Activities

  • Wildlife at Le Vieux ChaiVineyards - Le Vieux Chai, as the name implies is ideally situated for visiting the vineyards in the region, whether that is one of the world-reknowned areas of the Bordeaux region (Pomerel, St Emilion) or one of the Cognac houses of the Charente (Courvoisier, Hennesey, Remy Martin) or even our local chateau Le Maine Giraud, where you can get an informed guided tour and tasting of their wine (red, white and rosé), Pineau and Cognac.
  • Walking - Le Vieux Chai is an ideal spot for walking, whether it be a short stroll through the woods or a day’s hike there are manymarked paths right from our doorstep.There is no better way to enjoy the beautiful vistas and flora and fauna that the Charente/Dordogne border country is famous for.
  • Sunset over St Laurent des CombesSwimming - always welcome on a hot summers day, it’s easiest just to use the pool at Le Vieux Chai, but if you or your children want something a bit bigger there is a lido pool (25m with diving pool) in Chalais, and Montmoreau has a 25m pool plus kids pool, picnic area, beach volleyball and table tennis, or try the Centre Nautique Nautilis (50m olympic pool and water park) at Angouleme.
  • Cycling - either at a relaxed pace along the quiet lanes or more energetically along the marked VTT trails. One marked VTT trail starts right from the village. A small selection of bicycles + trailerbike (suitable for 4-8 year olds) are available.
  • Kayaking - There are a couple of kayaking centres nearby (15 minutes away) on the rivers Dronne and Charente. Single or double canoes or kayaks can be hired for a 'taster' 2 hour trip, or a full day on the river.
  • Canoeing on the Dronne riverTennis – a tennis court can be easily hired either at Chatignac (5 minutes away) or Chalais. Lessons available locally with fully-qualified, English-speaking tennis coach.
  • Golf, Horse riding and Fishing are also all available in the area.