explore Epenede, Charente, Poitou-Charentes

This hike takes a look at the river Charente, particularly appreciated by François I, with all that the landscape reading can provide us.

The paths crossed are in the northern extension of the plateau of the red flinty soils of the Ruffecois, and are well in an atmosphere of Charentais landscapes.

Discover Charroux and its surroundings... In medieval times Charroux had a rich and powerful abbey. Today it is a "small city of character".

This common route to Asnois and Charroux is dominated by the theme of water with fountains, fords and mills on the river Charente, ponds...

To do this hike is to go through the valley of the Cibioux which takes its source near the village of Surin and runs to Lizant.

Payroux and Joussé, crossed by the river Clain, form a beautiful hilly and green ensemble, set in the neighboring plains. The "gentiilhommières" are a multitude of small castles and mansions scattered and well situated. On the way you can see the church of Payroux, the Château de Moiseau, the Château de Joussé, the Bascule and the Château de La Fougeraie.

The lover of landscapes and sites will find on this circuit the consequences of the action of the man and his conquest of the natural environment.

This route, which passes through the communes of Savigné and Civray along the Charente, was so named because the writer André Theuriet (1833-1907) had the opportunity, during his youth in Civray, to take part of it during his walks.

The hiking trail "Cornac et Cibiou", named after the two rivers it runs alongside, offers two contrasting landscapes: one open (the plateau) and the other closed (the valley).

A vacation home for up to six people in the old port area of Availles-Limouzine, La Maison du Passeur is a unique and historic gîte on the banks of the Vienne River.

Come and discover the Abbaye Royale de La Réau with your family. On the program : - morning: guided or self-guided tour. You'll discover some twenty rooms furnished and decorated as if the monks had gone for a walk. Bring your own picnic and enjoy lunch in the shade of the remarkable trees. - In the afternoon, choose your disguise! A great outdoor game awaits you, the Monument Game "Sauver La Réau", a thrilling investigation for young and old alike. A surprise awaits players at the end of the game. As a gift: a L'Abeille product discovery box.

Located in the old presbytery of the village of Saint-Gaudent, the gîte La Charmille welcomes you all year round in the south of the Vienne. You will be able to take advantage of your stay to discover the surrounding countryside, the heritage (Romanesque churches...) and the nearby tourist sites: the Vallée des Singes at 20 minutes, Le Cormenier at 15 minutes, the remains of the Saint Sauveur de Charroux abbey at 10 minutes, or the Futuroscope at 1 hour. This beautiful XIXth century building has been furnished and equipped with taste for your comfort. You will appreciate the large enclosed grounds and the terrace at the back of the gite.

A breathtaking jump that will remain engraved in your memory. This is the experience that awaits you if you are looking for adrenaline and euphoria. The magnificent setting overlooking the Vienne River and the view from the top of the Isle Jourdain viaduct will delight your eyes as you bungee jump The team that supervises you, well experienced with its 100 000 jumps, will secure you and accompany you throughout the activity. You will be equipped with the necessary material (rope, harness, karabiner, bungee cord...) in accordance with the standards and regularly checked, in conformity with the regulations. You will come out of this experience safe and sound, and with many sensational images in your head.

The Logis des Fontenelles, in the heart of L'Isle Jourdain, is composed of three rooms and can accommodate up to ten people. Interior courtyard for smokers. Close to all amenities, even on foot (bakery, newspaper shop, supermarket, gas station, doctor, tourist office, etc...). Many tourist attractions nearby.

Just 20 minutes from Confolens, a renowned world dance and music festival, and 20 minutes from Mortemart, one of France's most beautiful villages, at the junction of the Vienne, Charente and Haute-Vienne departments, on an 80-hectare estate of meadows and woods where sheep are raised, the totally independent house, located on the farm, opens onto an enclosed lawn at the rear. Small 3 x 2 m above-ground pool, 0.60 m deep, and trampoline. A path passes close to the gîte and provides a beautiful walk on the property where deer and hinds have also made their home, and it's not uncommon to observe or hear them from the gîte.

On the edge of the Charente, 16 km from Confolens and its famous festival, a stone's throw from the Monts de Blond massif, a hiker's paradise with its unspoilt trails and landscapes of forests mixed with meadows, the gîte is located in a peaceful hamlet, close to a cow-breeding farm. It opens onto a vast enclosed plot of land, ideal for families and nature-lovers in search of peace and quiet.

