Maison
du
Ruisseau
Explore our Region
In between relaxing at Maison du Ruisseau let yourself be surprised as you discover the hidden delights of all the Charente has to offer. The landscape is rich and varied with acres of sunflowers and vines. The climate is temperate and comfortable. Whether you decide to visit the markets, fairs, festivals, towns, coast or the countryside, you are sure to be seduced by the south west of France.
Map of our area
Use the map below to look around the area and see were you might like to go. The photos opposite show some of the highlights
Cognac Vineyards
Aubterre
A Cognac Estate
Cognac Vineyards
Day trips we recommend
Angouleme: Our nearest city, it has been inhabited from the year 600AD and is the capital of the Charente. It is known as the ‘City of Festivals’, set high above the old city walls with views for miles around. We are 25 minutes away by car but a pleasant train ride away if you are not in the mood for driving.
Cognac: Cognac is a must on everyone’s itinerary. From the start of your holiday meandering through the countryside rich in acres of vines, to the beautiful town and there experiencing the distilling process of the many great cognac houses, is a magical experience. Your enjoyment is enhanced by the sampling of the cognac itself in the houses where experts are more than happy to demonstrate their distilling and blending skills. Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin to name but a few are all within a 30 minute drive.
Royan: If it’s the coast you are looking for then the beautiful town of Royan is a city of ‘vacances all year round’ and it is just one hours drive away. Royan has an wonderful atmosphere; with its magnificent sandy beaches, unusual sites, sports, harbour, splendid restaurants, entertainment and cultural heritage you can discover a town where anything is possible. From here it is also possible to take the car ferry to the Medoc peninsula and return via Bordeaux or Arcachon.
Bordeaux: This elegant city on the banks of the Garonne is in the heart of the eponymous wine region. Bordeaux itself is a very stylish city with a lively cosmopolitan air and with an abundance of cafes and restaurants. You can experience some of the best examples of 18th-century architecture in the whole of France. To see the nicest buildings stroll along the river near the Quai de la Douane (Customs House Quay). The city also has a major fine-arts museum and wonderful opera house. However if it’s retail therapy you need you will not be disappointed from the designer shops to the safety of shopping in one of the longest pedestrian areas in Europe.
Saint-Emilion: This village is not only famous for its wine but is an ideal place for either a relaxing stroll or a closer look at the town's fascinating buildings. Whatever the reason, you are sure to feel welcome. The St Emillion Jurisdiction, the vineyards and the landscape have been listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. You can visit the Romanesque monuments and explore the tiny back streets of a bygone age whilst sampling the vintage delights that the town has to offer.
Aubeterre: 45 minutes away by car Aubeterre has a magnificent subterranean church and charming artisan village. Enter another world and landscape.
Places to visit
A Famous Cognac House: Choose from Hennessy, Remy Martin, Courvoisier, Martell, Hine and take a guided visit. Discover how cognac is made and taste the various grades.
Riberac (Dordogne): Is at its best on Friday, ‘market day’, which is reputed to be the biggest market in the Perigord. From shoes, books, kitchenware, herbs, plants, machinery and livestock it’s a sight not to be missed and it is only 80 mins away.
The Chocolate Factory (Angouleme): Always a success for a family day out and full of goodies for the children.
Activities
Walking
Cycling
Golf (within 30 minutes at Angouleme or Cognac)
Canoeing
Activity Center (Massignac)
Fishing
Spa Baths
Go Karting (Angouleme)
Huge indoor swimming complex (Jonzac)
All our properties have satellite televisions, dvd players, a good selection of books, and board games are available at each property. Perhaps you could also leave behind for other guests any books you do not wish to take home?
There are also some children's garden games and boules are provided for grass petanque. There is also a table tennis table.
Should you wish there are a couple of bicycles (and helmets) available for the use of guests.
Restaurants
Here are just a few of the dozens of restaurants around the area that we recommend. You can always find new places to eat! Let us know how you get on!
Le Chateau - Barbezieux: A relaxed family restaurant, opposite the impressive Chateau at Barbezieux, serving pasta and pizzas as well as an extensive french menu.
Graines et Garenne - Chateauneuf-sur-Charente: Opened in 2009 very popular with our clients. Good value, local menu pretty terrace.
Mas Charentais - Chateauneuf-sur-Charente: Traditional restaurant with panoramic views of the valley and river below from a beautiful sunny terrace.
L'Essille - Bassac: A chic and elegant restaurant for that special occasion with a four star rating.
Chez Paul – Angouleme: A very popular place to eat set in the old part of the town. With its quirky decor and lively ambience, especially the beautiful terrace in the summer. It boasts a cuisine that is based on fresh local market produce and offers a wide selection of meat, fish and vegetarian food.
Le Cellier - Cognac: A small traditional but popular restaurant, modern French cuisine, fresh produce with parking close by.