Luxury Holiday Cottages, B & B accommodation, Classic Car Tours and
Classic Morgan Hire in the Charente Maritime, South West France
CLASSIC CAR TOUR OF THE CHARENTE MARITIME
(Excluding the third week in September – “Circuite des Remparts Special”)
The “Classic Car Tour of the Charente Maritime” offers a programme which commences with arrival on Saturday late afternoon, at La Rose des Vents with tea and cakes served in the garden. In the evening a welcome 4 course dinner with aperitifs and wine will be 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 either the Hennessy or Otard 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 the Chic Il de Re, driving over the famous toll bridge and wander through an unspoiled island of sandy beaches, whitewashed houses and take in the atmosphere of the bustling harbours lined with art galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. In the afternoon drive into La Rochelle and discover the “Vieux Port” guarded by magnificent towers, linger in a quayside restaurant and wander through the ancient arcaded shopping centre.
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 Dronne, 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.
Wednesday, we have a private guided tour of nearby Chateau Chesnel by the Comtesse de Roufignac the resident owner, who will show you round her beautiful home. Return to La Rose des Vents for lunch/BBQ in the garden. The rest of the day is free to relax around the pool, play a game of boules 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!)
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) has been 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 local restaurant, which includes aperitifs, wine and cognac
)The tariff from £995 per person depending on season (2020) 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
- Tea/Coffee and cakes on arrival
- Welcome 4 course dinner in the Manor House (aperitif, wines, coffee & cognac included)
- Guided tour of Hennessy Cognac House or Otard Cognac House and cognac tasting
- Dinner at Riverside restaurant (wine & coffee included)
- Guided tour of Chateau Chesnel
- 4 course lunch/BBQ with wine
- Tour of L'Hermione with an english speaking guide
- Farewell dinner at local restaurant (aperitif, wine and cognac included)
- Comprehensive Road Book with detailed itinerary and information on places visited.
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, additional accommodation is available in the Manor House, and we also have links with other luxury cottages, within 5 minutes drive where additional accommodation can be arranged. Please contact us to discuss your requirements, we are here to help.