Out and About

Travel in style with our  new fleet of bicycles

The Charente Maritime region is exceptionally sunny,and has it's own micro climate as a result of the Azores' anticyclone, making for mild springs and pleasant autumns.
Along it's 470 kilometers of coastline, the Charente Maritime has around 110 beautiful sandy beaches, needless to say, seafood is a speciality here.
It is steeped in culture and history and boasts 500 years of Maritime history from the imposing outline of Fort Boyard to the stocky coastal fortifications of La Rochelle.
Inland and around the area it boasts over 400 stunning Romanesque churches.
It is a place where the land meets the sea and is reflected in the beautiful shades of the wooden shutters adorning the honey coloured sandstone houses.

Le Petit Moulin sits amongst the farms and vineyards that produce the famous Pineau Charente aperitif grapes which produce a sweet wine and is located approximately 14 kilometers from the main Saintonge city of Saintes (saintonge means saintes area)
Saintes was originally a roman town situated on the banks of the Charente river
At most times during the year there are various festivals and markets selling local produce, fresh fish, seafood,poultry, fruit and vegetables.

Saintes
Saintes was built in 1st century AD on the banks of the river Charente and Gallo Roman capital of Aquitaine for 100 years, this large flower decked town boasts numerous reminders of Roman times and the Middle ages.  Great place to shop and has an extensive Market on Saturdays.

Things to visit in Saintes:
Germanicus arch
Gallo Roman Ampitheatre
The water supply to the Roman baths
Gothic cathederal of St Peters
Remains of the town walls
National Stud -
Guided tours available July and August.
River boat tours



Out and About

TOURING to the North and West of the mill
The Chateau de la Roche Courbon - reputed to be the Sleeping Beauty castle

Visit the fabulous Vinyards within the Charente area

Royan
is located to the west of Le petit moulin where the Gironde estuary and Atlantic Ocean meet, the sunny beaches of the Royan area are only 30 minutes from  the mill and Saintes.
This beautiful seaside town and 5 beaches are a must for the visitor in summer and the Edwardian  villas are a testament to a town which made bathing fashionable in the early 19th century.

Tonnay-Boutonne
A keep similar to the one in PONS used to stand on the hill at the top end of the town.
The original 12th century gate was modernised during the 15th century and was part of the original fortifications.
From the Hilltop is a fantastic view of Trezence valley.
The Sainte -Marme mill is and example of the conservation of heritage buildings.

Romanesque church of Genouille
The west front with it's blind arcading is and excellent example of the saintonge style.

The Marshes
near the etang des rosees,is a very good place to visit if you enjoy fishing and the lake there which is an anglers paradise.
It also has numerous species of migratory birds.

The Boutonne river
Flows 70 kms through the valleys of the saintonge and is famous with anglers for it's many species of fish and it's banks are dotted with small buildings from days gone by e.g. mills, wash-houses, locks etc

Saint-Savinien sur-Charente
This is a small town on the banks of the charente and the houses built in a continuous row give it a slightly Mediterranean feel to the town.
The 14th century bell tower on the Romanesque church was built by the plantagenets, which explains it's British appearance.
                                                                          
Minature Harbour
There is a minature harbour in Saint savinien with minature steamboats, tawlers, cargo ships, which is great for the kids.

Houseboat Hire
Houseboats can be hired from St Savinien for 2-12 people.

Jazz and blues evenings
Can be found at the Quai de Taillebourg during the month of August but live bands can be heard at this restaurant most weekends.

Touring to the South of the mill

Port d'Envaux
This river port was a bustling place until the 19th century when Stone, paper, salt, fertiliser, wine and Cognac were shipped from here to England.
The ship owners houses on the banks of the Charente give the village a unique character of it's own.
Chateau de Panloy is a fine example of louis XV architecture and inside the Chateau there are Tapestries, wood panelling and a hunting gallery

Les Lapidiales
These unique old stone quarries nestle just outside of the village where resident sculptors carve figures into the stone amidst the lush vegetation and oak trees.

The Chateau de Crazannes
This 15th century chateau is one of the oldest residences used by the bishops of Saintes.

Bird farm in Geay 
There is a visitors centre in the 17th century farmhouse here and this provides an oppotunity to learn about the birds of the charente valley.

Mediaeval castle of Nieul-les-Saintes
This imposing castle comes to life every summer for music concerts.
Guided tours of the castle run from July to August.

