Verteuil-sur-Charente

Within just a few minutes walk there are several shops with everything you may need on a daily basis, such as a boulangerie, butcher, tabac, pharmacie, post office, general food store and an estate agent.  There is also a very good restaurant a café bistro and two bars.  Banks and supermarkets are just 5 kilometres away in the market town of Ruffec.

The countryside around Verteuil is very agricultural and the fields in the summertime are full of golden sunflowers and local wildlife making the area perfect for walks and cycling.  The village park has a children’s play area and table tennis, as well as a tennis court nearby available for rental.  Wander along the river and watch the locals play boules or sit on the river bank and enjoy a picnic in this beautiful setting.

A walk up to the 12th century church will give you spectacular views of the chateau and surrounding countryside.  The church contains a fine 16th century terracotta “laying in the tomb” – one of the best examples of statuary in the region.

Verteuil is conveniently just a few minutes drive from the N10 motorway giving easy access north and south.

Day trips

Angouleme is the capital of the Charente and an ancient hilltop city surrounded by ramparts.  There are many charming narrow streets to explore lined with interesting shops and several squares with cafes and restaurants.  Every year there is the international cartoon festival in January, the annual European hot air balloon race in August and the classic car race around the city in September.

Cognac town is a short drive from Angouleme and is a very pleasant day out.  All the main producers of Cognac and Pineau have regular tours of their distilleries.  The pretty town centre is a maze of ancient walkways with good shopping and places to eat.  Boat trips can be taken along the river and annual events include a jazz and police film festival.

La Rochelle is less than 2 hours away and has one of the most beautiful town centres in France.  There is free bike hire to allow you to explore the area.  The spectacular harbour has excellent seafood restaurants and there are boat trips to the islands, a maritime museum and aquarium to visit.

Poitiers is a vibrant university city and is home to a fabulous cathedral.  The shopping along the medieval streets is excellent and there are many outdoor cafes to sit and people-watch.  Futuroscope is nearby and is the largest science theme park in Europe full of amazing rides and virtual attractions.

Other day trips nearby include the Vallée des Singes primate park, Zoodyssée animal park, Pescalis fishing centre and Snakes Island; these are just some of the places to visit and things to do locally.  Other activities can be found under Visit Charente, Charente-Maritime Tourism, Deux-Sèvres Tourism, Vienne Tourism or FrenchEntrée-Poitou-Charentes.