Around & about
The Charente Maritime region (www.en-charente-maritime.com)
has an abundance of attractions, offering the visitor both picturesque
countryside and spectacular coastline. Maison Maurice is well positioned
in the heart of the Cognac wine growing area, just 5km for the Medieval
City of Pons, an excellent location for walkers, cyclists, anglers
and birdwatchers and within easy reach of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pons, a charming city on the pilgrims' route of
St Jacques de Campostelle, is well worth a visit. Take a stroll
around the Hospital De Pelerins, built for pilgrims in 1160 and
one of the first of its type. It has a beautiful, small garden of
flowers and herbs originally used to provide medicines and healing
ointments for the pilgrims. In the centre of Pons stands the Donjon
(large Keep). The original Keep was completely destroyed in 1179
by Richard the Lion Heart who came to Pons to put down a revolt,
but rebuilt by Geofrey the 3rd, Lord of Pons and finished in 1187.
Today you can visit the Donjon and climb to the top for a magnificent
view over Pons and the Seugne Valley or take a pedestrian tour of
the city (www.pons-ville.org)
before relaxing in one of the local cafes or restaurants.
The coastline has beautiful beaches and coastal
walks, together with a host of activities including surfing or bicycling
on one of the many dedicated cycle paths. At Royan,
probably the most well-known resort, there are several beaches and
many restaurants – seafood a speciality - as well as a zoo
(La Palmyiere) and an amazing garden (Le Jardin de la Mode).
Nearby at Jonzac there is a superb aqua centre,
Les Antilles, and the famous ‘therms’ (thermal baths).
For lovers of history and architecture some 20 kms northwest lies
Saintes; a former Roman City with several magnifcent churches, a
vast roman amphitheatre and many pleasant walks around its narrow
streets and shops.
To the north east is the home of Cognac, and the
famous houses of Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier and Remy Martin
– to name but a few! For those with a love of this five star
tipple, tasting trips (on land or boat) make a pleasant way to spend
a few hours (www.tourism-cognac.com)
or visit the Museum of Cognac (www.musees-cognac.fr).
There are also numerous local vineyards a few
minutes from Maison Maurice where you can sample cognac and pineau
(a delightful local aperitif) and buy direct from the producer.
Travel further south and visit the City of Bordeaux
(www.bordeaux.fr) with its
famous theatres, museums, art galleries and a fantastic array of
shops, restaurants and malls or if you’re a wine lover visit
St. Emilion and its numerous shops for wine tastings,
general wine information and much more.
So to fully enjoy the charm of both countryside and coastline in
this lovely area, why not book now and stay awhile at Maison Maurice!
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