Chateau Beaulon in St Dizant du Gua
This beautiful Chateau Built in 1480 by the de Vinsons family, the Chateau became the property of the “de Beaulon” family in 1510 and their name remains today.
Chateau de Beaulon Cognac and Pineau des Charentes have become synonymous with exceptional quality, be it at home or abroad.
Beyond being an AOC Beaulon Cognac and Pineau are a culture, an ‘art de vivre’.
Open all year round, From 9h00 to 12h00 and from 14h00 to 18h00
May to September : Every day, October to April : Monday to Friday,(Closed at weekends except by appointment)Telephone : +33 (0)5 46 49 96 13 fax : +33 (0)5 46 49 94 96
info@chateau-de-beaulon.com

Botanic gardens in Saint-Andre-de-Lidon
Domaine de challaud houses the botanic gardens which boast 600 varieties of plants in a 19th century greenhouse, a mediaeval garden and a the vegetable garden.
An audio visual and product tasting round off the tour.
Open daily April to September 9am to 7pm for details call +33 (0) 546 90 08 10

Touring to the North of the mill.

Futuroscope Worth a visit.
Location: From the A10 autoroute take exit number 28 and this road leads directly to the park, or from the N10 take the exit signposted Futuroscope (between Poitiers and Châtellerault).
General Info: Open from 7th February to the 14th November every day. Please call for opening times on 05 49 49 11 12 or refer to their Website which is www.futuroscope.com/eng/index.php.
Description: The concept of the Futuroscope theme park has been developed around the moving image. Over 2 million people a year visit to enjoy 3D cinemas, virtual reality simulator rides and the latest in communications technology. There are often special evening performances in the summer months. Telephone ahead for details.
Our recommendations: Entrance is rather expensive although if you compare it, for example, to EuroDisney then it is quite reasonable. So make sure you spend a day there to get maximum value for money!
For the children: Futuroscope is made for them, especially good for the over 8s - they will have a great day out here - allow plenty of time to see all the exhibitions and get the best value for money. Not very interesting for toddlers though.

Additional tips on Futuroscope:
- If you are booking ahead and combining with accommodation then groups of 8 or more can get a €4 discount on an adult ticket and 2 on a children's ticket. See the Futuroscope website for more information.
- If you have a "carte famille nombreuse" you may be entitled to a discount - we know people that got a "famille nombreuse" discount without even having the card, so it's worth asking for it. They can only say "no"! The "carte famille nombreuse" can be purchased from railway ticket offices and allows reduced price train travel as well as discounts at many attractions.


Ile de Ré Truly a holiday island!

Location: Situated off the Vendéean coastline across the toll bridge from La Rochelle.

General Info: Tourist information Website.

Description: Generally considered to be the most attractive of the Vendeean islands, the Ile de Ré has much to offer including amazing beaches on the western side, lovely towns and villages as well as excellent cycle routes.

Our recommendations: It is rather expensive to cross the toll bridge so we would recommend planning to spend a day on the island. The main town St Martin de Ré has a beautiful harbour with lovely shops and excellent fish restaurants. At the far end of the island the Phare de Baleines lighthouse can be climbed for splendid views.

For the children: As the island is very flat it is easy to cycle around it and there are plenty of cycle tracks. The Arche de Noé (Noah’s Ark) animal farm is worth a visit.

Le Marais Poitévin Nice for a pleasant day out and getting close to nature.

Location: To the north and east of La Rochelle, and to the west of Niort.

General Info: French only website:

Description: Also known as the Green Venice or Little Venice these Poitou marshlands are a protected natural environment. Covering both sides of the River Sèvre Niortaise the marshes cover an area of more than 200,000 acres. The “dry marsh” near the sea is a wide open area with long canals where migratory birds can been seen. The “wet marsh” inland boasts beautifully picturesque villages.

Our recommendations: Head for Coulon , just west of Niort on the D123. You can get walking guides and maps from the tourist information centre.

For the children: Try hiring a punt , either in Coulon or from one of the many places alongside the river.

St Jean D'Angely 
This beautiful historic small town was built on the site of a Roman villa on the banks of the river Boutonne and was a major stopping point for Pilgims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
The town has narrow medieval streets, timbered houses,and the Piori fountain (16th century)and the Old clock tower (15th century)
There is a fantastic weekend Market held here every Wednesday and Saturday morning.  St Jean D'Angely is only 15 minutes away and has very good shopping and leisure facilities including a leisure lake and cinema as well as the two listed gourmet restaurants of the region.

Abbaye royale at St Jean D'Angely
The royal abbey was built in the 17th and 18th centuries and now houses a european cultural centre and from the abbey towers there is a superb view of the abbey and town.
During the summer months the abbey, private mansions and castles in the area, host theatrical productions which are stunning and are part of the scenes de jardins festival.
There are also theatrical tours of the town at night during the summer.

The Leisure complex Atlantis - St Jean D'Angely
is on the border of the Boutonne river and is a lush green area popular with walkers and includes a picnic area with tables, a good restaurant/bar and games area on the banks of the lake.

Canoeing down the river Boutonne - St Jean D'Angely
The Kayak club Angerien offers individual outings, sightseeing trips and evening trips, Canoes, Kayaks and padalos also available for hire call +33 (0)546 32 59 61 and on the day from the kiosk

Lozay - Garden of the Romanesque sculpture 
An open air museum and gardens presenting the romanesque sculptures.

