Discover Charente in summer

Are you staying in Charente this summer? What luck, you will be able to enjoy all the attractions of this magnificent region in the summer. There's no question of being bored, the Charente comes alive between July and August and offers you many activities to spend the summer.

Swimming to stay cool in summer in Charente

Get your swimming suits ! We take you for a dip and enjoy the pleasures of the water. Many sites in Charente are open to swimming:

• The Saint-Yrieix lake with a relaxation area to accommodate the whole family around a playground and a swimming area. An on-site refreshment bar offers quick food if you forget the picnic.
• Guerlie beach in Pressignac has the advantage of being supervised from July 1 to August 31. Put your feet in the water and enjoy the water activities offered.
• The Cognac-la-Forêt lake offers 1 hectare of swimming, a snack bar, a fitness trail and grounds for playing beach volleyball.
• The Aubeterre-sur-Dronne leisure center has a beach equipped and supervised in summer, and a breathtaking view of the village.

Travel the markets during the summer

What a pleasure to wander the colorful and fragrant stands with your basket in hand, in search of fresh products. Summer in Charente is the perfect season for cooking and enjoying yourself. Appointment :

• In Angoulême where 9 markets are set up throughout the week,
• In Ruffec on Wednesdays and Saturdays,
• In Villefagnan every first Friday of the month at the organic farmers' market on the farm,
• In Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire for a daily market,
• In Cognac from Tuesday to Saturday,
• At La Rochefoucauld every Saturday morning…

In Charente, almost every village has its market, sometimes made up of a few producers. The list is therefore long and not exhaustive to obtain honey, cagouilles, pineau des Charentes, cognac or even Charentais melon!

Have a picnic in the summer in Charente

Do you like having lunch in the great outdoors on large checkered tablecloths? Grab your baskets, here are some addresses (not all of course) where you can take out your knife and fork!

• At the water's edge on the Ile de la Fuie in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, where shaded tables are pleasant for a picnic.
• At the Vindelle swimming area, a good idea to combine gourmet pleasure and activities such as walking or volleyball matches.
• On the Marsac leisure area with a supervised beach in summer and facilities for motor disabilities,
• In Jarnac aux Champagnolles where a course is set up.

Most of the time, parking and toilets are accessible, but it is always best to find out before traveling.

Take a Tèrra Aventura route

With family or friends, take part in a life-size outdoor treasure hunt with the Tèrra Aventura application. Once connected, all you have to do is choose your department, your preferred theme, the level of terrain and the number of kilometers not to exceed. Suggested routes appear on your screen, all you have to do is read the summary of the story, before setting off in search of your Poï'Z. Riddles, walks, laughter and good humor are guaranteed this summer in Charente!

Visit the towns and villages of Charente

In summer, cities are often deserted in favor of beaches and forests. Take the opportunity to discover them in complete peace and quiet. However, if it's really hot, opt for a morning or late afternoon excursion. In Charente, we have selected a few essential stops:

• Mansle , a Gallo-Roman city bathed by the Charente river. Labeled a green station, it offers numerous walking routes and the Jean Pierre Lanson floral park with multiple species of trees and shrubs.
• Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire has a varied style between its 18th and 19th bourgeois houses, as well as its church which has a Romanesque and Gothic style. A true open-air museum, it can be visited freely or accompanied by a guide.
• Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, one of the most beautiful villages in France with its white stone houses clinging to the cliff. It is especially attractive for its underground church which is one of the largest in Europe.
• Verteuil-sur-Charente, a medieval town with a Renaissance castle dating from the 6th century. Since 2008, its restored mill welcomes you for a gourmet break in the tea room or restaurant. Don’t miss the flaky brioche!
• Chabanais and its rural setting to discover on foot or by bike, without forgetting the cultural heritage and its 4 bell towers.

Of course we have not mentioned the major cities of Cognac, Angoulême or Confolens, but if you have time, do not hesitate to visit them.

Visit the museums of Charente in summer

When the sun is too strong, it's good to cool down, and why not in a museum? They are not lacking in Charente, addressing diverse and varied themes such as:

• The Angoulême Museum, the Paper Museum or the Museum of the International City of Comics and Images,
• The Cognac Arts Museum,
• The Museum of Art and History in Cognac,
• The François Mitterrand Museum in Jarnac.

Canoeing on the rivers of Charente

On your paddles, summer is the ideal time to practice a fun and sporting activity on the water. In Charente, you can of course go down the river of the same name, but also the Vienne from Confolens. Many sites welcome you in the region to board canoes or kayaks for a fun day with family or friends. Go to Angoulême, Vibrac, Jarnac or even Ruffec and let yourself slide.

You now know all the secrets to having a lively summer in Charente, it’s up to you!

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