Local Attractions
Things to do and see and activities to explore during your stay
At Les Vieilles Ombres, we offer a relaxed and unobtrusive stay, giving you the freedom to plan your days as you wish. However, rest assured that we’re always available if you need advice or assistance. A nearby tourist information centre in Matha and brochures in your gîte provide a range of local attractions and plenty of inspiration, and we’re happy to share insider tips to help you make the most of your stay. For questions about nearby local attractions, just ask
Scuba Diving
Try a new diving experience with a fun and introduction to scuba diving – no experience needed…
During the warmer months, lessons take place in our nearby swimming pool, led by a qualified PADI instructor. We offer a range of options for both children and adults, tailored to different skill levels. Young children can begin with the Bubble Maker program, a fun introduction to scuba diving, while those aged 12 and above can start their PADI Open Water Course.
No need to be a strong swimmer—this is a great way to experience scuba diving in a safe, controlled environment before venturing into open water.
Lessons: Mondays at 10 AM
Prices: From €25 per hour
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If you’d like to find out more,
just ask us
Fun activities
Endless activities to keep you and your family occupied. Here’s just a few ideas to wet your appetite…
Go-Karting. Just 20 minutes away at St Jean d’angely – An outdoor track and great family fun. We can make bookings for guests too.
Tennis. There is a court in the village. We can provide the equipment needed.
Cycling & Walking. There are numerous tracks that can be followed so that you can explore the surrounding nearby countryside without encountering too many cars.
Golf. Great courses within an hour of us, near the coast or deep in the countryside they will test your golfing skills.
Fishing. There are several lakes in the area that offer different fishing or even the picturesque Charente river.
Indian Village / Go Ape. If adventure is what you are looking for then head to one of these adventure parks and tackle the courses they have in place for all different ages.
Velo Rail. Ride a 6 person bike on an old disused railway track there and back again. It’s a great, fun day out and is only 50 minutes away at Vélorail De Saintonge 17260 St André de Lidon.
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If you’d like to find out more,
just ask us
Even more
Enjoy a treasure hunt adventure in the local woods. Organised by us and suitable for all ages…
- Visit the world famous zoo at La Palmyre.
- Laser shooting.
- Futuroscope – 3D/4D rides, a park like no other.
- Visit ancient ramparts of Angouleme.
- Drive the model boats at Saint Savien.
- Visit the historic town of La Rochelle & its famous Aquarium (Tickets can be purchased through us).
- Visit Venice Marais Poitevint – the little Venice.
- Visit the lovely beaches of the Atlantic coast.
- Visit numerous museums in lots of different places.
- Horse Riding.
If you’re arriving late in the evening, we can arrange basic provisions for you, ensuring your kitchen isn’t empty upon arrival. Just let us know in advance so we can prepare everything for you.
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Further details available on request,
just ask us
…and attractions a little further afield…
Love red wine? This is the perfect place for you! Just 1 hour 30 minutes from the world-famous Bordeaux wine region, you’ll find endless vineyards producing exceptional grapes—a tradition dating back to the 8th century. Bordeaux is the ideal starting point for a wine tour, with legendary châteaux along the D2 route, including Margaux, Médoc, Mouton Rothschild, Pomerol, and Yquem. With 960 million bottles produced annually, why not visit and see the winemaking process for yourself?
La Rochelle
Just 90km (55 miles, approx. 1hr 10mins away), La Rochelle is a must-visit, rich in history and charm. Explore the Old Port and Old Town, where cobbled streets, hidden passages, historic buildings, and lively shopping areas await. Artists love this picturesque city, and seafood lovers can enjoy fresh catches at restaurants overlooking the harbor.
