The river Charente is only a 5 minute walk away, a small tributary of which flows gently along the garden wall. The river is navigable and is the centre of activity in the area. Many years ago the Cognac trade depended upon the Charente to transport the 'water of life' to the world on locally built flat bottomed boats known as Gabares. Today you can still take a trip on one of these and sample the sights of the Charente from the river itself.
The area is steeped in history, both ancient and more modern. Both Hundred Year Wars were fought with the river as the dividing line, and the memorial to the final French victory is nearby. There are also many reminders of more recent disputes as the river was the divide between Vichy control and the Germans in WW II. Many monuments locally bring home the struggle of the Resistance.
Walking, cycling and fishing are very popular pastimes, and we can advise routes or help you obtain your visitor fishing licence (even provide a dog to walk if you wish). Kayaks can be arranged for guests if you feel adventurous, whilst the hamlet has facilities for football, tennis, raquetball, table tennis and a childens play area. We can help you access these free activites. Golf and horse riding are also available locally all year round, but during July and August there are other diverse things to do, ranging from rock climbing through to visiting a snail farm. Again we can help you book these adventures.
The region has a micro climate that ripens the Cognac grapes (as well as making it the second sunniest part of France). The local Mayor is a Cognac distiller of note and degustations (tastings) are available there and many other renowned Cognac houses nearby. We are also only 50 mins away from the sandy beaches around Royan and an hour or so to La Rochelle. The Marennes region between the two produces some of the finest oysters and shell fish in the world making the area a gastronomic delight.
There are many day trips from your base in St Amant, to historic picturesque towns and villages, the islands of Ile de Re or Ile d'Oleron and boat trips to Fort Boyard or inland to spectacular Chateaux. If the kids aren't exhausted from all the activity and fresh air, then there is always Futuroscope, a theme park only the French can do. Full details of what is available are contained in a visitor pack in your gite, and again should you need any help or advice we are more than willing to assist.
Useful sites that allow you to explore the region further:-