Courcôme & its surroundings

The cottage is located in the village center of Courcôme, a charming Charentais village with a human scale, where you will find bakery, tobacco shop-bar, restaurant and children’s playground within walking distance. Surrounded by countryside, hiking trails and rolling landscapes, Courcôme is an ideal starting point to discover the Charente: nature walks, local heritage, producers’ markets and charming villages. Food lovers will also appreciate the presence of many good restaurants nearby, offering local and varied cuisine, from friendly bistros to more gourmet tables.

Activities & discoveries in the area

The location of the cottage allows for easy exploration of the region. Here are some ideas for tourist activities about 1 hour by car around Courcôme, for a cultural outing, nature experience or local discovery :

 Historical sites & culture

• Saint-Amant-de-Boixe Abbey: 20 minutes from the cottage, nestled between the Charente river and the Boixe forest, the abbey has been watching over this Angoumois region for over a thousand years
• Historic castle in Cognac : famous for its architecture and museum (often guided tours and tastings available).
• La Rochefoucauld Castle : Grand Renaissance castle with salons, apartments and gardens to visit.
• The Castle of Riddles : Interactive and playful castle ideal for families (activities and puzzles).
• Quéroy Caves : Natural caves in Chazelles, an original visit in an underground world.
• Neuvicq-le-Château Castle : Picturesque medieval castle to discover.

 Nature & walks

• Magnez Dolmens : Megalithic site for a historic walk in nature.
• White Stone Dolmen : Another remarkable dolmen near Charmé.
• Barro Nature and Heritage Walk : Trail for hiking or a peaceful stroll on foot.
• Justine Pier : Starting point for boat rides or relaxing moments by the water.
• Verteuil-sur-Charentes : Charming village with castle and Charente riverbanks for strolling.
• Arboretum: Arboretum in Ruffec for a nature and relaxation outing.
• The Monkey Valley: in Romagne (86700), about 35 minutes drive.
• River walks : on the Charente aboard a gabarre boat at Saint Simon, 40 min away (pretty Canal Boat Village)
• For swimming:
  • The Charente riverbanks at Rejallant, 10 minutes away
  • “Vindelle Swimming Area” 30 min away (canoe, kayak, pedal boat, paddleboard)
  • The pond at Saint Yrieix sur Charente, 25 min drive
  • These three places have designated swimming areas, picnic tables, children’s playgrounds and fishing spots.

 Local activities and nature

• Yvonne’s Farm : educational farm to discover (animals, garden, nature) about ~18 km from Courcôme.
• Poitevin Marsh boats: 1 hour trip by car
• EquiNatur’Eau : horse or pony rides and workshops adapted for children.
• Donkey walks : unusual hiking in the rolling landscapes of Northern Charente.
• Goué Meadow Interpretation Trail : nature trail focused on fauna, flora and heritage.
• Futuroscope: a must-see attraction in the region, only 1 hour from the cottage.
• The Cognac Vineyard, its distilleries and tastings: Bourgoin Cognac 35 min away, and the most famous ones (Martell, Remy Martin, Courvoisier) 50 min to 1h away.

 Charming towns and villages to visit

Several picturesque towns and villages are worth visiting around Courcôme:

• Ruffec, a few minutes away, the Charente riverbanks at Rejallant, ideal for walks
  and relaxation
• Quick access (35 min) to Angoulême, City of Art and History
• Tusson, Character village with its museum and heritage
• Verteuil-sur-Charente : medieval town on the Charente.
• Nanteuil-en-Vallée : charming village with surrounding nature.
• Rouillac : and its legendary fair every 27th of each month, 30 min drive