Key sights include Tour St. Nicholas, La Tour de la Lanterne, and the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle, plus several museums for all ages. The famous Aquarium is a fantastic experience, especially for children. La Rochelle also offers access to the Atlantic Coast’s sandy beaches and nearby islands like Île de Ré, Île d’Oléron, and Île d’Aix. Enjoy watersports, horseback riding along the Côte Sauvage, or a round of golf. For a fun day out, visit Zoo Palmyre in Royan, one of Europe’s best. Don’t forget to stop by local vignerons to sample regional wines, Cognac, and aperitifs!
La Rochelle Tourist information
www.larochelle-tourisme.com
Rochefort
Rochefort is renowned for its grand architecture, rich maritime history, and excellent museums. Explore the Arsenal district, where great naval expeditions were planned, and visit key landmarks like the Musée de la Marine, Hôtel de la Marine, Jardin de la Marine, and the historic Corderie Royale rope factory. Nearby, don’t miss Château de la Roche Courbon, a fairy-tale castle with stunning French gardens and ancient grottos. Distance: 59km (36 miles) – approx. 50 mins.
Rochefort Tourist information
www.rochefort-ocean.com
Cognac
Discover Cognac – Just 30 Minutes Away. The Cognac region, shaped by the River Charente, has thrived since the 16th century. Park at Place Beaulieu or near the Musée de Cognac, then explore the Old Town, including Rue Grande, lined with 15th-century medieval houses.
A visit isn’t complete without a Cognac house tour. Choose from renowned names like Rémy Martin, Hennessy, and Martell, or explore smaller producers for a more intimate experience. Enjoy a walk along the river, rent a boat, or visit Parc François 1er, which features nature trails and an outdoor activity centre with free games for families. For more adventure, explore scenic walking trails in Cognac and nearby villages, rich in history and charm.
Cognac Tourist information
www.destination-cognac.com
St Emilion
This is one of France’s top wine regions and one of its most beautiful medieval villages. Stroll along the ancient ramparts and cobbled streets, or climb the Château du Roi for panoramic views of the town. Don’t miss the catacombs and the iconic monolithic church, or simply admire the vineyards stretching up to the village walls.
The Tourist Information office can arrange visits to nearby vineyards, and there’s a tourist train for those who want to explore famous chateaux and take a short town tour without tackling the steep hills.
Distance: 170 km – 105 miles – approx. 1hr 45mins
Grand Saint-Emilionnais Tourist Office
www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com
Brossac
About 80 minutes south of here, near the meeting point of Charente, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, and Aquitaine, just outside Brossac, you’ll find a 4-hectare lake with a sandy beach and lifeguard for safe swimming, plus a separate pool. Kids can enjoy a play area, mini-golf, bike hire, and pony rides, while there’s a cyber café with WiFi.
The lake is perfect for fishing, and nearby, you can try quad biking and jet skiing. For dining, the Quai Sud restaurant offers a diverse menu with tapas and the special “Cucaracha,” a flaming cocktail made with coffee liqueur, vodka, and vanilla.
In Brossac, Thursday evening concerts bring the town to life, and in Chalais, be sure to visit the 12th-century Church St Martial and its cloisters.
Brossac village website
www.brossac.lagiraudiere.com
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a vibrant, modern city offering a shopping experience that ranges from unique and charming to luxurious. But it’s not just about shopping – there’s plenty of sightseeing to enjoy as well. Be sure to explore Old Bordeaux, including landmarks like the Grand Theatre, Eglise Notre Dame, Place de la Bourse, and Porte de la Grosse Cloche.
Distance: 1640km – 102miles – approx. 1hr 40mins
Bordeaux tourist information
www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk
Vineyards Tours
A Haven for Red Wine Lovers. Just 1 hour 30 minutes from the world-renowned Bordeaux wine region, this area is perfect for wine enthusiasts. Vineyards stretch for miles, producing a variety of grapes since the 8th century.
Bordeaux is the gateway to legendary D2 Route châteaux, including Margaux, Médoc, Mouton Rothschild, Pomerol, St Georges, and Yquem. With 960 million bottles produced annually, it’s the ideal place to explore, taste, and experience the art of winemaking.
