You will feel on top of the world in villa Grenadier on the small holiday estate Grand Tourtre, just outside the market town of Chalais.
It has great views over the open countryside and the castle of Chalais is in full view. A detached modern holiday villa with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a private pool, a large wooden terrace outside and an enclosed garden. The interior is light and modern, it has a very spacious open plan dining/living area with kitchen (46 square meters). It has 1 king size bedroom, the master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. The other 2 rooms consist of a double room and a room with two separate single beds, both sharing a bathroom with shower and toilet. There is also a separate toilet. The open-plan living space invites everyone to spend time together. Outside you will find a terrace with table and chairs, an alarmed swimming pool of 8mx4m, a BBQ, partially fenced garden and parking for 2 cars. Tennis courts, pétanque court, ping-pong table and a children's playground are on site and are shared with other holidaymakers on site.
Le Grenadier has great views over the open countryside and the Château de Chalais is in full view. A short drive, bike ride or walk will take you to the market town of Chalais with all its amenities such as bakers, butchers, supermarkets, banks, pharmacy, restaurants and bars. Chalais has a train station connecting Paris and Bordeaux. Change trains in Angouleme (TGV). You can park for free at the train station.
The idyllic village of Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne (recognised as 'one of the most beautiful villages in France') is on the border of the Dordogne (15 minutes' drive). The capital of the Charente Angoulême is a nice town to explore with shops, a morning market 'les halles' and is known for its 2 annual events: The 'Festival bande dessinée' (comic strip festival) in January and the 'Circuit des remparts' (classic car rally) in September. Angouleme is a 45-minute drive from Chalais.
The surrounding area is perfect for hiking and cycling. Kayaking on the Charente river, near Aubeterre or Parcoul, is forever popular and both horse riding and tennis are easily arranged. Many villages have their own tennis courts (Chalais, Brossac) that you can book at the town hall.
The Charente is widely recognized as one of the sunniest climates in Western Europe thanks to its warm Gulf Stream. The cottage is located 1.5 hours from the beaches on the Atlantic coast. There are also a number of lakes with sandy beaches nearby: Etang Vallier (Brossac), Aubeterre sur Dronne and St Aulaye.
You are in the middle of the wine region of the Charente. Many of the local 'domains' offer Pineau and wine tours and tastings. Pineau is a fortified wine and is the appreciated regional aperitif. The nearby famous town of Cognac (50 minutes' drive) also offers tours of the famous Cognac houses. Also in the vicinity you can taste wine, cremant, pineau or / and cognac at: Domaine Viticole Conte et Filles in Chillac, Chateau de Plassons in Bors de Montmoreau, Le Petit Cousinaud in Guizengeard.
You will find a good choice of restaurants in the area for a very reasonable price, especially the lunch menu is very affordable. Restaurants are recommended in your welcome leaflet.
The wine town of St Emilion is less than an hour away and Bordeaux is just over an hour away.
