The department of Charente in southwest France, is in Nouvelle Aquitaine, previously known as Poitou-Charentes. It’s one of the sunniest corners of France with roughly 25% more sunshine hours than the UK. It’s a land of vineyards, fields of sunflowers, and small villages and towns. Just 45 minutes’ drive will bring you to the Atlantic Coast. It’s served by excellent motorways, airports close by, plus fast trains to Paris from the departmental capital Angouleme.

We look at some of the main attractions and best things to do in Charente…

Angoulême

The upper town of the city of Angoulême is a fascinating place to visit. The view from the ramparts of its hilltop perch are stunning. The streets of the old district are peppered with bars, cafés and restaurants with tables spilling out onto cobbled terraces.

The city is famous for its Comic Museum, La Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image. Comics are taken seriously in France, they are accepted as a respected art form. Each year the Comic Museum of Angoulême holds a comic festival that attracts more than 200,000 visitors.

The town is also the street art capital of France and you can hardly turn a corner without spotting a fabulous wall mural, speech-bubble street name or statue honouring a comic artist.

Don’t miss the Cathedral “Tresors” when you go to Angoulême. You’ll need to join a guided tour but it’s absolutely worth it. The art installations in this cathedral were created by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel including a room created from glass and metal which houses the treasures which gave this exhibition its name “Le Tresor”, the treasury. Ancient religious relics, including some rather gory body parts of saints, crowns embellished with jewels and diamonds, altar art, candles and more. It is quite simply dazzling.

Afterwards pop next door to the Museum of Angoulême to learn more about the history of the city and admire the eclectic collection of paintings, furniture, ancient artefacts and more.

Tourist office: www.angouleme-tourisme.com

Cognac

Cognac is a pretty town with a “City of Art and History” label. It’s easy to spend a day here wandering it’s ancient streets, taking in the sights, relaxing by the river and indulging in the local cuisine. The town has a feeling of peacefulness, prosperity and good living.

If you want to know about cognac the drink as well as the region, the Museum dedicated to Cognac is a great place to start. You’ll discover all there is to know about the creation of cognac and the area in which it is made. There are thousands of objects to bring the story to life as well as a rather fascinating section of posters and labels.

Nip next door to the Discovery centre to find out all about the heritage of Cognac and the Charente area. You’ll get a great overview of how Cognac came to be, the different areas of Cognac production, the vineyards, landscape and villages.

You really have to do a cognac tasting in Cognac, (the Royal Chateau de Cognac is simply superb in the former chateau where King Francis 1 was born in 1515). It’s a great town to wander the old and winding streets, taking a break in one of the many restaurants or bars.

Cognac Tourist Office: www.tourism-cognac.com/uk

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne (top photo) is officially one of the prettiest little villages in France. Surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, the town has narrow twisting streets and lots of artisan shops. Don’t miss a visit to the extraordinary, monolithic, underground Church of St Jean and the Romanesque Church of St Jacques, with its stunning façade. If you’re feeling active there are plenty of waterfront activities along the river Dronne from Kayaking to boating. Relax in the lively Place Trarieux where you’ll find some great restaurants.

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne Tourist Office: www.aubeterresurdronne.com

For more to see and do in Charente: www.infiniment-charentes.com

Check out our listings in Charente and enjoy your sunshine holiday – we love to help make your holiday dreams come true….