Angoulême
Angoulême’s maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and stunning views from the castle ramparts make it perfect for wandering and discovering hidden gems. Head to the upper town to explore the fortifications and enjoy breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss the impressive Cathédrale St Pierre.
For a more active day, visit Base Nautique Eric Tabarly, where you can enjoy canoeing, sailing, and a supervised area for children to play or swim. Distance: 50km (31 miles) – approx. 40 minutes.
Angoulême Tourist information
www.angouleme-tourisme.com
St Estephe
Lac Saint Estèphe is ideal for families, especially in summer. It features age-specific playgrounds, picnic areas, and a refreshment shop with excellent ice cream. A scenic paved path circles the lake, ending with a fun foot ferry kids love. The lake also has a beautiful beach and accessible swimming for disabled visitors.
Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park’s official website
www.pnr-perigord-limousin.fr
Saintes
Saintes, often overlooked by tourists, boasts a rich heritage with sights dating back to Roman times. Start at the Tourist Information Centre for a suggested walking tour through the historic streets. Visit the Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre, built in 40 AD, and stroll through the Old Town near the Cathédrale St-Pierre.
Explore the Presidial Museum of Fine Arts and the Ancien Echevinage for artwork from the 15th-18th centuries. Enjoy the Jardins Publique, decorated with Roman ruins, the Arc de Germanicus, and the Abbaye aux Dames.
The River Charente offers boat trips or canoeing. Saintes is just 30 minutes from the Atlantic coast, with lovely nearby towns and the Paléosite for a prehistoric interactive experience. For adventure seekers, visit the Abbaye Fonduce Adventure Park or enjoy classical concerts. There are also several golf courses within an hour’s drive. Distance: 49km (30 miles) – approx. 30 minutes.
Saintes Tourist information
www.saintes-tourisme.fr
Atlantic Coast
Explore the Atlantic Coast. Stretching from Arcachon (famous for oysters and the Dune du Pilat) to Le Verdon-sur-Mer, the Atlantic Coast offers miles of unspoilt beaches. Always swim where lifeguards are present, as the ocean can be unpredictable.
Visit Lacanau-Ocean for its pine forests and nature reserves, or Royan to explore the Côte Sauvage. Nearby bike paths wind through woodlands and lead to the beaches. The Phare de la Coubre is one of France’s most powerful lighthouses, while Zoo de la Palmyre is one of the country’s most visited zoos, ideal for children.
Explore the Atlantic Coast further
www.france.fr
Le Plan d’Eau de Saint Yrieix, Angouleme
Just a few kilometres from the bustling centre of Angoulême, Le Plan d’Eau de Saint Yrieix offers 26 hectares of peaceful lakeside scenery, only 40 minutes from Les Vieilles Ombres.
Enjoy swimming on a sandy beach, boat rentals, and even a sailing school with windsurfing lessons. On land, you’ll find tennis, volleyball, pétanque, walking, and cycling. For a more relaxed visit, explore art exhibitions at the Tourist Office or unwind at the lakeside café.
Right next door, Nautilis features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and thrilling water slides—perfect for a fun day out.
Ville de Saint-Yrieix official website
www.saint-yrieix.fr
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Aubeterre is a stunning village nestled at the foot of its castle, featuring steep, narrow streets. The 12th-century church, dedicated to St. John, is an impressive structure carved from a single block of rock, with its nearly 70ft-high nave a remarkable feat of engineering.
Distance: 105 km – 65 miles – approx. 1hr 24mins
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne Tourist information
www.nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.com
Lakes & Beaches
Why not swap the crowded summer beaches for the serene lakes of Poitou-Charentes? Scattered across the region, these beautiful spots offer swimming, boating, fishing, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
Many overlook lakes in favour of the seaside, but they have their own charm—grassy banks, tree-lined shores, and hidden retreats nestled among rolling hills. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, these tranquil waters provide the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy nature.