In the village of Veillard
Grand Champagne Cognac Region – is Le Petit Moulin. A converted 17th century watermill and barns, housing four superbly equipped gites. With charm and history on the outside, the interiors have been fully modernised, including central heating via sustainable woodchip, making the complex a great place to stay all year round. The River Romede runs through the village and the property, feeding the mill stream in the gardens where the kingfishers and red squirrels can be seen.
‘On the Doorstep’ is the best Boulangerie in the Charente and also Domain Pautier where you can sample the many wines and pineaus. Centred around the village pond, you will see Le Grand Moulin as well as Le Petit Moulin, ducks, coypu and a very handsome swan! There are many walks and cycle trails through the countryside and vineyards surrounding the property.
‘1km to Bourg Charente’ ‘Villages of Stones and Vines’ with a stunning 12th Century Church, a very authentic bar/cafe and it’s own Michelin starred restaurant. The River Charente dominates with stunning views and riverside walks and is also the home of Chateau de Bourg-Charente. The annual Light and Sound festival, ‘Son Lumiere‘ is a real joy; the Maire and villagers take great pride in this summer event
4km to Jarnac a historic town and birthplace of Francois Mitterrand, where you can find a cultural space dedicated to him. Home to Courvoisier and Hine cognac houses and tours. With charming cafes, bars and restaurants and the beautiful River Charente running through the town offering breathtaking views, walks, boat trips, kayaking and swimming. There is also an exceptional indoor daily market selling local foods and fresh produce. Jarnac has it’s own train station with direct links to Cognac (15 minutes), Angouleme (25 minutes) and Saintes (30 minutes).
8km to Cognac a very vibrant town, filled with history and several prestigious cognac houses including Hennessy, Martell, Camus and Meukow, to name a few! The town centre is set around a square filled with bars, restaurants, an indoor market and many shops including a cognac boutique Cognatheque, which houses a superb collection and showroom, a real must-see! The River Charente features heavily with some beautiful riverside restaurants and a small marina where boat trips are on offer. Cognac is home to the annual Blues Passion and many musical festivals, fetes and events throughout the year.
37km to Angouleme located on a plateau overlooking a meander of the Charente River, the city is nicknamed the ‘balcony of the southwest’. Have a drink in the Place de Halles Market Square, walk the ramparts and take in the view, visit Saint Pierre Cathedral or the Comic Strip Museum. The International Comic Strip Festival is held in Angouleme every year, attracting thousands of visitors. The train runs directly to Paris in under 2 1/2 hours.
We are Viv and Adam
50 somethings, we moved to France after a long love affair with the country. We strive to offer value for money, cleanliness, welcoming hospitality and want nothing more than for our guests to have an experience that exceeds expectation. We are very basic with our French language skills but are students at the local ‘Salle des Fete’ and enjoy practising (very badly) with our guests, neighbours and anyone that will help! We have two small dogs, Bertie and Maui and a very friendly cat Tintin. We are more than happy to share our experience with guests that are considering moving to France. Loving life, loving the hospitality business and enjoying meeting the most amazing people from all over the world.