There are many attractions to see in the area and we are ideally situated close to good road and rail links. The coast, at La Rochelle is only one and a half hours away and the porcelain city of Limoges is just over an hour in the opposite direction. To the north and south are the ancient cities of Poitiers and Angouleme respectively, which are both worth a full days visit. Paris is about two and a half hours away on the TGV.

Civray market is every Tuesday morning and has stalls selling a wide variety of produce & other goods. Civray has been a commercial town since ancient times. Bathed by the Charente river, it is a holiday destination for nature lovers and offers numerous walks along the river banks.

Some of the other attractions well worth a visit include:

(Valley of the Monkeys) near Romagne.
Conveniently located about 20 minutes away, this is a unique and delightful place to visit. This site has been designed for the conservation of the species and more than 200 animals roam free on wooded isles. Gorillas, pygmy marmosets, macaques, gibbons and capuchin monkeys live in semi-freedom. Each year new primates are born - a delight for children and adults alike. www.la-vallee-des-singes

The European theme park of film and the moving image with 3D cyber trips and space missions, films on giant flat, circular or spherical screens, Imax cinema, Atlantis and virtual experiences using the very latest and unique, projection systems. A full day is needed to enjoy all the attractions, music, shows and breathtaking adventures on land, sea and in space. Dancing fountains and the outdoor laser show after dark will delight you and is well worth seeing. www.futuroscope

Buy your tickets for Futuroscope using Tesco Clubcard points. You must exchange points for vouchers prior to your holiday. You cannot do it from France.

Giants of the sky (Les Geants de Ciel) is the title of the new show at the Chateau: vividly coloured parrots, eagles, vultures and marabous etc, fly among the audience. www.geantsduciel.com

Pedal along the old railway line from Confolens to Roumazieres on specially designed cycle rail vehicles,. Through woods and fields and over viaducts – a most enjoyable and relaxing day out. Don’t forget the picnic!

The medieval town of Confolens is well worth a visit. A guided tour can be arranged through the local tourist office. www.velorail16.com

For those who want some excitement, what can be more exhillerating than a visit to the H Belin complex at Le Grand Breuil, Rouille. Set in 25 Ha., there are several circuits for karting, cross car, quads and 4 X 4 offroad. www.promosportsfrance.net

This Green Venice is a cathedral of greenery, perfect for gliding across the water in a flat bottomed boat, strolling along the towpaths, watching a heron take flight, exploring the hiking paths by bike and perhaps being fortunate enough to surprise an otter bathing. Here there are no rush hours or traffic jams, here time almost stands still. www.maraispoitevin-evasion.com

There are many places worthy of a visit and we will be happy to tell you of the places we have explored, to help you. Both Civray & Charroux have an excellent Tourist Information Centre, which is a good place to start at the beginning of the holiday.

The area has a highly acclaimed architectural heritage with buildings in the Romanesque style in Poitiers, Civray and Montmorillon, the abbey at Charroux, Renaissance Chateaux, 16th Century Market Halls in Couhe to name but a few.

There are links to many attractions in the area from www.tourisme-vienne

The river Charent is very easy going. Near Ruffec the twisting waterways form a veritable archipelago just waiting to be explored by canoe. On the Vienne you can try radelage, a form of rafting and then there are the lakes where you can sail, wind surf, canoe, pedalo and bathe.

There are several good golf courses in the area, horse riding stables nearby and a large public swimming pool in Civray.

There are many good restaurants in the area so if you don’t fancy cooking all the time why not let someone else do it. Most are very reasonable and offer an excellent choice of menu and wines and of course the local speciality - Pineau.