Chalais – approximately 10kms
Bastille Fireworks Display: A spectacular nightime firework display illuminating the Chateau and the Chalais skyline. An annual event to celebrate Bastille Day 14th July
International Showjumping: A very popular annual event in central Chalais attracting people from far and wide. Competition events, displays of horsemanship and a varied craft fair complete the atmosphere. Mid August for one week.
Craftwork Exhibitions at the Chateau: Different exhibitions during the summer months – art, sculpture, artisanal displays etc. An interesting taste of French culture. Opening Hours – During July & August, sometimes in September
Brossac – approximately 18kms
Bastille Fireworks Display Wonderful fireworks display around the lakes at night – totally free! An annual event to celebrate Bastille Day 14 July.
Montguyon – approximately 18kms
Montguyon Castle Medieval Festival & Bastille. The old castle ruins overlook the market town & provide great views of the arena. Also home to various festivities during the summer. One of the most popular is the Medieval festival in July where you can see Horses & Knights on parade & wander around a medieval style market. There are lots of festivities and celebrations around Bastille Day (14th July). Each year the traditional “Son et Lumiere” castle story is acted out as darkness falls & includes a firework display- totally free! Free public access all year round. International Folklore Festival is a feast of shows, dancing & music from different cultural groups from around the world, including 3 nightime “grandes spectacles”. Tickets prices vary according to event, free for children under 10. A lively popular festival – well worth a visit. Usually runs for 1 week at the end of July
Le Pizou – approximately 18kms
Night Market: An unusual experience, a great opportunity to wander around the stalls, then select something tasty to eat from an array of regional dishes on offer, maybe duck, or steak, chips or crepes. Tables are set up for your use and there is always entertainment that goes on into the night. A great time can be guarenteed. Bring your own plates & cutlery & settle down at a table for the rest of the evening like the locals. Taste of real French life. – Highly recommended! Every Tuesday evening during July & August
Aubeterre sur Dronne & Bonnes sur Dronne - approximately 20kms
Tournament on the River Dronne Annual tournament involving games & races on the River dronne in both villages. Great fun to watch. Opening Hours – July & August
Chevenceaux – approximately 20kms
Night Market Enjoy a traditional street markets on a warm summer’s evening. Not just the usual market fare – trestle tables line the streets filled on either side with lots of stalls offering different dishes, from steak to duck to paella & crepes, plus local wines and cheeses so you can create your own feast. Bring your own plates & cutlery & enjoy this opportunity to dine al fresco with the locals. Usually July & August
Epeluche (near Riberac) – approximately 30kms
Fete Nautique de Epeluche A fantastic local event with a small fair, flower floats on the river in the afternoon and the evening with firework displays. Many other local games played as well. You can take your picnic or buy food there. Annual event 23rd August
Montendre – approximately 30kms
Night Markets Weekly night market on summer evenings. An opportunity to wander round the stalls and then select something tasty to eat from the array of regional dishes on offer, maybe duck or steak & chips or crepes. Bring your own plates & cutlery & settle down at a table for the rest of the evening like the locals. A taste of real French life. Every Wednesday evening during the summer season
Cognac – approximately 35kms
Blues Festival A great variety of music & artists each evening – special concerts as well as the opportunity to listen for “free” at local bars & cafes. A great musical experience. Annual event – last week of July
Libourne – approximately 35kms
Fest’Art A great variety of music & artists each evening – special concerts as well as the opportunity to listen for “free” at local bars & cafes, Agreat musical experience. An annual event held in mid August – check for exact dates
Angouleme -approximately 50kms
Vintage Car Rally Exciting vintage car rally around the old city ramparts. Great fun to watch – not just for enthusiasts. Annual event 3rd week in September