Villeneuve-la-comtesse fortress
built in the early13th century, belonged to Eleanor of Aquitaine, Countess of Poitou and during the hundred years war, it was held by each side in succession.
Despite the ravages of time, the fortress still has an Aristocratic air and the current owner is very passionate about it's history.

The Donkey sanctuary
Is located in Dampierre-sur-Boutonne and is a must place for adults and children to visit as the longhaired donkeys, mules and Poitou breed of draught horse can be seen grazing and roaming wild.
During the foaling season the baby donkeys can be cuddled and touched.


Motor cycle scramble
French and World motorcycling championshipss are held in St Jean-d'Angely every spring and autumn and lessons can be given for ages 7 upwards for details call +33 (0)607 25 45 40

Touring to the East of the Mill

Saint-Cesaire
There is a pre-historic site here and in 1976 a 36000 year old Neanderthal skeleton was discovered.

Le Cep Enchante
or 'The magid vine' is a wonderful entertaining and instructive way of visiting a family vinyard and finding out about the work involved.

The Cognac Trails
These 4 specific trails can be found in the towns in and around Cognac, and are signposted with the 'Les etapes du Cognac' sign.

Cognac and the vinyards
From a bunch of grapes to the still, from cask to bottle this trail takes a look back at the very beginnings of the wine industry.
The crafts and trades that have been used over the centuries to produce to turn these humble grapes into the fine brandy we know today.

Cognac
Cognac lies 30 minutes to the South east of the mill and is 15 minutes from Saintes.
It has all the major Cognac houses and guided tours are given around the distilleries.

The Cognac museum in migron
Tour of the distillery, herb garden, vinyard and winegrowers museum.
There is so much to do at this museum, including taking the beginners course on Cognac tasting.
Open from June to September for information call +33 546 94 91 16

The fountains of Venerand
This is a delightfully cool spot dring the summer.
View the Roman pipe in the 17th century mill and there is a washouse at the fountain in La Roche that dates fron the 19th century.

Fontcouverte
there is a golf course which has on it the original piles from the bridge built for the Roman aqueduct and the spring water that supplied the water to the aqueduct can be found at La Font Morillon

TOURING to the west of the Mill

Pont -l'Abbe-d'arnoult
The church in St Peters priory was built in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Superb carvings decorate the main doorway and two main arches.
There is a covered market here which is bustling on Fridays.

The Romanesque church at St Gemme
Several of the bracket on this church represent the devils who are prohibited from entering the church.

The St Loius fairs at Corme-royal
These fairs held at the end of each August date back many hundreds of years and include a cattle market and trade exhibition, and the three days of this fair end with a firework display, a dance and a huge open air banquet.
For information call +33 546 74 90 90

Bird village
Some 100 species from the 5 continents fill this 3 hectacre birdpark near Cadeuil, on the D728 road.

Markets in Charente Maritime:

One of the great pleasures of a holiday in France is being able to browse at the local markets. As you wander, your senses will be aroused with the perfume of herbs and spices....here you will find quality fruit and vegetables at excellent prices, also meat, bread and cheese....in fact the perfect way to begin your holiday is to visit a local Sunday market to stock up with food (remember supermarkets are often closed on a Sunday). This means you can minimise the amount of food you have to take with you. 

Wherever you are staying in the region you will find an open market nearby. For details on when the markets are open, check the list below....

Morning markets in the Charente Area:

Aigrefeuille d’Aunis - Saturday
Angoulins - Saturday AM
Archiac - Saturday AM
Ars-en-Ré - Tues & Fri, every day in season
Aulnay - Sunday AM
Aytrè - Friday AM

Beauvais sur Matha - Tues & Thurs
Le Bois Plage - Tues, Thurs & Sat, every day in season
Bourcefranc - Sun AM
Boyardville - Daily
La Brée les Bains - Weds, Fri, Sun……Every day in season

Chaniers - Weds & Sat
Le Château d’Oléron - Sunday
Chatelaillon - Every morning (indoors)
Chevanceaux - Every Sat
La Couarde sur Mer - Wed am Every day
Courçon - Wed am
Cozes - Wed am

Dolus d’Oléron - Every day (15/6-30/09)

Echillais - Every Wed

La Flotte en Ré - Every day
Fouras - Every day Tue & Fri

Gemozac - Fri & Tue

La Jarrie - Thur
La Palmyre - Sun (Apr-Sep) Wed pm (Apr-Sep)

