Discover Chaniers, Charente-Maritime: nature and heritage await

Nestling on the first slopes of Grande Champagne, a premier cru AOP cognac region, Salles d'Angles enjoys the proximity of the city and the serenity of the countryside. Hiking trail complying with the requirements of the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenades et de Randonnée, proposed by Grand Cognac and the commune of Salles d'Angles.

The Né, a tributary of the Charente, borders the commune of Saint-Palais and draws multiple landscapes. The valley stretches for several kilometers at the foot of the hills of Grande Champagne.

In the heart of the fine woods, the tour takes you through the village of Sigogne, its extensive vineyards, woods, hillsides and hamlets to discover traces of the past around the Via Agrippa, the Roman road that linked Saintes to Lyon, and its 12th-century church. A hiking trail complying with the requirements of the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenade et de Randonnée, proposed by Grand Cognac and the commune of Sigogne.

Located in the immediate vicinity of the Charente-Maritime, Lachaise offers a typical landscape of the Charente Champagne region with its wine-growing plain descending to the Né Valley.

North-east of the village of Bouteville, the vineyard circuit crosses the Chaumes Boissières, a Natura 2000 site where flora and fauna are king. Be attentive and respectful, they're watching you! In the heart of the Grande Champagne vineyards, one of the six of the Cognac AOC, this 7.8 km nature trail also reveals the charms of this village and its unmissable château comtal flanking the heights of Bouteville... A hiking trail complying with the requirements of the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenade et de Randonnée, proposed by Grand Cognac and the commune of Bouteville.

In the heart of the Charente vineyards, this 8.4 km discovery also reveals the charms of this village and its inescapable château comtal flanking the heights of Bouteville, as well as the old Pain perdu mill... A hiking trail complying with the requirements of the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenade et de Randonnée, proposed by Grand Cognac and the commune of Bouteville.

The 6 km Meadows trail is ideal for family walks. It reveals the flora and fauna of the banks of the Charente and reveals the village's built and natural heritage along the way. A hiking trail complying with the requirements of the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenades et de Randonnée, proposed by Grand Cognac and the commune of Graves-Saint-Amant.

The village of Graves-Saint-Amant boasts a variety of landscapes to inspire hikers: the banks of the Charente, valleys and hillsides, Chaumes Boissières with its holm oaks protected as a Natura 2000 zone. Along the way, you'll also encounter nature and its heritage, with two churches, washhouses and typical Charentais houses... A bucolic stroll out of time... A hiking trail that meets the requirements of the Plan Départemental des Itinéraires de Promenades et de Randonnée, proposed by Grand Cognac and the commune of Graves-Saint-Amant.

Barret, in the heart of Petite Champagne, offers diverse landscapes and panoramas of the surrounding countryside.

Built on a hill from which was formerly extracted flint, Montchaude dominates the Petite Champagne charentaise.

Ideally located in Jarnac along the River Charente, the maison TIFFON invites you to discover its famous Braastad cognac. Discover it's history, authenticity and exceptional heritage in an emblematic building. Founded in 1875, explore the authenticity of a family-run, independent house whose winemaking secrets have been passed down for 6 generations. The House owns 40 hectares of vineyards in the Grande Champagne and Fins Bois crus. Today, the House is run by the Braastad family, who manage the estate in the traditional way, from the vine to the glass. Immerse yourself in the secrets of cognac production through the different stages of production: history, know-how, distillation. This plunge into the heart of cognac will take you into our cellars and introduce you to the art of ageing and blending. Finally, after a visit to our cabinet of curiosities, the experience concludes with a tasting of the uniqueness of our cognacs*. We'll introduce you to our iconic cognacs from the 3 iconic categories: VS, VSOP, XO to give you a better understanding of the different facets of cognac. You can also explore cognac through a tasting of our oldest and most exceptional cognacs during the Prestige visit. *Tasting reserved for adults.

