Discover the Charente region in summer

Staying in Charente this summer? How lucky! You'll be able to enjoy all the attractions of this magnificent region during the warmer months. There's no chance of getting bored; Charente comes alive between July and August and offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained all summer long.

Swimming to stay cool in the summer in Charente

Grab your swimsuits! We're taking you for a dip and to enjoy the pleasures of the water. Many spots in the Charente region are open for swimming:

• The Saint-Yrieix lake offers a relaxation area for the whole family, including a playground and a swimming area. A snack bar on site provides quick meals if you've forgotten your picnic.
• Guerlie beach in Pressignac has the advantage of being supervised from July ^1st to August 31st. Dip your toes in the water and enjoy the water sports on offer.
• The Cognac-la-Forêt lake offers 1 hectare of swimming, a snack bar, a fitness trail and courts for playing beach volleyball.
• The Aubeterre-sur-Dronne leisure centre has a beach that is equipped and supervised in summer, and a breathtaking view of the village.

Exploring the markets during the summer

What a pleasure it is to stroll through the colorful and fragrant stalls, basket in hand, in search of fresh produce. Summer in Charente is the perfect season for cooking and enjoying delicious food. See you there!

• 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 at the farm,
• In Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire for a daily market,
• In Cognac, from Tuesday to Saturday,
• In La Rochefoucauld, every Saturday morning…

In the Charente region, almost every village has its own market, sometimes featuring just a few producers. The list is therefore long and not exhaustive for buying honey, snails, Pineau des Charentes, Cognac, or even Charentais melons!

Having a picnic in the Charente region during the summer

Do you enjoy lunching outdoors on large checkered tablecloths? Grab your picnic baskets, here are a few addresses (not all of them, of course) where you can get out your fork and knife!

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

Most of the time, parking and toilets are available, but it is always best to check before travelling.

Complete a Tèrra Aventura course

With family or friends, take part in a life-sized outdoor treasure hunt with the Tèrra Aventura app. Once connected, simply choose your region, your preferred theme, the terrain level, and the maximum distance. Suggested routes will appear on your screen; all you have to do is read the story summary before setting off to find your Poï'Z. Puzzles, walks, laughter, and good times are guaranteed this summer in Charente!

Visit the towns and villages of the Charente

In summer, cities are often deserted as people flock to beaches and forests. Take advantage of this to explore them in peace and quiet. However, if it's really hot, opt for a morning or late afternoon excursion. In the Charente region, we've selected a few must-see spots:

• Mansle, a Gallo-Roman town nestled on the banks of the Charente River. Designated a "green resort," it offers numerous walking trails and the Jean Pierre Lanson floral park with its diverse collection of trees and shrubs.
• Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire boasts a diverse architectural style, from its 18^th and 19th- century bourgeois houses to its church, which features a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. A veritable open-air museum, it can be explored independently or with 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 back to the 6^th century. Since 2008, its restored mill has welcomed visitors for a delicious break in its tea room or restaurant. Don't miss the flaky brioche!
• Chabanais and its rural setting to discover on foot or by bike, not forgetting the cultural heritage and its 4 bell towers.

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

Visiting the museums of the Charente region in summer

When the sun is beating down too hard, it's good to cool off, and why not in a museum? There are plenty of them in the Charente region, covering diverse and varied themes such as:

• The Angoulême Museum, the Paper Museum or the Museum of the International City of Comics and Images ;
• The Merchant's House - Museum of Art and History in Cognac ;
• The birthplace of François Mitterrand in Jarnac.

Canoeing on the Charente rivers

Grab your paddles! Summer is the perfect time for a fun and sporty activity on the water. In the Charente region, you can, of course, paddle down the Charente River, but also the Vienne River starting from Confolens. Numerous locations throughout the region welcome you to embark on canoe or kayak trips for a friendly day out with family or friends. Head to Angoulême, Vibrac, Jarnac, or Ruffec and let yourself drift along.

Now you know all the secrets to having a lively summer in Charente. It's your turn!

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