Highlights from the Charentes & Dordogne regions of France

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in this area of France since my grandparents moved to where the Charentes borders the Dordogne. It’s just inland of Bordeaux so it’s lovely and hot more often than not in the summer, but it’s still quite a way from the Spanish border so you usually need to prepare for a few chillier/rainy days.

It’s an area that is mostly rural with quaint villages and towns dotted around. It’s all very French and relaxed, and you can experience what life is like in France, which is what I love – I like to know that I’m abroad!

They are big regions and I’m definitely not an expert, but here are some places I’ve visited from where my nan lives in Bonnes (which is lush but tiny and mainly residential) that are worth a visit:

• Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

This picturesque town perched on the top of steep cliffs is the sort of place you picture when you think of rural France – stone buildings, red rooftops, cobbled streets and croissants on every corner! Apart from it being a beautiful place to chill and eat (read my review on my favourite restaurant there), one of the real draws here is its amazingly unique church that was carved into the cliffside nearly a thousand years ago – Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean of Aubeterre. It’s quite an eerie place but it’s really cool wandering around the cavern’s passageways and seeing the old burial sites. Entry is only €5 and you can get a headphone set guide for an extra euro.

• Brantome

Built around the river Dronne, this town (man pic) is picture perfect with it’s pretty stone bridges and riverside cafes. You can take boat trips down the river or just chill out in the town – it’s lovely. It also hosts a market on Friday mornings, which is massive and sells all sorts of clothes and assorted items as well as foodie bits – I got myself a lush pair of wedge sandals for a few euros!

• Kayaking on the river Dronne

At the bottom of Aubeterre’s cliffs is the river Dronne where you can hire out Kayaks and make your way down the river for a couple of hours. It’s so rural that it’s crazily chilled drifting down the river – unless you come across the odd sluice which gives you an adrenaline buzz for 30 seconds! You can also get the Kayaks out in other towns along the river, including Brantome, and you can hop out at other villages such as Bonnes to take a snoop around! There are also a fair few man made beaches along the river which are nice to chill out on and take a dip – the river is about as clean as you can get for a river so it’s lush!

• Le Grand Etang de La Jemay (big lake in English!)

This lake is in the Dordogne near the town La Jemay and is absolutely enormous. There’s a man made beach on its shores and a snack bar so you can really make a day of it, or there’s a campsite if you want to stop over. We just stopped here for a few hours and walked around the lake. Like so much of the region it’s away from any hustle and bustle of towns and it’s so peaceful and chilled! There’s also assault course equipment around the lake if you feel the need to exert yourself (I didn’t haha)

• Chalais

The highlight of this town is without doubt the castle that overlooks it – who doesn’t love a good Chateau! It has a restaurant (read my review) and hotel, but you can also just head up there and have a wander about the grounds. There’s also a pretty good view of the town up there, which is lovely in itself. It’s a bit busier than some of the others in the region with plenty of shops and restaurants, but it’s still rural France so that’s only in comparison, it’s still pretty quiet!

• Riberac

I haven’t spent much time in this town but it’s got a fair few shops and restaurants (read my review on my favourite one) in comparison to some of the other tiny places in the area, and it’s another charmingly traditional town that’s worth a visit!

• Pineau des Charentes

This isn’t a place – it’s a drink! It’s unique to the Charentes, you’ll struggle to buy it anywhere else, and it’s so tasty. It’s basically a fortified wine so if you like Port, you’ll love it. It’s sweeter than Port but nicer than Sherry! You can also get sparkling versions. And it’s super cheap, usually around €4 for a bottle. So get on it! 🙂