The Vienne Valley
This unspoilt region is a paradise for walkers, cyclists, anglers and lovers of nature. Horse riding, canoeing and watersports among other activities are on offer at the nearby outdoor activity centre and the charming medieval towns of Montmorillon, Chauvigny and Angles sur Anglin are all within easy reach. The Futuroscope theme park near Poitiers is also only an hour away.

There are many gastronomic specialites to try including the farci poitevin, a mix of herbs, cabbage and bacon, cabichou du poitou, a soft cheese made from fresh full cream goat's milk or the delicious broye butter biscuits and macaroons. Cognac has been a source of wealth for this area for many hundreds of years and the cognac vineyards can be found to the south and west of the Vienne. The local wine is produced in the vineyards to the north of Poitiers using Sauvignon and Chardonnay vines for the white wine and Cabernet and Gamay vines for the red. Pineau des Charentes is a white, red or rose drink made from grape juice and cognac and is usually served as an aperitif.