Les Petites Martinies

There are plenty of places to get out for a walk around here, whether you’re hoping for a long hike through the scenery of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park (15 minutes’ drive) or a more gentle stroll around some of the area’s historic buildings. If you’re more in the mood for the latter, plan trips to Château de Villebois-Lavalette (10 minutes), a large site where restoration works are ongoing and various cultural events take place through the year, and the grand Château de la Mercerie (also 10 minutes). There’s also the chance to have a fascinating underground walk at Caves Quéroy (25 minutes) or to explore the man-made caves at Les cluzeaux d’Argentine (15 minutes). Angoulême (half an hour) is well worth a day out too – the city is nicknamed the ‘balcony of the southwest’ because of its elevated position, and it has some lovely views across the surrounding area. It’s a very arty place too, with lots of street art to look out for and the fabulous Musée de la Bande Dessinée to visit.