La Roche Chalais is situated on the western edge of the
Dordogne and on the border of the Charente. It is a rural
area with beautiful scenery and a wealth of wildlife. It is
a small town on the banks of the river Dronne and on the
edge of the picturesque Double forest. Amenities include a
supermarket, hotel, 2 bars (one with restaurant), cinema,
library, swimming pool, tennis courts, riding,
canoe/kayaking and swimming in the river, 16C church and
chateau. A small market on Saturday but within the area
there is a market most days. The staff in the tourist
information bureau are most helpful and can suggest tourist
routes by car or cycle (cycles are available for hire in the
town).
Le Paradou about 3 miles north is a free entry leisure
area with a lake, beach, water-chute, playground, tennis
(table & courts), crazy golf, restaurant & bar with dancing
on Saturdays. It is one of about 5 to be found within a 15
mile radius. Others include St Christophe, Brossac, Montpon
& La Jemaye.
St Emilion is about 30 minutes south and looks down upon
the Bordeaux wine region. There are shops, restaurants, the
largest underground church in Europe, museums, guided
excursions through the vineyards, and wine tasting. Cognac
northwest with guided tours by Martell, Hennessey & Remi
Martin.
Bordeaux about an hour away giving the choice of museums,
large stores, pavement cafés, sandy beaches, harbours and
fish restaurants.
Riberac is a favourite town for English residents. It is
an old town, has a good market (Friday) and restaurants.
Brantôme is a picturesque old town about 1 hour northwest
with an abbey, museum and restaurants.
Bergerac is about 45 minutes away. It has an old town
which is well worth a visit. There is also a guided tour by
barge.
Coast: the Atlantic Ocean has many resorts worth a visit.
Royan is about 1 hour away with its harbour, beach, fish
restaurants and shops. Go north to the historic town of La
Rochelle. To the south is Lacanau-Océan or Arcachon with its
mountainous sand dunes. If you do no mind a longer journey
(3 hours) you could visit Biarritz or better still St Jean
de Luz. Just a little way inland from there is the Duty Free
paradise of La Rune on the edge of the Pyrenees.
Food fresh produce can be purchased virtually every day
from a market nearby from fruit & vegetables to meat, fish
and cheese. Markets are held in Chalais (Monday), Coutras
(Wednesday & Saturday). St Aulaye (Tuesday), Montpon
(Wednesday), Libourne (Thursday)
The local hotel specialises in the traditional cuisine of
Périgigourdine. There are several restaurants in the
vicinity where a five or six course lunch costs from about
4.5€, often including wine!
Wine can be purchased envrac from a vinicole just outside
St Christophe. There are two suppliers in Guitres and in
Coutras opposite the station.
This is a wine lover’s paradise, there is a wealth of
history, leisure activities, wildlife, and good value local
cuisine. There is so much to explore and experience for all
age groups. I hope you find this useful in making your
decision.
Travel
Ferries – offer a choice of routes
Flights
Buzz: Stansted/ Bordeaux/Poitiers/Bergerac
BA: Gatwick / Bordeaux
Rail: EuroTunnel / Motorail
Passenger travel can be booked in the UK certainly from
Waterloo to Angoulême or Libourne.
Car Hire can be booked at the time of other travel
arrangements.
How about staying at Jean McDonald's property? For
more details:
Click here
