Les Moreaux, Virollet, Charente Maritime

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The Charente Maritime, with its own micro-climate, equals the South of France for sunshine hours. Its sweeping vineyards produce grapes for the famous Cognac brandy and Bordeaux wines. The river Charente flows through the nearby historic Roman towns of Saintes and Cognac. The brandy houses of Hennessey, Remy Martin and Martell are based at Cognac and provide guided tours of their distilleries, most offering a sample of the amber liquid to taste or take away!

The area also boasts many good restaurants where you can enjoy the fresh produce from the sea, rivers and rich farmland of the Charente area.

The islands of Ile de Re and Ile d’Oleron, famous for their Oyster beds and wildlife are also great for cycling and watersports with many picturesque whitewashed cottages to see along the way.

La Palmyre Zoo, just beyond Royan, is a must see for adults and children alike. With a world renowned breeding programme, there are always lots of young animals to see and pet.

Les Antilles at Jonzac, an aqua playground complex open all year with a tropical lagoon, man-made beaches, fitness pools, a restaurant and shops. Well worth a visit on those rare occasions when the weather is inclement.

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Pretty villages

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Roche-Courbon

Known as 'Sleeping Beauty's Castle', the La Roche Courbon Chateau is one of the many Chateaux in the area not to be missed. Also recommended is the 17^th century Chateau du Douhet which is set in over 49 acres of gardens.

The Bordeaux wine producing areas of Blaye, St. Emillion, and Medoc are also worth a visit, offering the opportunity to taste as well as buy with guided tours given at many of the local chateaux.

Golf - there are 3 good golf courses - at Royan, Saintes and Cognac. All within 20/30 minutes drive of Les Moreaux.

Fishing - you have the choice of good sea, river and lake fishing. Daily and weekly permits are available locally.

Horse Riding - There are several horse riding stables in and around the location.

tourist information

Office de Tourisme :

Recommended website: www.bernezac.com

Pons, Tel : 00 33 (0)5 46 96 13 31
website: www.ville-pons.fr

Jonzac, Tel : 00 33 (0)5 46 48 49 29
e-mail: tourisme.jonzac@wanadoo.fr

Cognac, Tel: 00 33 (0)5 45 82 10 71
website: www.tourism-cognac.com

Other useful websites:

www.charente-maritime.org
www.larochelle-tourisme.com