Things to do around Chatenet Holiday Gites
Things to Do
Family Activities Near Chatenet Holiday Gites
1. Visit the Chateau de Montendre ruins (15 minute drive)
At over 110m above sea level this gives fantastic views over the local area, showing the mix of pine forests, vines and agricultural fields that gives Montendre such a blended nature. The ruins are situated within easy walking distance of the centre of town, with fortications being sited here since the ninth century, more information on its history can be found here Chateau de Montendre. The enclosure at the top has been converted to form an open air theatre where events are often held throughout the year. Combined with a visit to one of the markets on a Thursday morning this is a great way to sample authentic French culture on our doorstep.
2. Visit the Lac Baron-Desqueyroux at Montendre (10 mins)
What used to be wild ponds in the forest have been updated an renovated to provide a large artifical beach as well as a public swimming pool onsite. Situated in amongst the pine forest and surrounded by a variety of walks in all directions, this gives a great opportunity to relax and unwind. Alternatively a variety of activities have recently been developed around the lake, including wake-boarding for more details see Activities at Montendre Lac
3. Visit Blaye Citadel (40 mins)
4. Visit the Antilles at Jonzac (30 mins)
5. Go for a ferry trip on the Gironde Estuary - Port Vitrezay
6. Hire bikes and explore the Voie Verte
7. Visit the Chateau Des Enigmes
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10. Stay onsite by the pool (0 mins)
Best Day Trips from Chatenet Holiday Gites
1. The beaches around Royan
2. Visit Bordeaux
3. Visit Cognac
4. Visit St Emilion
5. Visit the Medoc
Markets & Food Experiences
1. Chevenceux
2. Montendre
3. Jonzac
4. Blaye
5. Baignes
Wine & Vineyard Visits
1. St Emilion
2. Maison de la Vigne et des Saveurs
3. Chateau des Tourtes
4. Citadelle Gin
Chatenet
While a small commune of around 180 inhabitants, we have plenty of local walks and an abundance of nature around us throught the year
Chevenceaux (4 miles, 10 min drive)
Our nearest small town with a weekly small market on Saturdays mornings and a highly recommended stall selling oysters on Sunday mornings. With two bakeries and a small co-op this is a great place to top up on your supplies. Also has a boucherie, pharmacy, cashpoint and the Grain du Sel restaurant. The night markets that occur through the season are not to be missed if you want to taste real French culture.
Montendre (6 miles, 15 min drive)
From its Chateau overlooking the town to its large Thursday market, this town provides a great place to explore and stock up on supplies. With its large Intermache and Super U supermarkets, both with petrol stations, it is a great place to find classic French food.
It also has a fabulous Lac with man-made sandy beach, which with its nature shade can be a great place to picnic during the season.
Not to be missed are the Marche Nocturnes throughout the season on a Tuesday night.
Jonzac (13 miles, 30 min drive)
With another Chateau overlooking the town this, slightly larger town, has multiple restaurants - Chez Loic and Comptoir de Marche amongst its best. There is also a Tourist Office which can offer you further information about events in the area.
Another famous market Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings.
Blaye (24 miles, 45 min drive)
With the UNESCO world heritage, and truly impressive, Citadel this fabulous town offers view across the Gironde estuary over to the Medoc. Free parking and free entry make the Citadel a must visit, plenty of restaurants and bars both inside and outside the citadel are great places to sample some of the best French food and wine.
The large market runs on wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Not to be missed is the Printemps de Blaye wine festival in April.
Cognac (32 miles, 1 hour drive)
The centre of the world famous production of Cognac spirit which by law must be produced under strict conditions only in the designated Cognac region. This town has many famous name distillaries offering tours and tastings.
Not to be missed the famous Cognac Blues Festival - where many big name acts appear each year.
Angouleme (40 miles, 50 min drive)
The French "Ville de l'Image" - literally City of the Image has a long history dating back to Roman times. The largest city in the Charente region it is the centre of the production of animation and comic books.
Saintes (50 miles, 1 hour drive)
With an embarrassment of Roman remains, such as the ampitheatre and Roman archway located by the river Charente this is a lively town with many shops, restuarants and markets.
St Emillion (40 miles, 1 hour drive)
A beautiful town built on a hillside and surrounded by some of the best and most famous vineyards in the world. A fantastic place to visit and wander through the cobbled streets, not forgetting to stop at some of the many, many wine shops that will be more than happy to let to taste (and buy). At the top of the hill you get fantastic views, whilst next door is the Hotel de Pavie with its Michelin 3-star restaurant.
Not to be missed is the wine shop Bordeaux Classique - tell Greg we sent you...
Bordeaux (45 miles, 1 hour drive)
After Paris, Bordeaux is the city with the most listed or registered monuments in France. A fantastic place to visit - with easy access either by car or a 45 minute train journey from Montendre train station. The extensive, efficient and clean tram system allows easy access to all parts of the city. Full of history, nightlife and culture.
Not to be missed the Bar a Vin next to Quinconnes - constantly changing wines by the glass.
Royan ( 45 miles, 1hr 20m drive)
A large seaside town with beautiful, safe sandy beaches just at the end of the Gironde estuary.