Jarnac is a lively market town on the banks of the Charente. Investigate the newly renovated covered market, take a tour of the Courvoisier Cognac house , stop for a coffee or lunch in one of the many bars and restaurants, before taking a boat trip down the river on “Le Chabot”. Alternatively, hire a canoe and discover the river yourself, visit the open-air swimming pool (June-August), or purchase a fishing permit and see what you can catch.
Bourg-Charente: For a meal to remember, visit the Michelin starred restaurant, La Ribaudière
Cognac: Not only is Cognac home to numerous Cognac houses, Rémy Martin, Baron Otard, Camus, Hennessy, Martell, Meukow etc (visits can be arranged), but you can also turn you hand to a round of golf at golf du Cognac, enjoy a river cruise in a “Gabare” which used to carry eaux-de-vie down the river Charente, walk in the beautiful park “François 1er”, visit a museum or historic church, enjoy some shopping or just “people watch” from a café or restaurant.
St Même Les Carrières: On a Sunday, take a walking tour of this historic village and discover its stone quarries, Romanesque church and other special sites – reservations required. For the more active, spend some time water-skiing at Planet-Ski – for children and adults alike.
If you fancy discovering a hidden treasure, visit one of the local “vide-greniers” or “brocantes“.
Most towns and villages have a market at least weekly plus a monthly, larger fair. The one on the 27th of each month at Rouillac is really an experience, where most of the town houses stalls where you can buy anything from plants, clothes, foodstuffs, live animals and furniture to attachments for your tractor ! Not to be missed.