Cabanes du Maine Lafont

Those seeking more watery days can head half an hour's drive to Brossac and Étang Vallier for days of paddling and lakeside beach basking; over a dozen hiking trails as well as three bike paths are in the surrounding countryside for waterside rambles and bike rides. Day trips are easily sorted from here too, as Brossac is between the Dordogne, Charente-Maritime and Aquitaine regions, and just over an hour's drive from the famed old city of Cognac. Closer to home, Brantôme (45 minutes' drive) is in mighty pretty setting along the Dronne river, and has an abbey with bell tower claimed to be the oldest in France. Angoulême 35 kilometres away is one of France's designated Towns of Art and History, with fine old ramparts (over two kilometres' worth), and handsome views of the town and Charente river from Place Beaulieu. It's also known worldwide as the venue of the International Comic festival every January; if you're not there just then, look out for cartoons colourfully added to several town walls.