Châteauneuf-sur-Charente
Châteauneuf-sur-Charente is a riverside town to be found midway between Angoulême and Cognac in the beautiful southwest of France. The town benefits from a station with regular trains to Angoulême in the east, from where you can get the fast train to Paris. Heading west the trains go to Saintes, Bordeaux and on to the beautiful seaside town of La Rochelle.
Local Activities
Cycling
We are delighted to offer ‘single centre’ cycling holidays at The Painted House Gites. Being based in one location allows more time to make yourself at home. When you are not exploring the stunning French countryside on our Ridley carbon fibre bikes, you can unwind with a glass of wine in our beautiful garden. An ideal break for families where not everyone is a keen cyclist!
The route of La Flow Velo runs from Angouleme, through Chateauneuf sur Charente and on to Cognac on quiet roads with very little traffic. We offer tried and tested routes and itineraries, guided or unguided tours and routes for cyclists of all levels of experience and ability. There are plenty of places well worth a visit, so guests won’t be cycling the same roads every day.
At The Painted House Gites we offer secure storage for additional items, puncture repair kits and a cycle repair service should you experience minor damage or mishaps.
Bain des Dames
For those wishing to enjoy the beautiful riverside location, the Bain des Dames is just a ten-minute walk along the river and is not to be missed. There is a beach, swimming, fishing and kayak rental with plenty of perfect spots for a picnic, with refreshments available during the summer months.
PLACES TO VISIT
Angoulême
Get ready to fall in love with the city of Angoulême, a hidden gem in rural France! If you’re a fan of art, history, and architecture, then Angoulême should be right at the top of your travel bucket list. Angoulême is filled with fascinating attractions that reflect its colourful past. From medieval castles and contemporary museums to historic ramparts and cartoon wall art, it really does have it all.
JARNAC
Pleasantly located on the Charente River, Jarnac is the birthplace of president Mitterrand, former president of the French Republic. A museum housed in a former wine storehouse, boasts many presents offered to the president during his two terms of office as president, such as paintings, sculptures, carvings and ceramics. Also to be visited, the Courvoisier museum is a place dedicated to the history and production of Cognac.
COGNAC
The name of Cognac is known the world over because of the brandy produced in the region, and the chance to visit the Cognac distilleries is a very interesting way to explore the attractive riverside and historical centre. Cognac can be seen as having two distinct areas: the bustling ‘modern’ town where you will find most of the shops, large boulevards and street-side cafes. The old town which is much quieter and includes the castle and other historic monuments, most of the famous distilleries, and the Charente river.
SAINTES
The Roman period is well represented by monuments in Saintes, as are the medieval and later periods. There is a great deal to enjoy when visiting this lively town. Because of its gallo-roman, medieval and classical heritage Saintes is officially listed as a ‘Ville d’Art et d’Histoire’. Saintes has its origins in Roman times and you will notice this as soon as you arrive in the town centre and see the large Arch of Germanicus (a Roman triumphal arch) on the banks of the river, a good place to start your visit.
LA ROCHELLE
La Rochelle is a coastal town in southwestern France that has a charming atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and a long running history as a port city. Today it is a touristy town with many great seafood restaurants and fine wine. There are also beautiful coastal walks as well as lovely beaches in town.
ROYAN
Royan is a well-known seaside resort located at the entrance to the Gironde estuary. It became a sought-after spot in the 19th century, when sea bathing started to become fashionable. Royan is a certified Town of Art and History. The streets are dotted with charming villas, particularly in the district of Pontaillac, which is also where the Royan Museum is located, in the old covered market at the heart of a historic neighbourhood.
BORDEAUX
A world-renowned city, steeped in history, Bordeaux is famed for its vineyards, gastronomy, and unique art de vivre. It offers an intoxicating mix of rich historical heritage and modernity, the city is home to stunning contemporary architectural works. You will be spoilt for choice. Whether you wish to wander through Bordeaux’s streets, Bordeaux boasts a rich heritage and houses numerous historic and modern monuments.