In the Vienne department, close to the border with Charente and Deux-Sèvres, Mas des Fleurs is located between Poitiers and Angoulême, only a 10-minute drive from the picturesque village of Ruffec. Guests wishing to arrive by train should take the 2-hour TGV from Paris to Angoulême, then connect to a local service to Ruffec.
Set in a hamlet of houses, there’s a small pretty village around a 5-minute drive away (or leisurely walk crossing the Charente river) which has its own pony club (suitable for beginners as well as more experienced riders) and a pizzeria on summer weekend evenings.
Even closer to home, enjoy long walks beyond the 3-acre grounds to appreciate the surrounding woodland – look out for birds, deer and other wildlife including bats and a local barn owl. A 7km hiking trail also starts close to the Charente river where you may come across wild orchids and rare birds. Cycling is also popular across this region - bikes can be hired and delivered to your villa.
Around a 5-minute drive away, a tranquil lake is another beautiful spot for nature walks, picnics, carp and roach fishing as well as supervised swimming in the height of the summer. From June to September there is also a waterslide as well as somewhere to buy snacks and a playground.
With close access to the N10 Route Nationale, you can easily reach Ruffec in about ten minutes by car, home to a number of restaurants and other amenities including a large supermarket. It’s a very pretty small town on the banks of the Lien river with a twice-weekly market and other events throughout the year. In the summer you can hire kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddle boards for excursions along the Charente river just on the edge of the town.
The gorgeous village of Verteuil-sur-Charente is also close by, around a 15-minute drive away. As well as pottering around its charming lanes and admiring its chateau, enjoy lunch on the river’s edge at the old moulin which specialises in home-made brioche. Mansle (27km) is another attractive riverside village, especially worthy of a visit on market day (specialities in this area include goats cheese, duck, foie gras and Atlantic seafood) whilst the medieval gardens in Tusson (25km) are very picturesque. Nanteuil-en-Vallée (20km) is another historic highlight of this area, a classified ‘village of character’ well known for its impressive abbey.
Angoulême is a 45-minute drive away, so wonderfully positioned on the Charente river. Spend time wandering around its historic quarter, admiring its beautiful architecture or visit one of the city’s bustling markets. The fantastic National Comic Strip and Image Centre is a must for graphic-novel enthusiasts and you may also be able to glance at comic murals on huge walls as you explore the town. Angoulême is also famous for its stylish Le Circuit des Remparts in September when classic cars race around the old cobbled lanes of the city, a contest dating back to the 1930s, also known as ‘Monaco Sans La Mer’!
Both Cognac and Jarnac are around an hour away or head north to Poitiers, home to the second oldest university in France. As well as soaking up the student and cultural vibe, visit some of the many listed monuments including the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and spend time relaxing in the pleasant Parc de Blossac. Just north of the city, Futuroscope is a popular theme park with a great range of attractions and activities for all ages.
The Region
Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned – whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses.
