Max & Beth

Aubeterre-sur-dronne: One of the ‘must-see’ villages of France and is always busy and bustling. It has a church built into the side of the rock, pottery shops, gift shops, restaurants and bars along with a farmers’ market on Sundays. Riberac: A charming market town with café bars, restaurants, shops and a lovely market on Friday mornings including a Brocante market on the first Friday of every month. Chalais: Featuring the nearest visitable château which dominates the town, its a pretty little village to wander around. There is a market on Mondays, closing at mid-day. Brantôme: A pretty French town with excellent restaurants and walks along the river. There is a stunning church built into the side of the rock with you can marvel at, and canoeing is also available. Saint-Émilion: A picturesque wine village, with a handful of Michelin star restaurants if you’re looking to treat yourselves. It gives its name to one of the most famous of the French wine areas. Naturally the main focus is on the wine trade and tours of the Châteaux and wine tasting can be arranged at the local tourist office. Cognac: Situated on the river Charente, and owing its name to a prominent Roman, Cognac is a historic town which evolved and gave its name to one of the world’s most famous eau-de-vie. Tours of the Remy Martin and Hennessy distilleries can be arranged before you visit. Boat trips can also be taken upstream to Angoulême.

Angoulême: The city of Angoulême, the capital of the Charente and our venue's nearest city (35 min drive). It boasts old and new quarters to wander through, set within cobbled streets. There are cool wine bars, weekend markets, quirky cafes and an art scene to explore. Not forgetting the breath-taking castle set within the centre of the city, a town hall, a prefecture, and a cathedral with grand houses everywhere. Périgueux: The capital of the Dordogne and a 1 hour drive from our venue. The old quarter is full of quaint boutiques, delicious restaurants and there’s a busy Saturday market in the centre. There are Roman ruins and several museums to wander around, with the very impressive Cathédrale Saint-Front sitting proudly in the centre. The Cathédrale was rebuilt in 1852 by the architect Abadie, who then used the design as the basis for the Sacré Coeur basilica in Paris. Bordeaux: Bordeaux is a 1hour 40minute drive from our venue, or a lovely train journey if you fancy a day trip adventure. You can park at Montmoreau train station (1hr 12mins on the train, Montmoreau train station is 10mins from Manoir Beaulieu) or in Angoulême (35mins on the train, Angoulême train station is 40mins from Manoir Beaulieu). It has heaps of history and a very cool hipster art scene too. Delicious food places and a pleasure to wander around. It also happens to be the hub of the famed wine growing region – so you can be sure to see vineyards everywhere on your approach. Brive la Gaillarde: A little further afield (1 hour 45 minute drive from our venue) but an absolute hidden gem. Bustling food markets run every Saturday, and there are ample restaurants, bars and cafes to send the day meandering between.

Château de Beynac: A 12th century fortress perched 150 metres high up on a cliff. It’s about 2 hours from MB, so good for a full day out. Daily tours are run in French, however, there are self guide booklets available in English. Everyone will find its nine centuries of history fascinating and certainly enjoy the panoramic views across the Dordogne river and countryside. Château de Castelnaud: Just across the river from Manoir Beaulieu, and built to rival Château de Beynac, one of the most visited châteaus in south-west France, it is a huge castle offering visitors a fantastic insight into castle life during medieval times. Children will love the ‘Museum of Medieval War’ which houses 250 weapons and armour. Throughout the year, a programme of additional events run at the castle so it is worth reviewing before choosing a day to visit. Château de Bridoire: Located in Ribagnac, just a 20 minute drive from Bergerac, and filled with family fun. You can ramble through ‘the Enchanted Forest’ finding clues, a labyrinth and cave along the way.

Manoir de Longeveau (9 holes) Golf de l’Hirondelle Angoulême (18 holes) Cognac Golf de Cognac (18 holes)

Poltrot: Tucked away in the village of Nabinaud, Poltrot is an old fishing mill. It has a gorgeous outside restaurant with twinkly lights that’s open lunchtime and for dinner – they do Moules Frites on a Friday which you need to book for (ask us – we can help!). It also has a little picnic spot, beach and river for swimming in along with a go-ape style treetop climb and a maize maze. Le Grand Étang la Jemaye: This lake has a gorgeous sandy beach, warm water for swimming, children’s play-area, cafés and even canoeing. Lac de Lavaud: The largest lake in Poitou-Charente. Plage de La Guerlie and Plage de Videix on the east bank are two beaches for safe swimming, with a water sports centre, lakeside bars serving food all day and live music.

Arcachon: In the main village of Bassin d’Archachon, this beach is one of the most enchanting places you’ll find in Bordeaux. The ocean here enters through a series of canals that form the peninsula, from Cap Ferret to Dune de Pilat. It’s both busy and secluded and a perfect day out. Lacanau-Océan: Where the golden sand dunes are protected by the spectacular pine forests. Lacanau is the perfect surfing spot with plenty of nearby amenities for lunch and exploring.

Salles-Lavalette | Friday Montmoreau | Saturday Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne | Sunday Villebois-Lavalette | Saturday Riberac | Friday Angoulême | daily (except Sundays) Brantôme | Saturday Barbezieux-St-Hilaire | Tuesday and Friday Périgueux | Saturday