What to see and do
We live in a quiet hamlet (Les Morinauds) on the edge of the pretty village of Brives sur Charente (45 40 03 N 0 27 13 W) in the 'Grande Champagne' near Cognac. The next village is only 2 miles away. Our secluded, rural setting is perfect for walking, cycling and generally getting away from it all for the whole family.
Cognac and beyond!
The surrounding area has a great deal to offer from the buzzing town of Cognac (lots of cafes and boutique shops, not forgetting the world-famous distillery tours - Hennessy, Otard, Remy-Martin, Martell, Camus and - in Jarnac - Courvoisier!), to the beautiful ancient towns of Pons and Saintes. Weekly local markets are held in Cognac, Pons and Saintes. There are a multitude of local restaurants and bars all within an easy drive. Some are (luckily!) only about 15 minutes by bike. Canoes can be hired at nearby Dompierre, Cognac and Pons. The Chateau des Enigmes near Pons and the Paleosite (near Saintes) make wonderful days out for children. Adults may prefer a trip to the beautiful village of Aubeterre sur Dronne (now officially recognised as one of France's prettiest villages) or Oradour sur Glane to visit the World War II martyrs' village and memorial.
The beautiful beaches of St George-de-Didonne and St Palais-sur-Mer are a 30 minute drive way and La Palmyre Zoo (one of the biggest zoos in Europe with over 1600 animals to delight all the family) is about an hour's drive.
The 'necessary' bits....
Post Office: Brives sur Charente.
Local shops: Salignac, Perignac, Dompierre and Rouffiac.
Supermarkets: Cognac, Pons or Saintes.
Cash point: Chaniers and at all local supermarkets.
Banks: Cognac and Pons.
Golf: Cognac, Saintes & Angouleme.
Tennis: Rouffiac or Ars.
Swimming (indoor and outdoor): Cognac and Saintes, Charente, coast.
Fishing: Charente.
Canoeing: Charente, Dompierre, Cognac, Seugne (Pons), coast.
Aquatic Centre (pools, gym, sauna, massage): Jonzac (Les Antilles) & St Jean D'Angely (Atlantys).
Doctor, Dentist & Hospital: Cognac.
Useful web-sites
For a map of Brives sur Charente, click here. For a map of the surrounding area, click here.
