The famed home of cognac, rural Charente is a beautiful south-western French region. Dotted with historic villages and characterised by rolling vineyard-clad slopes and leafy, riverside communities, this part of France has long attracted outdoorsy travellers, laid-back holidaymakers and keen foodies. Travel to Charente to soak up a slower pace of life — even in the charming hubs of Cognac and Angoulême — and to unwind in an array of excellent B&Bs or country house hotels. Fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets, our pick of the best places to stay in Charente offers the perfect springboard to start planning your trip.
Heritage aficionados and eager people-watchers should base themselves in Cognac or Angoulême. Both offer imposing historic buildings, lively markets, museums and eateries. The Musée d'Angoulême and the Jardins Public de Cognac are highlights. The Angoulême International Comics Festival is also enormously popular. Set on the banks of the Charente River, both communities promise lovely riverside walks, canal boat trips, fishing and kayaking opportunities, too.
Immerse yourself in understanding cognac, with tours and tastings at the surrounding vineyards or ‘houses’ of the most illustrious brands — Martell, Henessy Camus, Remy Martin and Courvoisier included. Follow portions of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, go cycling and horse riding, or enjoy friendly games of tennis and restful spa afternoons at some of the best places to stay in Charente.