Le Petit Mas d'Île

Heaps of walks and cycling trails are in the surrounding countryside, including a path along the Vienne river into Saint-Germain-de-Confolens and the ruins of its medieval castle: just ask your hosts for their recommendations for other routes that lie nearby. The Vienne river flows very close to the site and is a handy spot for a swim. Within 30 minutes' drive are a couple of lifeguarded lakes with good lakeside beaches, to take the kids swimming, canoeing, fishing and boating to for a change of yet more spectacular scenery. While they're playing in supervised safety, you can luxuriate on the sand or around one of the grassy areas, hang out with a cold beer at the bar/restaurant, or take yourself for a swim. For culture-filled days out there are plenty of traditional villages, grand castles and farmers' markets around the local area, and Futuroscope theme park is just over an hour's drive away.