SEE & DO
OUT & ABOUT
ACTIVITIES
Le Pras is in southern Charente which enjoys mild climate and sunny summers, with rolling hills full of sunflowers and maize. Charente is famed for the quality of its light, a luminosity that draws artists and photographers from far afield. There is a clarity which comes from the nearby ocean, combined with a warm inland glow, that produces an amber light that softens the contours and gives a magical radiance to any building stone that it falls upon.
Le Pras is well situated to visit a range of historical towns, villages and points of interest with easy access to the ancient city of Angouleme, Cognac, Bordeaux, the Dordogne, rivers, lakes and the golden beaches of the Atlantic coast.
A five minute drive to the north is the small town of Montomoreau-St-Cybard with all essential amenities; supermarket, boulangerie, pharmacie as well as bars and restaurants. Montmoreau boasts one the most important churches on the pilgrimage route of Santiago de la Compostelle, along with an impressive and recently restored Chateau.
Perhaps take a 35km trip to the ancient city of Angoulême, wander the cobbled streets of the old Roman city with its abundant boutique shops and restaurants or take a day trip to Bordeaux, a city of culture and gastronomy and a UNESCO World Heritage area. A lunch in the medival town of St Emillion surrounded by vineyards is just an hour to the south. Brantome is an attractive town near the northern edge of the Dordogne department and has a nice mix of medieval and renaissance architecture to admire. The town and the River Dronne are so entangled with each other that Brantome is actually known as the “Venice of the Dordogne”.
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is located on the border of the Charente and the Dordogne and is just 15 mins drive form Le Pras. This picturesque old Roman town which was recently named "one of the most beautiful villages of France", was built in the shape of an amphitheater at the slope of a hill. The winding narrow streets lead to the monolithic church of the 12th century, carved in the rocks and is definitely a “must do” visit.
Le Pras is designed with relaxation in mind. I's a peaceful retreat, ideal for reading, birdwatching or just lazing by the pool or in the hammock. For something more energetic consider a hike through the fields and over the hills or a bike ride through the meandering lanes. Fishing is available in nearby locations, both lake and river, subject to season and permits. There is a 9-hole golf course 15 mins drive away and canoes are available for hire on the river at Aubeterre, where there is also a beach on the river!
To enjoy a typically french pastime a set of boules is always available and there is a pool table for those accommodating the barn. While not designated an official dark sky area it does get very dark at Le Pras and on a clear, moonless night marvel at some wonders of the universe that we do not normally see back in our town or city.
If food and drink is on your mind - every day in the Charente/Dordogne there is a lively street market, filled with fresh local produce, arts and crafts. Each region of France is proud of its many local food specialties and the Charente is no exception - melons, Pineau des Charente (the local aperitif), duck and cheeses being just a few of those available from local producers that line the streets. Nearest markets are in Chalais and Riberac.