Jonzac - Tue & Fri

Loix en Ré - Tue & Fri Every day
Loulay - Fri am

Les Mathes - Fri am Every day (Jul-Aug)
Marans - Tue & Sat am Thu night 7pm (17/7 -21/8)
Marennes - Tue, Thu & Sat am
Matha - Tue, Fri, Sat am & Sun
Meschers-sur-Gironde - Every day except Mon Every day
Mirambeau - Sat
Montendre - Every Thu
Montguyon - 3rd Weds/mth & Sat AM
Montlieu-la-Garde - Sun
Mornac sur Seudre - Weds,Thurs, Sat & Sun AM
Mortagne-sur-Gironde - Thurs AM & Sun AM

Nieulle sur Seudre - Fri AM
Nieul sur Mer - Sun

Pons - Weds & Sat AM
Pont de l’Abbé d’Arnoult - Fri
Port d’Envaux - Thurs
Port des Barques - Weds & Sun
Les Portes en Ré - Weds & Sun every day (1/7-31/8)

Rivedoux - Weds & Sat AM Mon, Tue & Wed
Rochefort - Tues, Thurs & Sat
La Rochelle - Every morning, Weds & Sat (town centre), Tues (Tasdon), Weds (Villeuneuve les Salines),Thurs (Port Neuf), Fri (Mireuil), Sun (La Pallice)
Saintes- Everyday except Monday
Royan - Every day except Monday


St Clément des Baleines - Every day (1/7-31/8)

Local Morning Markets
Here is a list of the local weekly morning markets:
Aulnay-de-Saintonge: Thursday and Sunday
Beauvais-sous-Matha: Tuesday and Thursday
Bords: Friday
Burie: Thursday and Sunday
Chaniers: Saturday
Corme-Royal: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
Gemozac: Friday
Loulay:  Friday
Matha:Tuesday,Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Pisany: Friday
Pont L'Abbe-d'Arnoult: Friday
Port-d'Envaux: Thursday
Saintes: Daily except Monday
Saint-Jean-d'Angely: Wednesday,Saturday and Sunday
Saint-Porchaire: Wednesday
Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente:Saturday (Tuesday also in July and August)
Tonnay-Boutonne: Sunday

Recommended places to Eat

Auberge les Glycines (Restaurant)
Location: Taillebourg village, 17350(alongside the river)
Tel:+33 (0)546 91 8140
This place is a must to visit and only about 2kms from the Mill.
The food that is served here is top class traditional cooking with lots of regional flavour, well prepared and is delicious and I have eaten here myself many times.
The service is first class and I would book early as the weekends are very busy during the summer months.
The restaurant has a fantastic garden which has a canopy of Glycine vines (which are in full bloom in April/May and is a delightful place to eat.
Check out the website: www.auberge-les-glycines-17.com/uk/default.htm


Quai des Taillebourg (Restaurant/snack place)
Location: Taillebourg village alongside the river
This is another place to eat and reasonably priced and as well as A la carte they do a 3 course tourist menu at a set price of below 20 euro which is great value.
The food is good but the best feature of this place is that you can sit outside right by the river, with a glass of wine or a beer and watch the sunset and the boats sailing up and down the Charente.
In the evenings here you can see the locals fishing and the fish jump out of the water feeding on the many insects.
During the summer they have live music on here, and Ronnie Caryl (Guitarist with Phil Collins)who plays some rock, some blues and is one of the attractions and is very popular, again you need to book as those nights get very busy. 

Le Gabarier (Restaurant)
Location: Port D'Envaux-10 minutes drive from the Mill
Sébastien JOUSSE,2 rue de la Mairie,17350 PORT D'ENVAUX,
Tél/Fax: +33 (0)5.46.90.18.33
This is highly recommended and Head chef Sebastien cooks quality regional food, served either in the restaurant or outside on the terrace area. He even bakes his own delicious bread which he serves at the restaurant warmed. The food here is very good, with very generous portions, very presentable and delicious-ask Manisiah for more details or check out their website: www.restaurantlegabarier.com/ or contact@restaurantlegabarier.com

L'Eloise (Restaurant)
Location:Facing the covered market,Avenue du Maréchal Leclerc,17250 Pont-l'Abbé-D'Arnoult
Tél. 05 46 97 12 50 Fax 05 46 92 21 38
A well respected and highly recommended local restaurant.
Established in 1931, this eatery is creating a simple yet authentic cuisine – the cuisine of yesteryear, cooked on an open fire. Grilled meats, spit roasted chickens, slowly cooked haricot beans. As you enter the restaurant you will feel the warm, homely atmosphere of a country kitchen of days gone by and seated by a crackling fire in the grate, the delicate aroma of meat cooking; glowing embers – your taste buds will be tingling to savour the traditional charentaise cuisine.
http://www.restaurant-eloise.com/gb/


In St Jean D'Angely - as there are many - see 'Places to Eat' in the information pack at the Mill 
 
Useful websites
The following websites offer a wealth of information for the traveller within the Charente area
www.frenchentree.com/france-charente 
www.france4families.com
www.angloinfo.com/