Brigueuil itself is a small, fortified town set on top of a hill. It is in easy walking distance being less than 1km along a quiet country lane. You will find a butcher, bakers, a bar, a small restaurant, a post office, a convenience store and a taxi rank.

A larger town, St Junien, is situated around 8km further on in the department of the Limousin. Here, you will find everything you need with a high street full of shops for all tastes, restaurants, bars, and cafes. It has some interesting architecture, including a 12th century Romanesque church and some local crafts that include leather goods such as gloves, saddles, belts and clothing. You can explore the papermakers and also view the traditional enamels and porcelains of the area for which it is famous. Numerous cultural events are held throughout the year including concerts, plays, exhibitions and poetry competitions. For those of you fishing with the family, 2006 sees the opening of a large complex offering a covered swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna.

The nearest city is Limoges, being 20km away from the lake, also in the Limousin. Here you will find everything you expect from a French city with many architectural treats, entertainment, restaurants and great shopping.

In the opposite direction, back in the Charente and approximately 20 km away from the chalet, is the medieval town of Confolens, built at the convergence of 2 rivers and accessed via 2 bridges. This is famous for its Rio de Janiero type street festival in August, when it is visited by hundreds of international entertainers that parade through the narrow streets for all to see. You can pass away a few hours along its ‘Velo-rail’, just one of two routes in the area, that is a large pedal powered vehicle seating 5, that runs along a disused railway track (advance booking essential) taking you through some of the spectacular countryside of the Charente.

Situated on the borders of two departments, the lake is ideally situated, giving you the base from which to explore the delights of both the Charente and the Limousin. Activities available are many and varied and cater for all ages.

In the Limousin

The Perigord-Limousin Natural Regional Park encompasses many historical sites. Discover the Park on an organised guided walk along themed footpaths and nature trails, or from a viewpoint or observatory, on foot or by mountain bike through the chestnut copses, on horseback along little-known lanes, by bike along amazing tracks, and why not by horse and carriage, or by cycle-rail. Alternatively relax and enjoy the many fairs and festivals celebrating the local crafts.

If it is history you are interested in you could follow the routes of crusaders such as Richard the Lionheart, on a journey that will take you from castles to manors, from keeps to fortified houses through charming little rural villages to spectacular chateaux, where you can take part in medieval fairs and festivals.

The chateau of Pompadour is the home of a large Anglo Arab horse stud, with horse racing a major event in its grounds.

Oradour-sur-Glane is a living testament to the horrors of war. During WWII the Nazis slaughtered the entire village - 642 men, women and children, only 1 person survived. It remains untouched and a museum has been erected so none can forget the atrocities of war.

In the Charante

Futuroscope. This modern, original complex is on the outskirts of Poitiers and is The European park of moving image. The 170 acre park introduces the public to the realities of modern technology. You are immediately plunged into a modernistic architectural universe of glass and steel. Every building is a work of art. There is plenty to do for children (of all ages) even the old ones. There are displays ranging from cybernetics, special effects, 3-D imagery, sensational experiences, interactive voyages, shows and rides to please everyone.

The Poitou marshes have a complex network of canals, ideal for a day on a barge, relaxing while you drift sedately through spectacular countryside.

Both departments have a multitude of antique, bric-a-brac, clothing or food markets and rural fairs giving you the opportunity to sample the local fare from breads to goats cheese to wines and spirits, none, perhaps, so famous as Cognac, in the west of the Charente.
For the sporting enthusiast, there are endless opportunities for canoeing, cycling, golf, hiking, horse riding, kayaking, speed sailing, swimming, even rock climbing.

We are centrally based and within easy reach of many tourist areas of France for the family that likes to travel further a-field. Just a short drive away is Cognac, with all its well-known brandy distilleries such as Cognac, Courvoisier, and some not so well known brands, most of which offer tasting tours.

If you fancy driving a little further, then within a couple of hours you can easily reach the Loire Valley to the North, with its vast array of Chateaux, gardens, castles and all the rest of the tourist trail that is very well catered for.