Discover the spirit of Maison Courvoisier and follow the footsteps of Félix Courvoisier in Jarnac, founder of our Maison in 1828. The perfect introduction to the spirit of Maison Courvoisier. Discover the subtle art of distillation, ageing and blending, that defines the Maison Courvoisier. Enter the emblematic cellar, chai Renard, a unique experience deep inside Maison Courvoisier history and craftmanship. Experience the Maison signature style, cognac in blossom, through the tasting of Courvoisier VS, VSOP and XO.

The Compagnie de Bouteville combines culture and flavors during a food pairing visit combining manufacturing secrets and gastronomy in the heart of the Grande Champagne region. During the tour, guests discover the manufacturing process of the products and the range of flavors during a tasting and finish with a food/vinegar pairing with oysters and/or a platter of charcuterie and cheeses.

The Compagnie de Bouteville combines culture and flavors during an outdoor visit on the history of the village of Bouteville combined with discovery of the factory of its artisanal French balsamic vinegar made in the heart of the 1er cru of Cognac. During the visit, guests discover the history of Bouteville at the foot of the castle with a breathtaking view of the vineyard then join the Fabrique du Baume de Bouteville, to discover its history, the five stages of its production to finish with a tasting You will be offered a tasting at the end of the tour.

Classified as a historic monument since 28th February 1984, the castle of Bouteville was selected in the Mission Bern in 2018. After several years of restauration, this major site of the regional historical heritage opens you its doors. Immerse yourself in the history of Bouteville Castle! Thanks to an innovative and playful scenography, retrace the thousand years of history lived by this emblematic castle of Charente, in the heart of the Grande Champagne, 1st cru of the cognac appellation. Dynamic model, video projections and interactive terminals punctuate the visit to make discover to the visitors the retrospective of the castle. Child devices complete the visit to delight both young and old.

Visit us, in this charming house to discover the story of Belle de Brillet, pear and cognac liqueur. Maison Brillet is settled in Graves-Saint-Amant, in the enchanting setting of the banks of the Charente river. It dates back to 1656 with Guy Brillet's birth and founding father of the vineyard in the heart of the Cognac region. It was in 1985 that the Belle de Brillet was created by Jean-Louis Brillet, whose name pays tribute to his "Belle", his wife Isabelle. Unique liqueur with pear and cognac, with its pear-shaped bottle, it comes from 100% natural products with no added colours and flavours. A good versatility for use as digestive or aperitif: on ice or in a cocktail. Come and discover where it all began : Brillet cellar and distillery. Enjoy a wonderful tasting of our Brillet products : liqueur - pineau - cognac

The Angeac-Charente paleontological site is a fossil deposit known as one of the world's largest dinosaur sites. The Angeac-Charente palaeontological site, discovered in 2008, is located in the gravel quarries on the banks of the River Charente. Initial palaeontological investigations have confirmed the exceptional nature of the site, which dates back 140 million years to the Cretaceous period. The research is being coordinated by palaeontologists from the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, the universities of Lyon and Rennes, the CNRS and, locally, the Musée d'Angoulême. Near the site, an open-air discovery area has been set up by the Département de la Charente, which owns the site. Visitors can explore the history of the Charente and its inhabitants in the Lower Cretaceous over an area of almost 300 m2. Younger visitors can also play games. This area provides an opportunity to discover the scientific activity on the site, its results and the hypotheses formulated to recreate the Cretaceous ecosystem for the general public. The interpretation platform is open all year round. Since 2010, an excavation campaign has been carried out every summer in July, giving the public an opportunity to take part in guided tours. There are also workshops for young visitors. Further information: patrimoine16.lacharente.fr/sites-du-departement/angeac-charente/

Travel 140 million years back in time to meet the dinosaurs and take part in a unique immersive and participative experience! Thanks to Tumulte® technology, come and interact with the dinosaurs of Angeac-Charente, in 3D and in real size.

