Sample the sights of the Charente Maritime
The Charente Maritime, with its own micro-climate, equals the South of France for sunshine hours. Its sweeping vineyards produce grapes for the famous Cognac brandy and Bordeaux wines.
Here are just a few of the attractions near the mill house; there are plenty more to enjoy & discover.
The River Charente flows through the nearby historic Roman towns of Cognac and Saintes with its amphitheatre. The brandy houses of Hennessey, Remy Martin and Martell are based at Cognac and provide guided tours of their distilleries, offering a sample of the amber liquid to taste or simply take away.
The area also boasts many good restaurants where you can enjoy the fresh produce from the sea, rivers & rich farmland of the Charente Maritime.
The islands of Ile de Re and Ile d'Oleron, famous for their Oyster beds and wildlife are also great for cycling and watersports with many picturesque whitewashed cottages to see along the way.
La Palmyre Zoo, just beyond Royan, is a must see for adults and children alike. With a world renowned breeding programme, there are always lots of young animals to see and pet.
Sleeping Beauty's Castle, the La Roche Courbon Chateau is one of the many Chateaux in the area not to be missed. Also recommended is the 17th century Chateau du Douhet which is set in over 49 acres of gardens.
The Bordeaux wine producing areas of Blaye, St. Emillion and Medoc are also worth a visit, offering the opportunity to taste as well as buy with guided tours given at many of the local chateaux.
Futuroscope at Poitiers is a colourful state-of-the-art park with a 3D cinema and latest in visual technology. Great for an out of season visit, or in case of inclement weather.
Beaches - the nearest beaches are about 20 minutes away by car at Meschers; these are small coves with sandy beaches. Further along the coast at St Georges de Didonne and Royan, there are huge sweeping beaches with lots of space, some watersports and full safety patrols. North of Royan is the Grand Cote - several miles of sandy beaches with some local beach patrols and a little further is the Cote Sauvage, with good sandy beaches but where the rollers come in off the Atlantic and therefore, perfect for surfers.
Charente Maritime Cycle Routes - with over 2500 km of cycle routes in the Charente-Maritime, many quiet lanes to cycle along, as well as a great cycle track through the pine trees at the Grand Cote, there couldn't be a better way to discover the area. To hire bikes which can be delivered straight to the millhouse contact www.bikehiredirect.com
Golf - there are 3 good golf courses - at Royan, Saintes and Cognac. All within 20 - 30 minutes drive from the mill house.
Horse Riding - There are several horse riding stables in and around the location.
And, when you have had enough of visiting all the beautiful beaches and endless places of interest, just return to the tranquility of Chez Moulin. Cool off in the pool, enjoy an al-fresco meal, with perhaps a glass of chilled Pineau des Charentes (a delicious local aperitif) and just relax.
Tourist Offices in the Charente Maritime
Office de Tourisme
Recommended website: www.bernezac.com
Pons Tel : 00 33 (0)5 46 96 13 31
website: www.tourism-pons.wanadoo.fr
Cognac Tel: 00 33 (0)5 45 82 10 71
website: www.tourism-cognac.com