Welcome to Aquaroline! Caroline is a watercolorist who loves to share and pass on her passion. Whether you're an amateur or an expert, young or old, don't hesitate to take part in a creative workshop. Caroline welcomes you by appointment to her refined and colorful studio.

The establishment is located in the heart of nature, 2 km from the town of Mézières-sur-Issoire. Surrounded by a vast park with trees over a hundred years old, you're guaranteed absolute peace and quiet. Enjoy the property and its facilities (outdoor swimming pool, children's play area, bike hire...). The 2-bedroom chambre d'hôtes can accommodate 4 people (+ one infant), table d'hôtes by prior arrangement.

The 13th century Fraisse was a "noble dwelling" of which almost nothing remains today. It was burned in 1356 by the famous Black Prince. It was rebuilt after the Hundred Years War by Sieur Jacques des MONSTIERS. It is the "old castle" of the 15th century forming the right part of the buildings The main part, of the XVIth century, of Renaissance type has a beautiful Henri II staircase, the big room with its S.Serlio fireplace whose entablature represents the Fraisse of the XVIth . Visits are made by a member of the family.

This picnic area welcomes you with 5 tables for 6 people (not covered)

The Romanesque church, built in the 12th century, was fortified in the 15th century, during the insecurity of the Hundred Years War. The portal of the western facade, the cornices with modillions and the capitals of the nave constitute privileged supports for beautifully crafted Romanesque sculptures. The gilded wooden tabernacle, dating from the 18th century, is one of the most beautiful examples in the department. After the Eucharistic miracle of April 2, 1643, when only a host and the foot of a chalice miraculously survived a fire, Pressac became famous. It was classified as a Historic Monument in 1987. A heritage desk installed at the entrance will give you information on this monument.

This picnic area features 5 tables seating 6 (uncovered)

This picnic area features 2 tables seating 6 (uncovered)

This picnic area welcomes you with its 6-person table (uncovered)

Old bridge over the Charente. Listed as a historical monument since February 18, 1927. This bridge called "Roman" has a very old origin without however going back to the Gallo-Roman period. It could date from the 13th century but no date incrusted in the stone nor any document has yet allowed us to correctly date its origin. This bridge is built in limestone, it is 80 m high, 4 m wide and has a humpback profile. On the downstream side, the two main piers are reinforced by rectangular blocks. On the upstream side, over the triangular bridge fronts, the parapet forms, at the level of the roadway, 2 triangular refuges for pedestrians. Do not hesitate to come and discover this majestic bridge over the Charente.

Romanesque church with an interesting portal and bell tower Listed as a historical monument since 1926. The door of the church has 3 bands decorated with moldings and 2 arcades. The length from the bottom of the apse (semi-circular end) to the door is 25m, the length of the arms of the cross is 15m and the width of the nave is 5m50. The apse is pierced by 3 Romanesque windows decorated internally with moldings The transept, the transverse gallery of the church that separates the choir from the nave, also has a Romanesque window. The bell tower, in the form of a dome, rises in the center of the cross and is supported by square pilasters on which round columns are installed. The bases of these columns are decorated with moldings. This bell tower is octagonal, made of ashlar and pierced with Romanesque windows.

In Ansois, in the south of Vienne, take time to laze by the water at the leisure area La Roussille. Children and adults will have fun with the playground, the city stadium and the petanque field. You can also picnic, a shelter is installed in case of bad weather. Take the opportunity to explore the nearby Moulin de la Roussille, built in the 15th century, it will keep you cool between its thick walls.

This picnic area features 2 tables seating 6 (uncovered)

Located on the rest area, this chalet style restaurant, warm atmosphere with its chimney and its visible beams, proposes you its menus from 21,00 €. Formula of the day 13.50€, as well as its card, from 9,00 € to 18,00 €. The menus are elaborated essentially from fresh products Taste the chef's specialties: Mexican-style pork ribs, gourmet plate ... During the summer season, you can enjoy all the mussels and fries you want. You can also take advantage of its large shaded and pleasantly flowered terrace. The restaurant "Le Chalet" welcomes you on reservation on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the dinner service. Closing period : 3 weeks in October

Located in the heart of the village, this restaurant with a friendly setting and a family atmosphere will offer you its daily menu at 12,00 €. The restaurant "Le Virage" welcomes you every lunchtime from Monday to Saturday. Period of closing : one week during the school vacations of February and one week during those of December.