Housed in an old Charentais farmhouse, this space presents the history of the site and the artefacts found during archaeological digs. Then discover the Gallo-Roman sanctuary and theater, set in a protected natural site. The Espace d'Interprétation du Gallo-Romain will give you all the keys you need to understand the archaeological site of Les Bouchauds. The Bouchauds site is located in the commune of Saint-Cybardeaux, a few kilometers from the town of Rouillac. It comprises two elements: - the archaeological site, which to date includes a sanctuary and one of the largest Gallo-Roman theaters in France. The archaeological site is open all year round. - the Gallo-Roman Interpretation Center. See opening hours. Before exploring the Gallo-Roman site of Les Bouchauds, come and visit the Gallo-Roman Interpretation Center. Housed in an old Charentais farmhouse built in 1846, this space features drawings, models and videos that will give you the keys to understanding the archaeological site. After your visit to the interpretation area, set off to discover the sanctuary and theater, one of the most beautiful Gallo-Roman sites in France. Indeed, the theater is one of the largest in rural Gaul. A remarkable testimony to the Gallo-Roman era (1st century AD), the theater's exceptional size meant it could seat 7,000 spectators. The highlight of your visit is the panoramic view of the Charente countryside from the top of the theater. The Bouchauds hill is a Natura 2000 protected natural area. The archaeological site is open to visitors all year round. The interpretation area is open during school vacations.

Nestled on the edge of the Gironde estuary, in the charming and picturesque little "Port de Richard", Martine and Pascal de La Mare open the doors of their haven of peace, the Haras de la Mellerie, and invite you to enjoy a moment out of time. Here, you'll live to the rhythm of nature and your desires, to the rhythm of a horse's stride. And as the Médoc peninsula abounds in treasures, we invite you to discover its heritage, vineyards and sandy beaches. Set in a lush, flower-filled setting, Le Haras, with its blend of 18th-century and contemporary architecture, offers an independently-accessible bed & breakfast that will win you over with its furnishings and inspired atmosphere. Breakfast is served inside or outside, depending on the season. Self-catering cottage also on the property.

The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions retraces the life of a ploughman in the 18th century and the evolution of the commune over time. The Gaston Grégor Museum is housed in the former stables and outbuildings of the presbytery which were built in 1789. It is the museum of rural life in the 19th century with old farming, wine-growing and craft tools, a collection of cut stones, local history documents and the reconstruction of the unique room where a hand ploughman lived in 1789. The tools presented bear witness to rural life in the 19th century in our region, both for the cultivation of hemp and vines and the production of cognac, as well as the various trades, carpenters, wheelwrights, etc... Documents dating back to 1575 attest to the mentality and living conditions. A rather rare collection of cut stones from the region retraces several centuries of history (from 3000 BC to the 4th century).

In the heart of a preserved natural setting, for young and old alike, playgrounds, tennis court, volleyball court, petanque court, etc. are waiting. An overhanging area houses the large playground surrounded by grassed terraces shaped into the slopes. A bicycle track for beginners surrounds the children's play area where the play equipment and furniture have been designed with the maximum use of natural materials (wood in particular). Three sensory gardens highlight fragrant, colourful and graphic essences during a route that invites you to experience the garden in a different way: The "Rust Garden": it concentrates on sounds with a sound portico, a path signalled by walnut shells, plants whose stems rustle in winter like miscanthus ... The "Blue Garden": it invites you to explore the sense of touch with essences that are sometimes soft, sometimes pungent, with graphic forms (yuccas, blue thistles...). The "Red Garden": it is particularly focused on taste with fruit bushes (blackberry brambles, raspberries, redcurrants...) and aromatic plants (fennel, garlic...). An adapted 4-handicapped path provides access to the whole site. From north to south, it runs along the large playground, the gardens, then along the road in the shade of a poplar grove and allows visitors to ford the path. This curiosity probably predates the Roman period, and the current arrangements (a small limestone block staircase for pedestrians to cross) date back to the Middle Ages. It is also in this area that you will find a picnic area.

