CLASSIC TOUR OF THE CHARENTE MARITIME

Can be booked any week in June or September 2008
(Excluding week commencing 20th September – “Circuite des Remparts Special” )

The weather in June and September in the Charente Maritime is wonderfully warm and balmy , due to the influence of the Gulf stream. An ideal time to take 7 days to explore this beautiful region by classic car.

The “Classic Tour of the Charente Maritime” offers a programme which commences with arrival on Saturday at La Rose des Vents with a welcome 4 course dinner with aperitifs and wine served in the Manor House.

On Sunday, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then drive into Cognac to explore the ancient streets and mansions, museums and Romanesque architecture. Enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes/restaurants clustered around the fountain in the centre. In the afternoon a tour of the Hennessy Cognac house has been arranged, followed by a tasting session. Dinner will be taken in a lovely restaurant with terrace overlooking the River Charente

On Monday take a scenic drive to La Rochelle and discover the “Vieux Port” guarded by magnificent towers, linger in a quayside restaurant and wander through the ancient arcaded shopping centre. In the afternoon take the famous toll bridge to the Il de Re, and wander through an unspoiled island of sandy beaches, whitewashed houses and take in the atmosphere of the bustling harbours lined with boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

 

Tuesday, a scenic run takes you along twisting roads through vineyards and forests to the Dordogne, where you can visit picturesque Brantome and it’s magnificent abbey, and Aubeterre sur Drone, one of the prettiest villages in France, with it’s steep lanes, tiered houses and flower decked balconies. Here you can visit one of the most spectacular sights in the Charente – the 12th century church of St Jean with its 66’ underground nave.

Enjoy a day of leisure on Wednesday, relax around the pool, or take an optional scenic run to Saintes, a historic town built in the 1st century and famous for it’s Roman amphitheatre (excellent shopping centre in the old town!) In the evening a BBQ has been arranged in the garden.

On Thursday, join us on a scenic run to Rochefort, where you can visit La Corderie Royal, built in 1666 to make the rigging for the great warships, the Maritime Museum and the arsenal which includes the oldest masonry dry dock in the world. The docks where L’Hermione, General Lafayette’s frigate,( in which he sailed to the Americas in 1780) is being reconstructed using traditional methods.

Friday, a beautiful scenic run takes in Pons, a medieval town, complete with donjon and ramparts and Talmont, a charming walled town modelled on the bastides of Aquitaine and built in 1234. Continue on the coast road to Royan, one of France’s leading seaside resorts with it’s famous golden beaches and sheltered bays.

In the evening a Farewell Dinner has been arranged at a neighbouring Chateau, which includes aperitifs, wine and cognac

The price of £350 per person is based on a minimum of 4 people sharing one cottage and includes:

• 7 nights accommodation in a luxury cottage (with ensuite/private facilities), with continental breakfast

• Welcome 4 course dinner in the Manor House (aperitif and wines included)

• Dinner at Riverside restaurant (wine included)

• Tour of Hennessy Cognac House

• Evening BBQ (wine included)

• Farewell dinner at Chateau restaurant (aperitif, wine and cognac included)

• Road Book with detailed scenic runs

The luxury cottages are fully equipped for self catering, so you can enjoy local delicacies bought in the local shops and markets, or sample the excellent local restaurants on the three days when an evening meal is not included.

If your group comprises more than 5 couples, we have links with other luxury cottages, within 5 minutes drive where additional accommodation can be arranged. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.