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Leisure activities in the local area
Swimming and Bathing
There are some excellent river and lake beaches within easy reach of Le Petit Roc. Choose between those to the east at Aubeterre and St.Aulaye on the River Dronne, which forms the border between Charente and the Dordogne, and which can be reached by car (ten minutes) or even bike; or to the west, the lake beaches at Etang Vallier at Brossac, ten minutes away, or the more commercial Etang Beauvallon at Montguyon, 25 minutes drive. All of these lake and river beaches have restaurants adjacent, and other attractions close by.
There is an excellent outdoor pool in Chalais next to the football pitch and tennis club. It has a 25 metre pool, a diving area with high boards and a separate childrens’ pool. It is open 10.30 – 1, and 3 – 7pm.
If you want ocean beaches then you have a choice between those at Royan in Charente Maritime, about an hour and a half away, where you will also find a very impressive zoo, and could do some wine tasting in the Cote de Blaye on the return, or those in the Gironde at Lacanau or Biscarosse (1’45”), visits to which could be combined with climbing the Dune of Pyla, a sea food meal overlooking the Bay of Arcachon, or some sight seeing in the beautiful city of Bordeaux.
Kayaking and Canoeing
There are two excellent starting points for trips on the Dronne at Aubeterre, or down the road at Parcoul in the Dordogne. They are both ten minutes away and both offer an hour’s paddle or longer trips along stretches of the Dronne where you are dropped off up river and can meander your way home. Many of our guest have enjoyed their canoeing but beware the weirs!
Golf
There is a very good 9 hole course twenty minutes away at Pillac. The green fees are around 24 euros for the day. Further afield are 18 hole courses at Angouleme (45 euros for a round in high season, 34 for 9), Libourne and Cognac, all of which can be combined with sightseeing, wine, cognac and pinaud tasting.
Running (jogging?)
Many of our guests take advantage of their holidays to exercise in the tranquil surroundings of the rolling countryside. Whether you’re seeking a twenty minute stroll or a 10k route which avoids the roads, you’ll find it on our door step.
Fishing
There is fishing aplenty in the local lakes and rivers, and you can buy licences in a local shop in Chalais which will allow you to fish in the Rivers Tude and Dronne, as well as local lakes.
Hot Air Ballooning
None of our guests have been brave enough yet, but it’s not far away. The 2011 European and Women’s World Cups were held at Mainfonds in north west Charente, only half an hour away.
Accrobranche (Go Ape)
There are 2 new Go Ape type activity parks nearby (about 15 mns drive). One includes a free to use course for children (as well as a lovely picnic area by the river and barbecues). The other, situated just opposite the river beach in St Aulaye, is more challenging and offers several courses of different levels, including a long (optional) zipwire. A fun activity to stay in the shade on those hot days!
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