Up to date events and whats on

Sortir label Charente is a locally published free magazine that publishes up-to-date listings of local events, markets, Brocantes, music events, theatre, and much more.

You can pick up the magazine in most shops or you can click HERE to link to their website, where you can download a PDF copie of the latest magazine.

Cognac

This essentially modest town on the river Charente also has one of the best-known brand names on the planet. Thanks to the mellow spirit which bears its name and the efforts of the many companies that have been marketing it since the 17th century, it must rank with Paris, Champagne, St Tropez etc. as amongst the best known names from France.

Cognac is a pleasant place to visit with the river frontage of Cognac warehouses, the elegant park around the Hotel de Ville and the Place Francois 1er with cafes and smart shops in the pedestrianised shopping streets nearby. Visitors can also call in on Martell, Hennessey, Remy or Otard etc., to learn more from the inside about facts such as why so many of the large buildings have blackened facades. There is a good daily indoor market.Cognac is also home to several excellent Festivals each year, such as the Festival of the detective novel and the Blues Passions when the streets come alive with musicians and performers on all the street corners.

For more information on cognac the drink see here

Jarnac and the river Charente

Jarnac is situated on the right (north) bank of the river Charente between Angoulême and Cognac. It is about 20 km west of Angoulême, and about 10 km east of Cognac.

Jarnac has a small covered market, and some wonderful small bars and restaurants and hosts some of the famous cognac houses. The river Charente can be explored from cognac via pleasure boats and kayaks.

More information about what’s on in Jarnac can be found here

Angoulême

Angoulême famous for hosting the circuit des ramparts each year also hosts Frances premier comic festival –du Festival international de la bande dessinée d’Angoulême 

Angoulême is an old walled city that has a wonderful cathedral and Gothic town hall “Hotel de Ville”, many interesting churches, the old cobbled streets are full of delightful bars , restaurants and shops, and a covered market.

We are more than happy to advise on where to go and can make reservations at the finest eateries on your behalf.

Saint-Émilion

The historic small hill town of St Emilion with tiny winding streets is the centre of a wine-making appellation established for over 700 years. The local ocre-coloured stone, seen in the many ancient buildings, also the foundation for the well-drained vineyards, is ideal for working with the abundant sunshine to create great red wine. There is a convent, monolithic church and castle which are worth visiting in the town and numerous specialist shops which can advise on the wines as well as abundant bars and restaurants, some with cool inner courtyards. There is an excellent tourist train tour of hidden corners and some famous domains, which takes 35 minutes leaving from the eglise collegiale. Otherwise tour the Grand Cru wine route yourself and stop off at one of the many Chateaux in the St Emilion & Pomerol vineyards.