Les Ages

Situated in the south west of France, the climate here is superb, with average summer temperatures of around 30 degrees. Winters are shorter and drier than the UK,
St Crepin de Richemont’s nearest town, is Brantome, sometimes called the ‘Venice’ of France, due to being encircled by the river Dronne. Brantome is about 10km distance from Les Ages, and you will find plenty to do there, including visiting some of the many Chateaux, with gardens dating from the Middle Ages.
Some Chateaux to visit include:

Chateau de Richemon
Chateau de Puymartin
Chateau de Puyguilhem
La Chapelle Faucher
Chateau de Bordeilles
Chateau de Jumilhac


	If swimming is your choice, then the river Dronne has some glorious riverside beaches where it is safe to swim, and in Brantome itself you can hire canoes. Lisle is 25 minutes away, and has a small beach, and the beach of St Aulaye is only 45 minutes from Brantome. A little further afield (approx an hour’s drive SW of Brantome) is the lake of La Jamaye, where there are picnic areas, a beach, pedalos for hire, forests to wander through and a children’s play area. Cycling – bicycles are available for hire in Brantome for approx 10 Euros per day, and if you fancy a round of golf, then the Perigeaux Golf Course is not far away. If meandering around local markets and shops is for you, then there is plenty of opportunity here – Markets are held every Friday in Brantome, and there are plenty of shops to appease your desire for retail therapy!


	The Dordogne has some wonderful scenery, and pretty villages, some of which are officially listed as Beaux villages. The delightful St Jean de Cole is only a 20 minute drive away from Brantome; others include St Amand-de-Coly, St Leon-sur-Vezere, La Roque Gageac, and others – all well worth a visit! If you fancy a full day’s excursion, why not visit some of the famous Cognac houses during your stay? Hennessey, Martel and Camus are included in a guided tour starting in the town of Cognac, and lasts about an hour. Cognac itself is a maze of cobbled streets and historic houses built by the merchants of the 17th and 18th centuries.


	Limoges , famous for its porcelain, Perigeaux , with its stunning medieval architecture, Angouleme, with its yearly classic car street race taking place each September and of course Bordeaux, are all within easy reach. All in all, you will find there is so much to see and enjoy in this area, you will never be at a loss for something to do or somewhere to go. However, if this all sounds a little energetic, you are of course very welcome to just spend the day in the garden instead, enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation – it’s your holiday – enjoy!!