Experiences tell a thousand words
Cognac and Pineau Tasting
There are close to 200 Cognac producers with the largest 4 being: Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell and Remy Martin. Start off with Courvoisier, Hine, Braastad, etc in Jarnac and move on to Cognac to visit Hennessy, Martell, Otard and Remy Martin.
Many of the smaller producers also have great local Charentais wines on offer. Book through 1854 Chassors for a tour of our favourites like G&C Raby, Croizet and Braastad, based in the heart of Grande-Champagne.
River Charente - Walk, cycle, canoe, fish, swim
The river Charente is the life and soul of the region and a hive of activities are centred around it.
There are many river side beaches dotted throughout the Charantaise countryside. The closest one is just in Jarnac.
The banks of the river Charente are also a paradise for anglers:
www.france-atlantic.com/river-fishing
We also recommend you hire a canoe or kayak and explore at your own pace. There is a canoe club in Jarnac and we can reserve for you.
Recreation parks and playgrounds
The Charente is home to numerous great parks and playgrounds, of which some are based on the Charente river and others on lakes.
Some of our personal favorites include:
La Base d’eau des Dames at Châteauneuf sur Charente.
Plan d’eau de la Grande Prairie at Angoulême (pictured).
La base de loisirs at Jonzac .
Adventure days
The below are just a few to choose from for a funtastic day out for all the family:
Château des Enigmes The Château d'Usson is the location for this fun 3-hour circuit of riddles to solve based on the theme of the Knights of the Templar. Entry 13€.
Le Paléosite An interactive centre that is themed on prehistoric times and is great for children who can invade a camp of prehistoric hunters. Open every day during school holidays, from 10.30am-8pm. Entry 10€.
Zoo de La Palmyre One of the best zoos in Europe, it’s set in 14 hectares amongst the pines of the Forêt de la Courbe. See more than 1,600 animals from all five continents including polar bears and snow leopards plus Siberian tigers, elephants, monkeys and apes. Open 9am–7pm 1st April to 30th September, 9am–6pm rest of year. Sea lion and parrot shows: from April to end of October. Cost: adults 15€, children 3-12€.
Terra aventura With Tèrra Aventura and its 100% free App, set off on an adventure to discover one of Nouvelle-Aquitaine's 400 treasure hunt trails! This is a fantastic treasure hunt exclusive to the Nouvelle Aquitaine area. Just choose your location and see which is closest to you.
Golf
1854 Chassors is only 6km away from the Cognac golf club - an impressive 18 hole course listed as one of the best in France.
In true French tradition, stop off for a good coffee and something to eat at the café after the 9th hole or finish off with a fantastic meal at the Clubhouse or simply watch the the golf on the superb terrace.