La Tiede

The estate is situated just a km. from the village of St. Claud where you will find all life's essentials - two bakers, a bouchers, two bars, a bank, a garage, post office and a small supermarket. Another 6 km. takes you to Chasseneuil or 12 km. Roumazieres where the choice widens to several supermarkets, restaurants, etc.

• Angoulême - a rich mixture of delights just 20 minutes away situated on the Charente river. The town is divided into two parts - le Plateau which is ringed by ancient ramparts and the lower town and outlying areas.  Every January Angoulême is crowned the Capital of  "Bande Dessinee" - comic strips - and several large murals can be seen depicting famous cartoon characters in the town. In September motoring enthusiasts from around the World assemble for the annual Race around the Ramparts - all entrants driving vintage cars. There are a good variety of shops, restaurants and cafes for the visitor.
• La Rochefoucauld - pretty local town with shops restaurants and a huge chateau - between St. Claud and Angouleme. A visit to the famous chateau is a must.....one of the best in France... ( www.chateau-la-rochefoucauld.com )
• Confolens - picturesque town at the confluence of the Goire and Vienne rivers famous for its annual International Folklore Festival and just 15 minutes drive.
• Poitiers - this thriving university town is within an hours drive and offers visitors fine architecture, a medieval district and good selection of restaurants, cafes and shops plus the Futuroscope park ........see below
• Cognac- a small town at the centre of a huge international trade in this famous spirit - see below
• Limoges - world famous for its porcelain, this regional centre is a pleasure to explore with interesting shops, restaurants and monuments.

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• Futuroscope - an amazing combination of entertainment, hi-tech industry and education on a large and dramatic site just outside Poitiers offering a fantastic and inspiring day out for all ages. Check out their web site at www.futuroscope.com
• Cognac - most of the well known names in the Cognac industry will be pleased to welcome you to their premises, show you the method of production and let you taste their wonderful product. Hennessy, Martell, Remy-Martin and Camus to name but a few all run guided tours and there's even a museum of Cognac.
• Oradour - village/museum - living memorial from the Second World War where all 642 inhabitants were killed by the Germans - a newly opened visitor centre provides fascinating detail about the background to the massacre and the aftermath. ( www.oradour.org )
• Caves - visit the caves at Queroy (20 min) or Brantome (1 hr.)
• Braconne Forest - beautiful forest around La Rochefoucauld with several "fosse" including la Grande Fosse, a spectacular hole in the middle of the forest.
• Cartoon Museum - to be found in Angouleme - see above.
• Wine Tasting - anything from a half day excursion to a local vineyard to a full day's tasting of Haut Poitou wines, Pineau and Cognac.
• Chocolaterie Letuffe - this always proves to be a favourite - demonstrations of chocolate making followed by tastings!
• Antique Hunting - there are always fairs and "vide-greniers" in the area for bargain hunters.

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On site at La Betoulle there are

• the pool - which is a huge 17 x 10 metres - typically three times the size of most private pools!
• the tennis court - excellent quality hard court with balls and racquets available for hire.
• a giant outdoor chess set
• lots of opportunities for country walks and  lawns to play on.

Many other activities can be found within easy reach:

• Velo Rail - an old railway line where you travel along on cycle-propelled carts - 2hr or 5hr excursions - good exercise!
• Canoeing on the rivers Charente & Vienne -  various locations such as Mansle & Exideuil,
• Cycling - the whole of the Charente is excellent cycling country with over 1000 km of cycle routes - quiet roads, not too hilly. For more details of routes, etc. click on the cyclist opposite:
• Lakes of the Haute Charente - good for swimming, sailing and canoeing
• Adventure Park - sail through the tree-tops on a rope! Fantastic fun for kids and adults alike - fully supervised! More info is available on their web site - www.aventure-parc.fr
• Nautilis Water Park- with water slides and pools just outside Angouleme on the Bordeaux road.
• Golf - a choice of three courses within half an hour's drive - with no queues to get on the tee!
• Fishing - with rivers and lakes in abundance this is an excellent region for fishermen - click logo for more details

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• La Grange aux Oies - just 5 minutes from Le Manoir at the Chateau de Nieuil in a stunning setting and offering superb food at a reasonable price (45 € inclusive of apéritif, wine and coffee) - the chef trained at the Four Seasons, Inn on the Park, London so you know you are in for a treat..... http://www.grange-aux-oies.com/
• Le Marronnier - just 4 km away at St. Laurent des Ceris, this is a traditional restaurant run by a friendly French couple offering  local produce at reasonable prices.
• La Cassotte - good local cooking at 12 € per head inc. wine - how do they do it!!??
• .....we have a very comprehensive list of restaurants in the area offering something to suit every taste and budget which we will send you when you are booking.

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• Rampart Race - each year a large number of vintage racing cars compete in Angoulême's famous race around the city ramparts. Competitors from as far afield as the USA and Australia compete in this prestigious event.......Bugatti, Frazer Nash, MG and many other marques are represented.

• Confolens World Music & Dance festival - a world famous event that takes over the whole town for a week and then continues in nearby areas.....second week in August.

• Comic Strip Festival (Bande Desinee) - Angouleme is the centre of the comic strip industry in France and hosts this annual international festival. ( www.cnbdi.fr )

• Gastronomades - Angouleme's annual food fare - delicieux ( www.gastronomades.fr/ )

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