Attractions | Chateau de Montchaude

Cities & Towns

Angouleme

The historical centre-ville of Angouleme, located on a plateau overlooking the Charente, is 37 kilometers from Montchaude and provides the perfect quick getaway for shopping, eating and exploring. The pedestrian-friendly shopping streets provide an excellent variety of choices and the cafes and restaurants along the terraces of the old town, are the perfect place to spend a leisurely (and expected) two-hour lunch break. Angouleme doesn't disappoint with its brocantes (flea markets), Saint-Pierre treasury and cathedral, beautiful gardens of the Logis de Forge, and Romanesque buildings. For adventure, rent canoes and kayaks and explore along the Charente River between Marsac and Vindall.

Angouleme hosts various festivals throughout the year including Angouleme International Comis Festival, the FFA Angouleme Francophone Film Festival and the Musiques Metisses.

Aubeterre

Aubeterre-sur- Dronne is known as one of the most beautiful villages in France and is only a short drive of 36 km from Montchaude. Spend the day walking along the riverside trails or through the beautiful historic centre with art galleries and historic monuments. It is one of the best places to enjoy delicious savory or dessert crepes. Don't forget to visit the Subterranean Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean (7th/12th century) as it is a definite must see for any history buffs!

Bordeaux

If you only venture outside of the walls of the chateau once during your stay, please be sure to visit Bordeaux as it is a true gem and worth the hour drive. In 2007, Bordeaux was awarded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being of outstanding universal value and for its historic role as a place of cultural exchange. It is now a major tourist destination for its architectural and cultural heritage including the Opera House, Place de la Bourse which faces the Garrone and impressive La Cite du Vin (museum of Wine and Exhibitions). Of course, Bordeaux is considered by many as the world capital for wine and if you can squeeze another day away from the chateau, a wine tasting tour at one of the many beautiful vineyards of Bordeaux would make your visit to France complete!

Another measure of Bordeaux's beauty and importance is its inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as "Host Community" for the Olympic football tournament.

Cognac

Chateau de Montchaude is surrounded by the vineyards of the region known as the Petite Champagne cru or "growing area" for the grapes that are used in the production of Cognac. The medieval town of Cognac itself lies a mere 28 kilometers from Montchaude and is definitely worth the visit. Here you will find the major Cognac distilleries that host public tours and tastings.

The extensive medieval part of the town is a lovely way to spend the day - meandering along the riverside walks and gardens or stopping at one of the museums or restaurants for a bite to eat and you guessed it, another taste of cognac.

If you find cognac a little strong, you will have to try the local Pineau des Charentes which is a blend of the region's grape juice and the cognac brandy. It is absolutely delicious and unlike cognac which is usually served after dinner, pineau is enjoyed as an aperitif.

La Rochelle

If it's a day at the beach you crave, you won't be disappointed as the beautiful medieval port city of La Rochelle is only 1.5 hours away from the chateau. La Rochelle actually has three beaches, Plage de la Concurrence, Chef-de-Bai beach and the beach of Les Minimes. It's easy to spend the day relaxing on the sand in the sunshine and later enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the port side restaurants. Of course, La Rochelle is famous for its seafood and you should be sure to try one of the local dishes which include Mouclade (traditional mussels dish) and Huitres Marennes Oleron (oysters).

LaRochelle offers other experiences and the Aquarium at LaRochelle, which is one of the largest in Europe, allows visitors of every age to enjoy the extraordinary view of life beyond the beach and under the sea! If you have time, and especially if you love naval history, you may want to visit one of the many Museums including: The Maritime Museum, The Natural History Museum and The Bunker of La Rochelle (occupied by the Germans during the Second World War).

Paris

With the addition of the TGV line through nearby Angouleme, Paris is now an option for a day trip or an overnight visit! Imagine, an early morning espresso and fresh croissant overlooking the chateau's French garden and then 30 minutes later, boarding the sleek high-speed train in Angouleme for a fast ride to Paris Gare Montparnasse! Why not spend the day shopping in the fashion capital of the world or touring the Louvre at your leisure! Even if you have been to Paris before, it is always worth another visit and the chance to discover something new or re-live a special moment from another time.

Saintes

You will only have to travel 47 kilometers to the Historic city of Saintes to visit a real Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre! Although the Colosseum in Rome is still the most impressive existing example of what a Roman arena looked like, the one in Saintes ignites the imagination and provides a combination of historic relevance and fun! Saintes is also home to other historical Roman monuments and provides a journey of exploration through the various museums which include the Musée archéologique, Musée du Présidial and Musée de l'Echevinage.

The Rue Alsace-Lorraine is the main pedestrian street for shopping and takes you past many additional historical sites, museums and pretty little cafes where you can rest and think about your day.