Aire de Rejallant, Condac

Near Ruffec (about ten minutes by car) is a very attractive leisure area by the river Charente. There is a millpond and weir with small islands in the river, linked by wooden bridges. There is a sandy beach area, fishing and picnic tables under the trees During the summer season, there are canoes for hire and a bar and restaurant.

Confolens has a mediaeval bridge across the river Vienne, a number of churches dating from the 12th, 13th and 15th centuries, a 12th century ruined keep and the International Folklore Festival, held around the 15th August each year.

The nearest large town is Angouleme (about 25 minutes by car). Here there are a number of large hypermarkets on the edge of the town, and the magnificent cathedral of Saint-Pierre, the ramparts and the Fine Arts and Archaeological Museums in the town centre. For motor sports enthusiasts, there is the Tour of the Ramparts car rally each September. Just outside town is the recreation ground of Saint Yrieix with windsurfing, sailing, bathing and fishing. Sailboards and bicycles and available for hire.

Cognac, the birthplace of Francois I, is known the world over, thanks to its famous eau de vie, and a visit to the distilleries is not to be missed.