Through the living rooms of this house, the furniture and objects preserved here for four generations, the visit of the garden and the former cooperage, it is the story of the childhood of François Mitterrand and his family that we discover. The permanent exhibition traces the family's life, and features speeches and writings by the former president. "My political life took me to a different region, to which I've always been very attached. Yet I've never really left Jarnac. I return from time to time to the house where I was born, to the house where my parents and grandparents lived... I remember the Quai de l'Orangerie, just outside my home, with its well-designed houses and the lime trees that I used to breathe in so passionately. François Mitterrand. Built on the site of the last Protestant temple authorized before the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, the current house at 22, rue Abel Guy dates from the first quarter of the 19th century, and is a fine example of Charentais architecture: a comfortable ashlar townhouse with a simple, severe appearance, opening onto the street with a long façade of tall, grey shuttered windows. Part of this ensemble dates back to the 1930s: the lower section, also opening onto the street. Beyond the large gate, the intimacy and life of the President are revealed from the paved inner courtyard, with its first-floor windows opening onto a balcony, a square of lawn surrounded by flowerbeds, to the courtyard of the former vinegar factory (created by Jules Lorrain, the President's grandfather, at the end of the 19th century). It's a family home in which four generations have lived together, and as the tour progresses, you'll discover a collection of furniture, objects and documents that belonged to François Mitterrand and the members of this great family. A wine storehouse and a cooperage complete the setting, to which François Mitterrand liked to return regularly in the company of his siblings and cousins, who also lived in the house. This is the "little story", the one that gives an insight into the making of François Mitterrand, his attachment to his family, his roots, the little things that contributed in some way to making the adult, the man and the President he later became.

Classified as a historic monument since 28th February 1984, the castle of Bouteville was selected in the Mission Bern in 2018. After several years of restauration, this major site of the regional historical heritage opens you its doors. Immerse yourself in the history of Bouteville Castle! Thanks to an innovative and playful scenography, retrace the thousand years of history lived by this emblematic castle of Charente, in the heart of the Grande Champagne, 1st cru of the cognac appellation. Dynamic model, video projections and interactive terminals punctuate the visit to make discover to the visitors the retrospective of the castle. Child devices complete the visit to delight both young and old.

Welcome to the "Villages de Pierres et de Vignes" to discover the discrete charms of the West Charente. During your walks, go to discover these small villages atypical and let yourself be surprised by their authenticity. Bassac is a charming town in the heart of the Charente vineyards, bordered by the river Charente and located halfway between Angoulême and Cognac. Rich heritage of a thousand years of history, discover its abbey and its church classified and quiet streets so characteristic of the Charente identity. The remarkable set of the Town Hall and schools surrounded by its park and its water will offer a privileged setting for a walk in the heart of the village. We will draw your attention to 4 points: 1 - The Abbey and the church Saint Etienne de Bassac, founded more than a thousand years ago and surrounded by monastic buildings dating from the seventeenth century and bordering an arm of the Charente. 2 - The small road of the street of La Trache, its houses charentaises aligned and its passage which runs along the arm of the Charente for the greater happiness of the canoes but also the walkers. 3 - The remains of the church of Saint Nicolas and the old cemetery Bassac, parish church of the eighteenth century, sold as national property and destroyed. It remains today the north wall of the church, vestiges enrolled. 4 - The Town Hall and its annexes, building of the eighteenth century, its park 1.5 ha, its water point and its Orangery. Discover Bourg-Charente, Lignières-Sonneville & Mosnac-St-Simeux, Touzac ..

Between Angoulême and Cognac, this Benedictine abbey is located in the village of Bassac. The visitor is immediately impressed by its architecture emerging from the vineyards. Since its foundation in the eleventh century, this Benedictine abbey has known many painful and splendid episodes throughout its history. Gothic, baroque and classical styles coexist harmoniously in this place. The abbey is a spiritual place dedicated to Sainte Therese de Lisieux. In this way, it is a suitable place to meditate. *Picnics and swimming are not allowed. Please contact us for any photography. Group visits for more than 10 people are possible all year round, subject to booking.

