Rural Charente

Take a trip to the lovely Charente countryside. Inside information on what to see in rural Charente in South-West France. From the river to pretty villages and historical Roman sites.

People who adore the Charente, love its honey coloured stone, its terracotta roof tiles, its warm micro-climate but also it's laid back sleepy vibe, reminiscent of the languid river that gives its name. It's slow flowing river is ideal for family canoe and kayak trips and hubs can be found all the way along its coiling journey west to the sea. Families with young children enjoy Le Réjallant near Ruffec, a picnic site with kayak hub, play area, restaurant and lifeguards. Charente's rolling countryside makes for ideal family bike rides, routes can be downloaded from the official Charente Velo website and are really well signed to take in off the beaten track attractions such as the Roman theatre at Saint-Cybardeaux.   Delightful Charente towns and villages include medieval Confolens with its 13th century bridge, Verteuil-sur-Charente with its water mill and stunning château. Picturesque hilltop village Nanteuil makes for a pretty photo stop and Tusson with its medieval abbey garden and spooky prehistoric megalithic structures are well worth a diversion.   Aubeterre-sur-Dronne in the far south of the Charente is an official entry in 'France’s Most Beautiful Villages' and is most famous for its sub terranean church a legacy of its ideal location for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. A delightful river, narrow streets comprised of numerous independent shops make for a worthwhile day out.   Don't miss... A kayak trip on the Charente. Where you can spot fearless Coypu (Ragondin).