Things to do in the Area around La Maison du Puits
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We have discovered that the Charente Maritime Department of France has so much to offer visitors and as everyones' idea of enjoyment is different, we have selected a few of our favourites here. Should you need or want to be organised in some way then we can become tour guides and suggest daily activities for you to enjoy.
Golf courses are within 25 mins drive sitauted in Royan, Saintes and Cognac all friendly and affordable.
Walking and cycling re both popular pastimes in this area, many coastal paths to walk and cycle paths to explore through forests.
For relaxing, quiet calm gardens in which you can read, paint, finish that novel or sleep.

Of course there is always next year.........

To whet your appetite further and to help your decision as to when to take your holidays, here are a few events which happen every year around the same time:

July 14th - Bastille Day - there is a procession through the main street in Saintes with wonderful fireworks in the evening. Pons also has live music from 9pm followed by fireworks. If you prefer to enjoy the fireworks whilst enjoying a superb sunset on the beach, then head to St Georges de Didonne. Many places hold brocantes and have street entertainment throughout the day and in some cases the day before and / or after.

August 15th - is a national holiday, where once again many of the events listed for Bastille Day take place

Third week of July on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday experience the most wonderful light classical concert on the beach in Royan. People of all nationalities gather from about 7pm in the evening with chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy the music and as importantly the atmosphere of the occasion. The concert starts around 10pm and climaxes with the finale accompanied by fireworks. A truly memorable occasion.
Also for music lovers, there are many concerts in churches throughout the region on Thursdays throughout June, July and August.

Music of a different kind can be found in Cognac. Held annually, also mid July is the Cognac Blues Festival. In 2009 80 free concerts can be found in the streets, bars and restaurants. There are also concerts where you can pay to attend, all outdoor events.

For wine lovers, experience a ride through the vineyards in a trailer pulled by a tractor - very rustic - and learn about how wine, pineau and cognac are made. The guide is a 5th generation owner of a magnificent wine producing facility and provides an excellent tour in English on Thursdays throughout July and August followed by a tasting.
Out of season we can arrange a visit, perhaps during the vendange (harvest of the grapes) or at any time of year to enjoy an interesting tour with the owner.

Jonzac hosts an annual hot air balloon festival, normally at the end of July. In the field next to Les Antilles see at least 60 balloons of all different shapes and sizes take off above your head an sail towards Cognac whilst the sun sets - awesome.

A hidden gem in Gemozac is a racecourse, tucked away behind a wonderful "maison de maitre". 4 times a year from June to August a horse race day is held and is a fascinating afternoon's entertainment. Many locals attend and meet their friends for a spot of betting and chatting whilst they enjoy something from the barbecue and bar. There are also activities for children which include pony and or donkey rides.

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