Discover the Fillaos organic farm and the farming profession. Come and explore a farm and find out about farming. Help feed the 500 goats, learn hand and machine milking, and hand feed the kids. Discover, too, the farm's sheep and lambs, cows and ponies, plus donkeys and their foals. Also, find the farm's treasure and go on a trip in a tractor and a cart. An afternoon snack with farm produce is available.

Go at your own pace to discover the "village gabarrier" of St-Simon. Set off at your own pace to discover the gabarrier village of St-Simon. To understand the history of the village of St-Simon, we invite you to visit La Maison des Gabarriers before starting the discovery tour. Located in the village square, this typical 18th- and 19th-century house, built of Charente limestone, presents the history, heritage and cultural heritage of inland waterway transport in the Cognac region. The discovery tour starts in the village square (1), then heads towards Vibrac, where you can see a door and carpenter-calfat sign dating from 1602 (2), the cemetery (including its gate and a number of typical tombs) (3), Jean Brian's sign (of a calfat at work) dating from the 12th century (4), the quays and dry docks (5), and the church of Saint-Sigismond (6). The visit continues on the Juac side, with the wall of the gabarriers (7), the gabarre mast (8), then the Juac lock (9). From the path on the left bank (cross the bridge at Juac), you can enjoy a fine view of the village of Saint-Simon and the quays (10). Your route is shown in yellow on the map which you can download below. The duration of this route varies and depends on the individual. Allow between 45 minutes and 1? hours. The route is signposted, but not accompanied. If the weather is fine and you feel like it, why not extend the pleasure with a gabarre trip on the Charente (duration: 1h30).

Travel 140 million years back in time to meet the dinosaurs and take part in a unique immersive and participative experience! Thanks to Tumulte® technology, come and interact with the dinosaurs of Angeac-Charente, in 3D and in real size.

On the banks of the Charente, opposite Île Mattard, the Bain des Dames offers a particularly pleasant area for relaxing, bathing and walking in a green setting and brings together a whole range of activities around a real sandy beach. From fine weather until the end of October, it becomes a holiday destination for families, providing a safe place for children to play and adults to relax in the sun or in the refreshing shade of the willow trees that line the beach. Swimming, playground, picnic area, fishing, bowling green, volleyball court, fitness trail. All new since April 2023: The accro parc, reserved for 5/12 year olds, is freely accessible under the supervision of a parent or carer. Supervised swimming from 1 July to 31 August, Tuesday to Sunday, 2pm to 7pm. Catering on site for lunch and dinner 7 days a week from 1st July to 31st August.

Small village restaurant, warm welcome and concerts

Château la Martellerie is a family-run estate, respecting the savoir-faire of the great Bordeaux growths. The Lardière family offers tours of its vineyards and winery, as well as tastings of AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux reds and whites, rosés and reds from France, and more... ! Since 2024, you can also enjoy the ephemeral wine guinguette every Friday in July and August. We can accommodate you in our chambres d'hôtes and table d'hôte, or at our motorhome stopover.

Le Millésime is a wine bar, a warm cellar restaurant where you can taste good local products cooked with taste.

Da Leonardo is a pizzeria located in Saint-Ciers-sur-Gironde. It opened its doors in 2024 and offers typical Italian dishes: Pizza, Lasagne, Carbonara or Bolognese.

Bakery pastry snacking. Giant brioche speciality.

As a former student of the nomadic cuisine training of chef Thierry Marx, I offer you a quality catering service and take care of everything for your birthday, wedding, wedding day, baptism, company meal, house-warming party, family meal ... adapting to your budget and your tastes! Delivery is also possible. Try the original and trendy experience of a food truck in your garden.

A beachside brasserie where you can eat with your feet in the water!

