Take in the Sights of some of the prettiest Towns and Villages

Villebois-Lavalette

Just three kilometres from the Gite is the ancient town of Villebois-Lavalette.  This picture features the Marketplace (Les Halles), where local produce is sold regularly, throughout the year.  Christmas is particularly festive and the Christmas Market is particularly popular, with Santa's arrival by helicopter and photo shoot in the Marketplace!! 

In the nineteenth century, the Marketplace was restored and is now an historic monument.  There is a lovely seventeenth Century Sundial on one of the houses overlooking the Marketplace.  

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The Chateau of Villebois-Lavalette

Chateaux, Chateaux ... and more Chateaux - and every one of them different!  The Chateau of Villebois-Lavalette stands on top of the hill, overlooking fields of Corn, Rapeseed and Sunflowers.  There are two theories relating the the origin of the name of Villebois-Lavalette.  One says that it is the town located in the woods next to the River Ne and the other suggests that it is the place of the ox - Villa Bovis.  Until the eighth century, the site of the Chateau was a Gallic Oppidum and a Roman Castrum.  Four hundred years - and several owners later, it was finally turned into a Chateau.  At the same time, a Romanesque Chapel was added, serving as a refuge for Pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela.  In the thirteenth century, the Chateau was sold to the Count of Angouleme, who enlarged the Chapel, the enclosure and the walls and added seven towers, creating a Fortress.  It was occupied in the Hundred Years War and the sixteenth century saw it as a Garrison for Troops.  Soon afterwards, Jean Louis de Nogaret de la Valette acquired the surrounding Duchy and named it "Lavalette".  During the French Revolution, the Chateau was besieged and consequently damaged, after which, it was used as a Prison and Army food storage centre.  In 1822, a fire destroyed fifty percent of the chateau and, until 1912, the rest of the building was used as a School.  Since the beginning of the First World War, it has changed hands several times.  Nowadays, it is open to the public between May and September.  Throughout the Summer, the Chateau comes alive with music and dance festivals.

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This week was really lovely.  Victoria loved the pool.  Alice, Paris

The view from the Chateau

Events at the chateau are well organised.  This is the view from the chateau, taken at such an event.  Zen La Chaussade can be found nestling in the trees in the far righthand side of this view.

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Le Champignon

Five minutes from the Gite is this perfect example of how the elements have worn this rock into a mushroom shape - hence the name!

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Summer in the City

The nearest city is Angouleme - famous for its paper-making, its Cartoonists, its Market place, its chocolate - and its culture!  Zig zag through the winding streets of the old part of the city and enjoy Cuisine from a diverse range of Restaurants, spend an evening at the Theatre or watch the world go by, seated at a table of one of Angouleme's coffee shops.  Many of the city's buildings feature animated murals on their exterior walls, giving them a character all their own.  Angouleme has plenty to offer for people of all ages and from all walks of life.  This picture features one of the beautifully maintained parks in the city centre.

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Angouleme Theatre

Angouleme is a thriving city, with plenty of Night Life.  "Sortir" is a free monthly magazine which can be found at local Bars, Restaurants and Tourist Offices.  It features detailed events, including Concerts and Shows at the Open Air Park and the city's Theatre.

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Angouleme's Architecture

Lovely Angouleme - a city full of gracious architecture.  This is the Town Hall.

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Maria, merci pour cette semaine de paix et de bien-etre.  A bientot!  Philippe, Paris

Beautiful Brantome

Just over the border, about 20km away is Brantome - "The Venice of Perigord" - so called because it is surrounded by water.  Spend a day here - it will take your breath away!

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The Scenic Glory of Aubeterre

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... The end of Summer at Epeluche

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