 Getting There Chateau Clerbise is well served by 3 International Airports within 1–1 ½ hours drive of the area. Several airlines including British Airways and low-cost airlines run daily flights to Bordeaux, La Rochelle and Poitiers.
If you prefer to drive, various Sea lines run routes from the South of England to St Malo or Cherbourg from where it takes 5-6 hours along motorways and main roads to reach the Chateau.
Finally, there is the Eurostar to Angouleme and Bordeaux with connecting trains to a nearby town.
We would advise that to make the most of your holiday you plan to have your own transport at disposal, however we can also pre-arrange a pick up for anyone arriving without their own car.
Please email us for further directions and maps, or you may find our online maps and directions using the Google map. The Area The region of Charente Maritime is one of the sunniest parts of France and benefits from a mostly sunny and warm climate from April through to October. The influence of the Gulf Stream means that winters can be as mild as the Mediterranean. "I remember someone telling me that if western France were a bird, it would almost certainly be an early bird since it possessed everything it could ever want from a country. Within its boundaries, I was told, I would find the best of France - its art and architecture, its landscapes and seascapes, its food and wine, its history, its traditions and its people. My informant was not far wrong".
Travel Writer Martin O'Brien, on Charente Maritime.
Within an hours drive are many places of interest including beaches, historical towns and cities, vineyards and Cognac houses. Please see Local Attractions for more information. Local Attractions Wine and Cognac
Visits can be arranged to French viticulteurs who speak English for a stress free visit.
Wine
This region is one of the best known and highly regarded for its wine production. Among the bordelais vineyards worth visiting are St Emillion, Medoc and of course Bordeaux.
Visits can be arranged to a variety of Vineyards where you will have an informative guided tour of the vineyards, distillery and chais, prior to a degustation of their various wines.
Cognac
The immediate area is even better known for its cognac production and there are many local producers who are happy to welcome visitors and customers.
The city of cognac itself however is well worth a visit, with the famous houses of Hennessey, Martel, Remy Martin, Otard, Courvoisier all offering guided tours in several languages.
Beaches
Within an easy drive of the Chateau are several blue-flagged, sandy beaches including the 3 star Michelin rated 2km long fine sandy beach at Royan, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, Meschers, St Palais sur Mer and La Plage des Vergnes where you will also find caves and rock pools. Slightly further a field but still making for a great day out are the Ile de Re and Ile d’Oleron as well as Talmont, a beautiful white-washed village with narrow pedestrian streets winding to the coast.
Sports
Over the whole region, good sailing, swimming and water sports, walking and good cycling make this an attractive region for holidays.
Two of the best golf courses in the West of France are at Cognac and Royan with other fine courses to be found at Saintes and Bordeaux. All are inexpensive.
There are several horse-riding centres nearby where lessons can be arranged for those with some experience.
Tennis courts are available in Pons and St Genis and Fishing is easily found either in the Seugne, a short walk away, or in the Charente or at the coast.
Just 4 km away is an international karting centre where we can even organise a private tournament for your group.
Shopping
There are several large supermarkets in the surrounding towns of Pons, Jonzac, Saintes as well as bakers, butchers, chemist and convenience store in the next village.
Each town or village in the area has a market on different days of the week, and there are numerous bric-a-brac and brocante (country antique stalls) markets from May until September.
Other shopping can be found at Saintes, Royan, Angouleme and Bordeaux, with mainstream shops as well as boutiques to be found tucked down cobbled streets.
Historical Centres
Saintes, the nearest large town to the Chateau is full of history with historical sites including a Roman amphitheatre.
Other places to visit include the old fortified port of La Rochelle, Rochfort, Cognac, and Bordeaux, the regional capital of Aquitaine.
The magnificent Chateau of Roche Courbon, near Saintes, is worth a visit. Other Chateaux of interest in the region include La Rochefoucauld, reminiscent of the chateaux of the Loire and the Italianate grand courtyard there is one of the finest in France. A few kilometres away, Lusignan has an ancient ruined castle said to have been built by the fairy Melusine.
Eating out
All tastes and budgets are catered for in the local area and there is fantastic range of seafood, from Charente Maritime, to be enjoyed in all seasons, from oysters fresh from the bay, to shell fish eaten overlooking the sea as the sun goes down. As well as Cognac, the other drink unique to the area is Pineau, a delicious brandy-based wine, usually taken as an aperitif.
There are Michelin recommended restaurants nearby as well as many local restaurants, bistros and take-aways. We will be happy to make reservations on your behalf and can provide a more detailed list upon your booking. We can also arrange catering in house. Please see Extra Holiday Services for more information.
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