A Group Of Quality Gites in the Charente

Around & About

Chateau at Yviers
Chickens cross the road in Yviers
Rush hour in Yviers

Le Bruet is situated on the edge of  the charming village of Yviers, in the rolling countryside of the southern Charente.

Around the village square there is a beautiful 12th Century church, the Mairie, and a bar and restaurant.

Across the road is the duck pond where the local ducks and chickens assume right of way and seem very happy to welcome children bearing baguettes. There is a children’s play area alongside the Mairie office.

Walking or cycling from Le Bruet is excellent. Several directions take you through vineyards, woods and the village - where fresh free range eggs can be bought.

Le Bruet is set in 4 acres of beautiful parkland so there’s plenty of space to kick a football, play tennis, badminton or boules.

In addition to each property having its own large private garden with furniture and barbecue,

Chalais, Brossac & Aubeterre

Chalais

Close by is the old market town of Chalais (4kms).The market is held on Monday mornings and is well worth a visit to sample the cheeses, bread baked in wood ovens, olives and a wide variety of pots and pans, clothes etc.

Chalais has a supermarket, shops and bar/restaurants - some of which have music evenings at weekends and on festivals such as Bastille days.

The imposing château set on the hillside has exhibitions and tours during the summer.

Chalais is also well known for its international show-jumping event which is held in early August.

There are numerous sandy river/lake beaches located from 4 to 15 kms from Le Bruet. They are suitable for all ages and have canoeing, cafés and picnic areas.

Chateau in Chalais

Brossac

Brossac lake beach (4km) has a restaurant overlooking the beach and is a wonderful setting for lunchtimes or evenings.

Restaurant by Brossac Lake

Aubeterre

Aubeterre (15kms) is nationally renowned for being one of France’s prettiest villages. Festivals and firework displays are held throughout the summer and it is a lovely place to spend the day.

Being on the Charente/Dordogne border there are plenty of countryside and watersport activities to keep the most energetic of adults and children amused.

Aubeterre town view
Aubeterre beach

Bordeaux, Saint Emilion and Bergerac are to the south

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a wonderful city to visit and is best approached via the new and very easy to use park-and-ride tram system, giving excellent access throughout the traffic-free cultural, wine and shopping areas.

Bridge in Bordeaux

St Emilion

Saint Emilion has something for everyone, wonderful views, wine merchants (or visit the chateaux direct), train rides through the vineyards, lovely restaurants serving onto shady terraces and many small boutiques selling handmade and local produce, gifts etc.

St Emilion

Cognac, Angouleme & Limoges are to the north

Cognac

Cognac holds its well-renowned blues festival during July, with bands travelling from all over the world to play in streets and bars. The town is very pretty, with shops and pavement cafés to tempt you after a visit to one of the major cognac houses such as Hennessy, Martell or Remy Martin, all of which have tours to suit everyone, including the children.

Cognac bottles

Angouleme

Angouleme is one of our favourite places to visit. It has many festivals during the year including the vintage car racing around the city ramparts during September. Street music can be enjoyed on Thursday evenings during the summer where local bands set up throughout the streets. There is a buzzing café/restaurant culture in the pedestrianised area. There are parks and a huge river beach area.

Angouleme