Cognac Country House Local-Info

Places of interest and things to do

The places and activities we have listed are all within striking distance of our Cognac country house. These are all in Charente or Charente Maritime departments. Driving times have been calculated using the Via Michelin website.

On the doorstep

Just across the road from our holiday rental you'll find the Boutinet cognac distillery. The owner, Bernard, and his family before him, have been producing cognac for generations and export to all corners of the world. Visitors are welcome into the tasting room where they can sample a variety of vintages. He also produces a delicious aperitive called 'pineau' which is made from blending cognac with grape juice.

Bernard's wife, 'Claire' is a painter who exhibits throughout Europe. She is always happy to show visitors around her studio.

Breville - our village

Just a short drive, 2.5km, will find our village, Breville. People have been living at this site on the edge of the tiny river Soloire since Roman times. The ancient village church is worth a visit and you'll also find a post office, bakery and a bar/restaurant.

Nowadays Breville's main claim to fame is as a centre for wood carving and sculptures, see photos in our gallery. Supported by the local council there are at least three artist's studios in the village. In august a two week festival is held with dozens of artists demonstrating their skills.

Eating out

The first thing to bear in mind that in the Charente region lunch is taken quite early; quite common to see restaurants filling up at 12.30. In the evening people arrive for dinner around 8pm.

The nearest restaurant to our Charente holiday home is the 'Vieux Pressoir' in Breville village. Best value at lunchtime with a 'menu du jour' for 11.5 Euros. This is a 3-course meal with wine and coffee included. In the evening there is a limited a la carte menu.

Five minutes away, just off the road between Thors and Matha, is a restaurant at the leisure centre. Big portions of hearty food and pleasant to eat outside on the terrace overlooking the lake. During the summer season they often have live music at weekends.

At Orlut, on the road to Cognac there's a truckers ('routiers') place that serves great value lunches for around 11 Euros. No choice but always delicious with wine, coffee and cognac included in the price; get there early! Closed in the evenings.

In Cognac itself there are too many eating out places to list. Around the central Place Francois I are several brasseries; the best probably 'Le Coq D'Or'. Just around the corner the more traditional 'Cellier' restaurant is excellent value. For a special evening try 'Les Pigeons Blanc'; first turning off the roundabout as you come into Cognac. Lovely retaurant but pricey!

Not too far away from our Cognac country house at Mesnac is Le Chateau de Mesnac. (www.dduveron.fr). Lovely setting but booking is essential.

Places

Our rental near Cognac is well placed for visiting a number if historic towns all having a different flavour.

First, and nearest being only a 15 minute drive, is Cognac itself. There is so much to see and do there at all seaons. Very popular are the distillery tours; all the major producerers are there, Martell, Henesseys, Otard, etc and all offer organised visits that all end with a tasting! From the quayside a replica sailing barge will take you on a river trip up the Charente through locks along the beautiful river valley.

Just wandering around the narrow streets of the old town is fascinating in itself. For full details of what there is to do and see go to: www.cognacnet.com and www.ville-cognac.fr

St Jean D'Angely, 25 minutes away, is worth a visit. Characterised by its half timbered houses, unusual in the region, and small quiet squares, ideal for relaxing with a glass of local wine. The town's website is www.angely.netNext in distance, 40 minutes is Saintes. Founded by the Romans at a strategic point on the River Charente the town is a living museum of architecture through the ages. Not to be missed is the Roman amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in Europe.

At an hours drive across country is Rochefort, the last town on the Charente before it flows into the Atlantic. The town was founded by Louis IV to provide shipbuilding and a secure base for his navy. There are several museums and a lively street market on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Find out more athttp://www.ville-rochefort.fr/decouvrir/

The coast

At just over an hour's drive is the large seaside resort of Royan. Though busy in the summer months its huge beaches are never too crowded. Plenty of activities there during the day and lively at nighttime. Website: www.ot-royan.fr. If you prefer somewhere less busy just along the coast is a small family resort called St Palais set in a pretty bay.

Our favourite seaside destination, and the same driving time, is Fouras, which is on the way to La Rochelle. Set on a small peninsular this family resort has a pretty centre and three beaches. Check out www.fouras.net From Fouras its a short ferry ride to the tiny Ile D'Aix; Napoleon's last stop off before being sent into exile.

Swimming Pools

The nearest pool is at Matha, 9 rue, Basse de la Mairie. Tel: 05 46 58 50 41

Vistors have recommended the outdoor fun pool at Rouillac, a 20 minute drive from Chasselas

At Cognac there is a summer pool, 13/6 to 2/9, in the central park, Parc Francois I

St Jean D'Angely has an aquatic centre, the Atlantys, that kids will love. Check it out at www.piscineatlantys.fr

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