Traditional restaurant in the heart of the village. Traditional cuisine based on fresh produce, prepared with finesse and care

Small campsite located on the banks of the river Boutonne. Ideal for those who like greenery and quietness. Possibility to canoe on site.

Former relay of Post Office to Horse of the XIXth century in stones of Gironde, your lodging of charm for 4 to 5 people was entirely renovated to bring you comfort and heat. The softness of the stone, wood and lime contribute to the serenity of the atmosphere. The accommodation is composed of a living room with equipped kitchen, dining area, sitting area with library, two bedrooms with electric beds for relaxation, 2 bathrooms. It opens onto a terrace with garden furniture, plancha and deckchairs as well as a private garden with trees.

Do you like unusual sites? Then come and discover the Maison de Grave. On a territory of the Coastal Conservatory, 200 meters from the beach, this magnificent site offers 32 beds in two forms of accommodation: rooms or dormitories (cells for 2 people). Cut from the world, in the heart of the forest, you will live in communion with nature. For more comfort, the Maison de Grave will welcome you, if you wish, in its restaurant where you will taste a subtle homemade cuisine. Possibility of privatizing the place.

The gites de la Fontaine welcome you in a quiet and green environment, ideal for nature lovers. At Marie's, you will appreciate the terrace facing the meadow and the poplars, inside the large dining room and the games room with bar, ping-pong and table football. On the ground floor, a bedroom and a bathroom are accessible for people with reduced mobility. Twinned with the gîte Flavie (the two gîtes can be rented together, with access from the inside through the games room and the small museum situated between the two)

Ideal for a stay with family or friends, the gîtes de la Fontaine welcome you in a quiet and green environment. Chez Octavie, a pretty stone house, located in a hamlet, on the edge of the river and near the forest of Chizé. You can enjoy the arbour in summer and relax by the fire in winter Nearby, hiking trails, Baudet du Poitou farm, Château de Dampierre sur Boutonne, Zoodyssée, Aulnay Romanesque church, Terra Aventura geocaching course. 30 mn away, Marais Poitevin, Melle silver mines, Niort and its keep. One hour from La Rochelle, Cognac, Futuroscope.

Ideal for a stay with family or friends, the gîtes de la fontaine welcome you in a quiet and green environment, facing the meadow and the poplars. At Flavie's, you can enjoy the large wooden terrace with a pergola on the south side. In winter, you can enjoy the wood fire in the fireplace. For people with reduced mobility, there is a bedroom and an adapted bathroom on the ground floor. The Flavie gîte can be twinned with the Marie gîte. These two gites can be rented together (access by the inside through the games room and the small museum located between the two). Nearby, hiking trails, Baudet du Poitou asinerie, Château de Dampierre sur Boutonne, Zoodyssée, Aulnay Romanesque church, Terra Aventura geocaching trail. 30 mn away, Marais Poitevin, Melle silver mines, Niort and its keep. One hour from La Rochelle, Cognac, Futuroscope.

Nestled on the edge of the Gironde estuary, in the charming and picturesque little "Port de Richard", Martine and Pascal de La Mare open the doors of their haven of peace, the Haras de la Mellerie, and invite you to enjoy a moment out of time. Here, you'll live to the rhythm of nature and your desires, to the rhythm of a horse's stride. And as the Médoc peninsula abounds in treasures, we invite you to discover its heritage, vineyards and sandy beaches. Set in a lush, flower-filled setting, Le Haras, with its blend of 18th-century and contemporary architecture, offers an independently-accessible bed & breakfast that will win you over with its furnishings and inspired atmosphere. Breakfast is served inside or outside, depending on the season. Self-catering cottage also on the property.

Timeless, bright and cosy, the rooms of the Maison du Douanier offer a bubble of serenity. Located on the first floor, they are named after 3 great wine appellations, offering changing views of the Gironde estuary as the hours and seasons go by. An outdoor area is reserved for you throughout the day before enjoying one of our two restaurants, the Maison du douanier and the Cabane du douanier.