Cycling - Take pleasure in cycling on miles of quiet, underpopulated roads where the motorists respect those of us that choose 2 wheels over 4! There are many recognised routes to be found. Here is a route map of the region provided by the Charente tourist board. At Le Petit Maine we can advise or accompany you on routes we have selected.
Horse riding - Aubeterre
Tennis - Montmoreau & Chalais
Tennis -
Walking - Le Petit Maine is surrounded by bridlepaths to explore.
There are also many recognised routes to be found. Here is one local example provided by the Charente tourist board:
Autour d'Aubeterre - Moors and white cliffs
< Circuit 4 hrs - 16 km >This route, close to the Périgord, takes you to three rivers : the Dronne, the Tude and the Viveronne. Holm oak, box and juniper thrive on the slopes. Villages and hamlets are dotted along the route as well as the sign of a former rural economy [mills, bread ovens...].
You must spend a long moment in Aubeterre, one of the « Most Beautiful Villages in France » and its 11th century underground church...
You must spend a long moment in Aubeterre, one of the « Most Beautiful Villages in France » and its 11th century underground church...
Bird watching - Be amazed by the quantity of birds of Prey sitting on overhead wires around Le Petit Maine & surrounding areas of the Charente. Kingfishers can be seen around the waterways & local ponds whilst Jays populate the woodland areas.
Golf courses – closest is at Aubeterre, others at Angouleme (45 mins) and Perigueux (50mins).
Golf d'Aubeterre, Pillac
[9 holes, 1 728 m, Par 31]
Between the Charente and the Dordogne lies the Dronne. Built on the banks of the river, just a stone's throw from Aubeterre, one of the « Most Beautiful Villages in France », the manoir de Longeveau has a 9 hole course. The course is short but very demanding with bunkers and other hazards in the rolling meadows and oak groves.
Golf de l'Hirondelle - Angoulême
[18 holes, 5 365 m, Par 70, slope 139]
It is built on a spur of limestone rock opposite the town. There are fine views of the cathedral and the pink tiled roofs. The 18 holes cover about 34 hectares in the St-Martin woods. The fairways call for good physical condition and a high degree of skill notably because they are very narrow.
Wine Tasting -
Vineyards welcome families & usually offer free tasting's . At Le Petit Maine we can give suggestions on where to visit or organise an accompanied trip to one of our favourite producteurs.
It is built on a spur of limestone rock opposite the town. There are fine views of the cathedral and the pink tiled roofs. The 18 holes cover about 34 hectares in the St-
Wine Tasting -
Vineyards welcome families & usually offer free tasting's . At Le Petit Maine we can give suggestions on where to visit or organise an accompanied trip to one of our favourite producteurs.
Canoeing - Is available at Aubeterre river beach & Brossac lake. At Le Petit Maine we can assist with booking canoe hire, trips or accompany you for a relaxed tour of the river whilst stopping for a picnic at the side of the river Dronne.
