Activities

Markets 

Not one day without a market in our region!  Ribérac, Chalais, Brantôme, Aubeterre, Villebois-lavalette...plus all the producer markets where you’ll be able to sample the local produce: Charentais melons, Pinaud, the local “aperitif”, foie gras, duck, cognac, walnut oil...  And let yourself be tempted by a pretty sun hat or beautiful ceramics! 

Supermarkets

Although we are in the country, you'll always find a well-stocked supermarket nearby (5 kms), English papers, catering service, car rental and 24/7 petrol station. A short drive to Angouleme will take you to the area's various shopping centres and to the more sophisticated boutiques of the city. Cash machines and banks are all to be found in the vicinity.

Pharmacies, G.P.’s and Dentists are all nearby (3/5 Km)

Angulême hospital is 25’ from Latry

How about a drink on the terrace opposite the medieval church in Ronsenac (3 km) and a table for 2 (or 10) under the 16th century covered hall in Villebois-Lavalette?  

Or drive to Salle-Lavalette (15 mins) and savour the sunset sitting on their terrace overlooking the sunflower fields while enjoying a Cognac and tonic or a pinaud, before sitting down to a hearty French country meal.

All addresses to be found in the file in your gîte.

During the months of  July and August , the Charente Department grants subsidies to various local organizations so as to implement a special programme of very affordable activities for kids: canoeing, fencing, tennis, horse-riding, archery, sculpture, ULM flying, biking, circus arts... are all part of the offer in the viscinity. Children and their parents are welcome!

It’s summer, take the kids to the beach! At the foot of one of the most beautiful villages in France, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, you will find a lovely and totally safe  little beach on the river Dronne near a picnic area or a couple of little family restaurants. More restaurants in the village.

If you wish for a more “sophisticated” approach, try the water park “Nautilis”, in Angoulême (25’ from Latry)  or “Les Antilles” in the spa town of Jonzac. (45’ from Latry)

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Festival de la BD d'Angoulême/Cartoon festival in Angouleme

The must-see festival if you are a cartoon buff! Angoulême becomes then the cartoon capital of the world! (end of January)I www.bdangouleme.comThe must-see festival if you are a cartoon buff! Angoulême becomes then the cartoon capital of the world! (end of January)

www.bdangouleme.com

Musiques Métisses à Angoulême/World music festival

Held generally in the month of May, it is rapidly becoming a reference in the domain of World Music!

www.musiques-metisses.com

Les Nuits d'Eté de Villebois

In July, within the walls of the Villebois-Lavalette Château, (5km from Latry) this summer festival offers a generous programme of  musicals. Real quality show! www.compagnie-arene.comVillages SessionsIn July, within the walls of the Villebois-Lavalette Château, (5km from Latry) this summer festival offers a generous programme of  musicals. Real quality show!

 www.compagnie-arene.com

Blues Passion à Cognac

During 6 days and 6 nights, Cognac opens its heart to the passion of Blues and Rock and Roll! Come and share the emotion, seize the opportunity to appreciate the local production as well! This is a truly grand party!

www.bluespassion.com

Coupe d’Europe/Coupe du Monde Dames de Montgolfières (Hot air ballon)

Every other year, this international event, La Coupe d’Europe de Montgolfières et la Coupe du Monde des Dames, takes place in Mainfonds (25km) and all around us during the summer. You will also be given the opportunity to be dazzled by the “Patrouille de France” French equivalent of the Red Arrows. A show you will not readily forget!

Jumping International de Chalais

Of a very high reputation, this international show jumping takes place in Chalais (25km) at the foot of the château, during the month of August. This is always great entertainment for the whole family and totally free!

Danses et musiques du Monde  à Confolens

This world folklore danse festival gathers each year troups from all over the world. If dansing in the streets is your cup of tea, then join in! Fantastic atmosphere! (1h from Latry)

www.festivaldeconfolens.org

Circuit des Remparts D'Angoulême (month de september)

Every year more than 15 000 spectators gather to follow the old car race on the ramparts of Angoulême for a long week-end. Ferrari, Bugatti, Daimler... you name them, you’ll see them at Angoulême in September. The whole town is closed to any car that’s not considered as a collector’s! Great party with incessant parades all over town!

www.circuit-des-remparts.com/

1.A day out to the Haute-Charente Lakes (1h30 from Latry)

Pay a visit to the Adventure Park in Massignac: bungee jumping, tree-absailing... 

Swimming, sailing, biking etc… in, on and around the lakes.

www.aventure-parc.fr

2.  A day to visit  Cognac (45’ de Latry)

Visit of the cellars of great Houses such as Hennessy, Otard, Martell…

Visit of the Cognac museum

Visit of the domaine of French romantic poet Alfred de Vigny Le Maine Giraud (see information in the file in your gite) Tasting of pinaud, vin de Charente and cognac. 

3. A day out in the  Charente limousine (1h30 from Latry)

Vélorail ride. Bookings are necessary(Children aged 8 and over))  Departures from the Roumazières and  Confolens stations (do not miss the visit)

www.velorail16.com

4.  A day out around  Brantôme ( 35’ de Latry)

Also called  « La Venise du Périgord » Brantôme invites you for a visit on a boat or on a canoe.

Within proximity, do not miss the famous cave of Villars, magnificent nature show a real treat for children.

The medieval village of St Jean de Côle will take you back to the middle ages, enjoy the visit!.

On the way back, stop in Bourdeilles, its château can be visited and you can go paddle in the river if the heat gets to you!

5.   A day out to the Atlantic Coast (Royan is  1h30 from Latry)

Royan : its beaches, its sea food restaurants, its 1950’s architecture but especially its great Zoo de La Palmyre which is worth the trip all by its own. www.zoo-palmyre.com

On the way back or maybe on another day out, stop by the largest estuary in Europe, go and visit St georges de Didonne, Talmont, Meschers, Mortagne....where time seems to have come to a halt...