Leisure

Swimming & sport

Vous pouvez vous reposer dans le jardin, vous avez à votre disposition des chaises bain de soleil, et une piscine de 6mx12m.
Vous avez aussi un court de tennis gratuit à Orignolles et une ferme équestre à 3km.

Aire de Beauvallon, 10 minutes from the gîte there is a small lake with sandy beach, safe for swimming, with small boats, pedalos and small houses for children. This is provided by the overlooking BBQ and bar, covered and in the open air. Open from the 1st of May to 31st of August. 2023 : NEW OWNERS, SERVICES TO CHECK LATER

Chateau du Taillan, riding stables 3km away, for adults and children.

Beaches north of Bordeaux are sheltered from the force of the open sea and more suitable for children.

Royan, St Georges de Didonne, La Palmyre and other resorts are about one hour’s drive depending on traffic.
All are safe beaches. Beyond Royan are some huge and excellent beaches. Royan is noted for its sea food.
La Grande Plage is really big. Take a picnic as there is no commercial development. There is a lot of naturism - excellent for an all over tan.

South of Bordeaux: the coast at Lacanau and Cap Ferret is exposed to the open sea (1h1/2 - 2h depending on the traffic in and around Bordeaux). There is excellent surf but take great care because the under tow is extremely dangerous. Bathe where there are lifeguards for extra safety. On the other hand at Cap Ferret the beach is very long, less dangerous and partly watched.

Cultural walks

**Saint Emilion** un village médiéval au centre de la célèbre région viticole

Cognac, with the old town centre and the castle of Cognac where Otard still blend and store their cognac facilities.
We are in the centre of wine, cognac and pineau making districts and there are many "châteaux" you can visit to sample the products.

**Aubeterre**, un autre village médiéval, moins commercialisé que St Emilion, avec l’église monolithique la plus grande d’Europe et une vieille église qui était sur la route des pèlerins pour Saint Jacques de Compostelle.

Blaye, an old fortress built to defend the entrance to the estuary of the Gironde against the English and other invaders. It still has the old village within its ramparts.

Limoges is 2 hours away.

**Sarlat** et les grottes de Lascaux sont à une heure et demi.

A little further along the Gironde there is Talmont, a Roman chapel also on the pilgrims route to Saint Jacques de Compostelle.

Dune of Pyla is the largest in Europe, worth seeing but very commercialised.