Coucoussac – Where to go? What to see?
When you have thoroughly relaxed in the tranquillity of Coucoussac, you may feel a desire to explore this region a little further afield. As a major settlement of the Roman occupation of France for hundreds of years, it is a region rich in culture, architecture and activities.
A 3-minute leisurely stroll along the rue de Bellevue brings you to an excellent Auberge restaurant, where the amiable patron and his wife serve delicious traditional Charentais dishes. The small towns of Matha and Rouillac are each 10 minutes away by car, both having good supermarkets, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and local markets etc., – sufficient for your immediate needs.
The nearest golf course is 20 minutes away, as is the beautiful River Charente with cruises and canoe hire. The lovely coast with many miles of golden sands is an hour or so away.
The famous Cognac houses are within easy reach and all offer tours and tastings. Of course, there are very many other very interesting local producers of superb cognac and pineau, which aren’t always easy to find. However, we will be happy to recommend and arrange visits with tastings, if you wish.
Or, why not take a day out (with picnic) in a carriage (caleche), drawn by magnificent Percheron horses through the beautiful woods & countryside, calling into a local producer, for a tasting en route.
The area around us is steeped in history with many beautifully preserved villages and towns retaining their magnificent Romanesque churches and Abbeys.
There are small markets to be found in one or more of the surrounding villages every day of the week, with particularly good and larger markets at Angoulême, Cognac and St. Jean d’Angély.
Some of the more famous towns are shown below, with approximate travel times by road:
Angoulême – 35 mins.
This large fortress town (administrative centre for the Charente Département), has a delightful old centre sitting majestically on the rocky hilltop, surrounded by ramparts. Here, you will find the 12th century cathedral, which is said to be one of the finest examples of Roman architecture in Europe. There are many good restaurants and shops in the old town. Also here, is the National Museum of Cartoons, and the Moulin de Fleurac, which houses the Museum of Paper. This is where hand-made paper used for many of France’s historic documents has been produced for centuries. Not only is the tour very interesting, but also the paper is still made today, and can be bought while you are there. In September, the famous “Circuits des Remparts” takes place – a weekend of vintage car racing around the ramparts of the old town. more info
Bordeaux – 1hr. 30 mins.
The capital of the most famous wine region in the world, this is a large sophisticated city with too many attractions to list here. more info
Cognac – 20 mins.
A lovely old town sitting astride the river Charente, with boat trips available. The birthplace of Francois 1st, Cognac has many interesting walks and places of interest, as well as guided tours of the most famous Cognac houses. more info
Jarnac – 25 mins.
Just upstream from Cognac, this pretty town has a delightful centre, with the imposing Chateau de Courvoisier dominating the main square, and from where you can take leisurely boat trips. Jarnac too, has its roots firmly planted within the history of Cognac, and you can discover some of the good, but lesser known cognac producers, such as Delamain. more info
Matha – 10 mins.
Our nearest small town, Matha has a number of shops, banks, pharmacies, doctors, dentist etc., and a covered market two or three mornings per week. There are tennis courts here too
Rochefort – 1 hr.
A famous Napoleonic naval port with very interesting monuments and museums, including the Corderie Royale. A frigate of Napoleon - L’Hermione, is currently being reconstructed here and can be visited, with guided or unguided tours available every day – an extremely interesting project. more info
La Rochelle – 1 hr. 15 mins.
A sophisticated port and sailing centre. Heading for the Vieux Port, you will discover many good restaurants and bars, all situated around the old harbour. There is also a good aquarium, a lovely shopping centre set in the old stone arcades, as well as museums etc. more info
Rouillac – 10 mins.
Here you will find the Chateau de Ligneres – home of the distillery of Bisquit Cognac. Rock concerts are held here from time to time, and on the 27th of each month, a huge street market is held here, with stalls selling everything from cattle, to cassettes of accordion music!
Saint Savinien – 25 mins.
This delightful small town is on the banks of the Charente, with a charming miniature boat lake. On the banks of the river, you can picnic under the shade of a tree, or try one of the town’s excellent restaurants.
Saintes – 40 mins.
Saintes was the “headquarters” of the Roman civilization in this part of France, and has retained much evidence of this era, including the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, thermal baths and arches. Being on the river Charente, Saintes was also a stopping point on the pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela. It has a beautiful cathedral, and many excellent shops nicely integrated within the old town. more info
