taste of the sea surprisingly close to home.
Food here is unpretentious, generous and deeply rooted in place. Whether you’re gathering ingredients for a relaxed meal at home, enjoying a long lunch in a village square, or ending the day with a glass of Pineau as the sun sets, the Charente invites you to slow down and savour every bite.
Charente Flavours
Cognac & Pineau des Charentes – world-famous spirits, best enjoyed on a vineyard tour or at a tasting.
Charentais Melon – sweet, fragrant and seasonal, perfect for a light lunch or dessert.
Farmhouse Cheeses – especially goat cheeses from local farms, creamy and full of character.
Charentais Butter & Cream – rich, golden, and indispensable for pastries or simply with fresh bread.
Free-Range Poultry & Game – traditional dishes often slow-cooked with regional flair.
River Fish & Oysters – trout, pike and oysters from nearby rivers and coast, fresh and delicate.
Bakeries & Artisan Bread – from croissants to rustic country loaves, the bakeries are a morning must.
Local Honey & Jams – made from wildflowers of the Charente countryside.
Pastries & Desserts – often infused with Cognac or Pineau; tarte aux pommes or clafoutis are local favourites.