We are just over an hour from the seaside. Head south to the amazing ‘Dune du Pilât’ - the largest sand dune in Europe - next to the lovely old seaside town of Arcachon and chic Cap Ferret. This is definitely worth setting aside a day for. North is Royan (98km, 1h28) and numerous sandy beaches.

The many colourful local farmers’ markets provide top quality fresh produce and other traditional French crafts. Some of the largest are in the charming market towns of Chalais (26 min, 24km), Riberac (40 min - 46km), Coutras (16 mins, 14km) and St Seurin (28 min, 28km).  The morning isn’t complete without stopping at a typical French bar for a café, chocolat chaud, Pineau, citron pressé or a pastis. There are a number of marchés nocturnes (night markets) in the summer months, where people party in the town square, with street food, music and dancing.  

There is a cornucopia of French specialities of the region in local restaurants and markets, including fresh seafood (oysters, mussels and fish), foie gras, duck and many local cheeses. We are surrounded by vineyards where you can visit, taste and buy the wines direct as well as trying Pineau (the local aperitif – delicious chilled) and, of course, Cognac.

Heading south, the narrow cobbled lanes of the gorgeous medieval hilltop wine town of Saint-Emilion (33km, 40min) lead to innumerable restaurants, historic buildings and wine houses offering wine tastings. The vineyards and city of Bordeaux (80km) are a spectacular day trip; try the local delicacy of canellés before a visit to the magnificent opera house amidst the grand buildings and fountains.

Blaye (60km) on the Gironde is also worth a visit with its great citadel and good Côtes de Blaye wine. If you are travelling during asparagus season, buy some from the Blaye market on a Wednesday or Saturday morning. 

Another day trip is Brantôme, known as the ‘Venice of Perigord’, where you can choose from river cruises, pedalo, horse-drawn barge, canoeing over rapids, the abbey, churches or a Troglodyte tour. Round about there is a choice of chateaux to visit. 

Nearby…

If you enjoy walking, running or cycling, there are also many beautiful trails right outside the house, through hills, forests and vineyards.  Activities nearby include horse riding, kayaking, go-karting, jet-skiing, railbiking (yes, really!) and of course, wine-tasting.   

There are numerous lakes and rivers with sandy beaches near by. 15 minutes drive away is Beauvallon, a swimming lake with a beach, pedalos and a café-restaurant. A great day out is a trip in the morning to the wonderful market in Riberac or Chalais, followed by an afternoon at the sandy beach by the river in Saint-Aulaye, with gorgeous kayaking. The picturesque lake La Jemaye (42min, on the way to Riberac) has different activities daily, and is popular with walkers and swimmers. The surreal turquoise lakes at Guizengeard are a must for photographers.

For active guests, Lac Sensation Frisson, near the village of Brossac (23 min – 22km), is a great place for watersports, including jetski, a 36m water slide and quad biking. Near by there’s also cable wakeboarding, kneeboarding and paddle boating.

Places to visit…

A must-see is Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (37km). It is classified as one of the ‘plus beaux villages’ (prettiest villages) of France, with delightful architecture and a stunning Monolithic Church – the largest underground church in Europe. Part of it was only discovered in 1961; a truck was passing by when the road began to collapse and revealed a necropolis below with tombs of crusaders.

Ribérac (40km) in the Dorgogne has an atmospheric weekly market and also the small and historic city of Périgueux (77km) which is especially famous for its fine local cuisine and markets. The historical sights and famous Maison des Vins of Bergerac (80km) also make a great day trip. A little closer to home is Cognac (62km) with its riverside restaurants, Cognac houses and beautiful historic town. You could combine this with a trip to Jarnac (71km) where you can enjoy brandy tastings and try yet more excellent restaurants.

The lovely old bastide town of Angoulême (76km) is the home of the ‘bande dessinnée’ (cartoon strip). In France, these have been elevated to a serious form of literature, and are something of a national obsession. When you come home, you can unwind with our large collection of Astérix books!