Verteuil-Sur-Charente
Verteuil-sur-Charente is one of those "fairytale" villages of France. This is a village with small medieval alleys, a water mill, the 16th century Entombment of Christ in the Saint-Médard church. There are multiple fascinating buildings and businesses stretched along the river and is a lovely place to wander around. The village is dominated by the silhouette of the towers of its magnificent castle which is possible to visit by appointment only.
Tusson
Tusson is just down the road from Courcome. This village originally developed in early medieval times around the abbey that once stood here. It was a favourite holiday destination of Marguerite d'Angouleme who had a house here which is next door to the famous Monastic Garden of Tusson. It is possible to visit the gardens (not Jan) and there is a festival during the summertime that the whole village participates in.
La Rochefoucauld chateau
The village takes its name from the large chateau above the village. The chateau is open to the public but privately owned by a family whose ancestral tree includes Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots and several other British monarchs. There are guided tours available giving access to around twenty furnished rooms, including the library and the Treasure Room.
In the village is a classic car dealership which is open to the public 365 days of the year and is decorated with motoring memorabilia, functioning essentially as a free-to-enter motor museum.
Angoulême
Angoulême is the capital of the Charente region and is worth exploring for the scenery, the architecture, the shopping and the cartoons. This is the cartoon capital of France with a museum and festival in January dedicated to this art form as well as murals throughout the city.
The Circuit des Remparts is held every September and is a weekend celebration of vintage cars racing around the old city ramparts.
Bordeaux
The capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and a region renowned for it's wine and gastronomy. The historic part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble" of the 18th century. There are so many things to see and do and experience in this city that it's impossible to list them here. It is, however, possible to get a train direct from Ruffec for a day trip which means that taste testing of local vintages can be done without having to drive. There is a large international airport here as well as major train station.
Poitiers
Poitiers, the capital of the Poitou area of western France, and county-town of the Vienne department and has roots back to the celtic tribes that settled before the Romans arrived. City life, architecture, museums and all things of the past mix with modern day shopping and commerce and the nearest international airport. Poitiers is also home to the renowned Futuroscope park.