Located in the heart of the Floating Village, on the quays opposite the floating grill huts, this restaurant will present you its regularly renewed menu made of fresh products. The chef will propose you his menu of the day at 14.50 €, his menus from 20,00 € to 30,00 € and also, in season, mussels and French fries. During the summer season, you can enjoy its three floating terraces: a change of scenery guaranteed! The restaurant "La Marina du Ponteil" welcomes you, clients of the Floating Village and external clients, every lunchtime (except Monday) and every evening (except Monday and Sunday), from mid February to mid November. Open 7/7 in July and August

Located in the heart of the village, the chef Thomas Fournier elaborates his menus with fresh seasonal products by favoring local producers During the week, the chef will propose menus from 11,00 € at lunchtime and from 19,00 € in the evening. On weekends, he will propose you menus from 19,00 €. Classified Logis 3 cocottes and Maître Restaurateur. The restaurant "La Châtellenie" welcomes you every lunchtime except Monday and Saturday and every evening except Monday and Sunday.

Bar and bistro in Mauprévoir

Brewery - Pub

Take a break in Charroux, a small city of character, and in a family atmosphere, enjoy a menu that gives pride of place to fresh products and home-made cooking Friday : Portuguese specialties / Portuguese wines

Order from 12:30 pm. On-site presence from 5pm to 9:30pm.

Near Civray, enjoy the shaded terrace and the large parking lot. The restaurant is on the same level and is easily accessible for people with reduced mobility. The menus are changed every 2 months, with local products highlighted.

Fast food restaurants

The Maison de Villars, an old house from the 18th century with the charm of exposed beams, is composed of three rooms and can accommodate eight people.

Who has never dreamed of sleeping in a hut on the water or in an African-style lodge? It's an unusual, funny and unforgettable experience! The Pressac Floating Village is an original place, ideal for families, friends, lovers or tribes. In a natural and preserved aquatic site, come and sleep in floating cabins, moored in the middle of a pond, or in lodges on stilts like African huts with all comfort, unusual and ecological accommodations A unique concept in France of about 20 floating cabins and 5 lodges on stilts to sleep, fish, have meals, discover the fauna and flora... in a Natura 2000 classified area Each lodge is composed of two "huts" connected by a terrace (50m²). They have all the modern comfort (water and electricity).

Enjoy a "green" stay in the heart of the countryside in the south of the Vienne, in a spacious gite located in an old farm of the XVIIIth century, while being close to the tourist sites: 10 min from the Abbey of Charroux, 20 min from the Cormenier, 25 min from the Vallée des Singes, 1h from the Futuroscope... The accommodation offers all the modern comforts, while keeping its original character: wooden beams, exposed stone walls... The terrace and the swimming pool are at your disposal for relaxing moments.

Take advantage of this 3-star furnished accommodation in the countryside of southern Vienne, ideal for a stay "in the green" while being close to the tourist sites of the area (Charroux Abbey, the Valley of the Monkeys, Le Cormenier...) The well-equipped gîte retains the charm of the original farmhouse. The terrace and the swimming pool are perfect for relaxing moments.

The gite des Iris is composed of three rooms and can accommodate six people. On a green field of 8000 m² you will appreciate the calm of the countryside. Welcome to our friends the animals.

La Châtellenie, an inn of character located in the heart of the village of Availles-Limouzine, offers you nine rooms with a neat and personalized decor, including one room accessible to people with reduced mobility. Take advantage of your stay to discover and appreciate the gastronomic cuisine with seasonal products in its restaurant. Located in the heart of the village, the chef Thomas Fournier elaborates his menus with fresh seasonal products by favoring local producers. During the week, the chef will propose menus starting at 11,00 ? for lunch and 19,00 ? for dinner. On weekends, he will propose menus from 19,00 ? Classified as an Elegance Hotel and Distinguished Table, the restaurant "La Châtellenie" welcomes you every day except Monday and Saturday and every evening except Monday and Sunday.

Two bedrooms each for two people, each with a private shower room and a large double bed.

House in the center of Availles-Limouzine, overlooking an old town gate, comprising ground floor: living room with open kitchen and WC - 1st floor: bedroom with double bed, bathroom (bath with integrated shower - WC) - 2nd floor: air-conditioned mezzanine with study area and sitting area - bedroom with 2 "boat" beds.

This gite, composed of three rooms, can accommodate six people. It is a village house, entirely renovated, located in the heart of the historic town of Availles-Limouzine and about 80 m from the Vienne river. Living room, dining room and equipped kitchen on the ground floor, bedrooms and shower room on the first floor.