Local Attractions
Places worth visiting within a day trip
Montmoreau-Saint-Cybard
The local town. Supermarkets and restaurants.
The town is overlooked by a castle that dates from the Middle Ages, and a chapel within its gardens is classified as a historic monument. While its walls date from the eleventh century, the castle was destroyed during the Hundred Years War. Today only a large gate remains of the original; the current castle was built in the 15th century in the form of a manor within the old walls. The Church of Saint-Denis, which was restored starting in the 19th century, dates from the 12th.
12 min drive - Directions
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Lovely local town full of craft shops, bars, and restaurants.
It has been officially listed as "One of the most beautiful villages in France," since 1993. Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is also well known for its Church of Saint Jean, an underground, Monolithic Church.
18 min drive - Directions
River beach at Aubeterre sur Dronne
Beautiful sandy beach with cafe, toilets and canoe hire.
You can safely swim in the river and also fish, but you will need a fishing permit which is available from the grocery shop ‘Vival’ in Aubeterre.
18 min drive - Directions
Le Grand Etang de La Jemaye
Another beach but much bigger and with lots going on.
A large lake and nature reserve set amidst 210 hectares of unspoilt forest, with a lakeside beach, bars, restaurants, toilets and supervised bathing (summer months). You can fish (permit required) and in the summer months, there are free canoes available to explore around the lake. If you prefer to walk or cycle, there are several signposted routes from the site all around the main lake and the further 5 interconnected ponds, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest and an abundance of nature.
36 min drive - Directions
Angouleme
Large local town and capital of the Charente
Around the heart of Angouleme historic centre there are more than two kilometres of the ramparts remaining intact, while the boulevards that follow the walls are wide, open streets with good views across the surrounding countryside.
36 mins drive - Directions
