Enjoy the good life with oodles of Gallic style in Charente-Maritime when you stay at Cognac No. 22 , a gorgeous gite farmhouse. Located in beautiful countryside, close to the stunning Atlantic coast, surrounded by vineyards and fields this is a quintessential gite holiday in a quintessentially French region. Enjoy the freshest seafood, seasonal local produce and of course the world famous Cognac, combined with days out on the beach and visits to historic towns and picturesque villages.
Farmhouse Gite
Cognac No. 22 is a beautiful, fully renovated 4-bedroom farmhouse in the rural village of Louzignac near Cognac. It’s surrounded by fields, vines and in the summer, sunflowers. Close to the tranquil Charente River, it’s just minutes from the historic market towns of Rouillac and Matha. Louzignac is ideally situated for trips to Cognac, St Jean D’Angely, La Rochelle, Ile de Ré, Saintes and Angouleme. Bordeaux and even Saint-Emilion, or Riberac in Dordogne, are within easy reach. It really is in the most superb location.
Owners Carolyn and Paul have thought of everything to make a stay here idyllic for families, friends or couples. It’s family-friendly, stylish and well equipped with wi-fi and satellite tv. There’s a heated indoor pool overlooking the gorgeous landscaped gardens, towels and robes provided, and a barbecue on the sunny terrace. Enjoy freshly-baked croissants from the local boulangerie – and don’t leave without a delicious brioche Suisse advises Carolyn. There are bikes available for exploring the area and even a hamper with everything you need on arrival.
Highlights of the area
Close to Cognac No. 22, the gentle Charente River is ideal for water babies and sailors. Head to nearby Cognac to take a slow cruise, including a Cognac tasting session if that floats your boat!
The name cognac is synonymous the world over with the finest French spirit. While you’re there, wander the pretty cobbled streets, enjoy the fabulous restaurants and take a guided tour of the town’s major cognac houses including Chateau Royal de Cognac. It’s here that King Francis I was born in 1494, though it’s now the domaine of Baron Otard, a cognac producer founded in 1795. There’s also a fascinating Musée des Arts du Cognac and Cognac Country Discovery centre.
You’ll find more big name producers in nearby Jarnac. Follow the five themed Cognac Trails to meet smaller producers of both cognac and delicious local pineau aperitif, as well as traditional craftsmen.
And when it comes to gastronomy and wine – you’re truly spoiled for choice here. There’s a plethora of restaurants – from authentic cafés to Michelin starred. Within walking distance, top chef Jean-Yves Corvez has his own restaurant. Chef Corvez, a legend in France, creates dishes that make memories – and you can also stock up on his daughter’s home-made chocolate at the restaurant.
Countryside
Enjoy a hike or cycle ride through glorious countryside with uncrowded roads, shaded by trees as you pass fields full of sunflowers and vineyards. Stop off for a spot of fishing or tour the hidden gems of the area – ancient water mills and sleepy villages, Romanesque churches and heritage towns.
Beaches
Or head to the beaches. Charente-Maritime has 100km of Atlantic coast silky-sand beaches and fabulous Fouras and charming Chatellailon Plage are only an hour from Louzignac.
Go island hopping! There are four to choose from: Oléron, Ré, Aix and Madame. They are all quite different and make for a great day out.
Don’t miss La Rochelle, just a little over an hour from Cognac No. 22. Head for the Vieux Port, the charming and historic quarter with its market, shops, restaurants, bars, museums, aquarium and seafood.
Kids of all ages will love Puy du Fou. It is an incredible, multi-award winning theme park where historical shows are performed, the like of which you will never forget. Think burning viking ships, Roman gladiators in a full-sized coliseum and much more, it really is magical. And then there’s Futuroscope. There the attractions are based on multimedia, cinematography and audio-visual techniques, with 3D and 4D attractions, some of which are unique in the world
Market days
Markets are a way of life and part of the culture of France and there are plenty to choose from in the area. St Jean D’Angely, originally the site of a Roman Villa, now an enchanting town of cobbled lanes and medieval houses, holds markets twice a week. When your basket is filled, stop and indulge in a café crème at Rum Runners and watch the world go by. In Saintes (above) the weekly market is home to one of the best bread stalls in France. There’s a big monthly market in Rouillac. And in Aulnay, famous for its church on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, there is a bustling Sunday morning market. Plus there are markets in Cognac and Jarnac, and many more of the local towns.
Historic towns
Spend a day in Saintes to visit its outstanding Roman remains and see its elegant Renaissance town houses. And don’t miss Angoulême, home to the unique Comic Strip Museum. Rochefort – the cradle of French naval history and maritime culture and home to Hermione, the replica ship of Lafayette. Bordeaux city centre and wine town Bergerac are a little over two hours away by car. Limoges, Oradour-sur-Glane and Nontron are easy to reach.
A truly brilliant gite holiday in Charente-Maritime
Cognac No. 22 is in an idyllic location. Close to so many of France’s most wonderful sites and destinations. And with so much to do on the doorstep, simply unwind, relax and let the world pass by when you take a break here.
Find out more and book your stay at: cognac-no22.com
