L'ABear Vie offers an ideal base for exploring the Charente region with its wealth of history and activities including:

• Fishing - available throughout the region, on the Charente and Vienne with a variety of specimens waiting to be reeled in. (further details available from Federaqtion de Charente pour la Peche at la Protection du Milieu Aquatique. 60 rue de Bourlion - 16160 Gond-Pontouvre Tel: 0033 545693391).
• Canoeing kayaking and rafting - are all available at Ruffec and Mansle as well as a number of other locations on the Charente and Vienne rivers.
• Swimming - For a refreshing dip, you have the spash pool outside your gite. If you want a swimming pool then St. Claud has a great pool only 2 minutes away. The Charente lakes are a great day out with watersports, restaurants & beaches available.
• Golf - there are courses throughout the area and within easy reach of the property.
• Walking - you will find the unspoilt countryside a pleasure to walk in right outside your door
• Cycling - the pleasant surrounding countryside and quiet roads make this ideal cycling country and there are always the local village cafes and tabacs to stop off at and refresh yourselves.
• History - the region is packed with historical interests from Romanesque art, Cathedrals, Abbey's, 10th century churches to the many Chateau's dotted around the fabulous countryside. La Rochforcault is a must with its great chateau
• Theme parks - range from Futurescope at Poitiers to various wildlife parks with a splashing of aqua theme parks thrown in for good measure. Monkey Valley & Serpent Life are a real must. Visit www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr for more details
• Eating out - as you would expect there are a wide range of establishments waiting to tempt you with the delights of French cuisine from local bars and Tabacs to the more exclusive restaurants serving nouveau cuisine dishes.
• Wine Tasting - There are many wineries in the region, so your particular taste should be catered for. We can highly recommend a small winery about 25 minutes away. Visit www.cavesaintsornin.com for more details.
• Shopping - ranges from local markets selling fresh produce to chic outlets offering the latest in fashion, all within easy reach. The town of Perigueux is only an hour's drive and offers a delightful array of shops, cafes and bars. Bordeaux is  a 90 minutes drive and allows you to experience the more upbeat and invigorating pace of French City living and the associated shopping experience. Angouleme is about 40 minutes away with its indoor market - fresh & varied produce in abundance
• Beaches - the coast is just over an hour and a halfs drive away so a trip to the seaside can easily be enjoyed as part of a days outing.
• Paris - with its designer shops, café culture and dazzling nightlife can be reached via the TGV train service from Ruffec via Poitiers in approximately 2 hours.
• Events - there is a packed calendar of events throughout the year ranging from the International Comic Strip Festival held in January to the Gastronomades festival held in November.

So whether you want a relaxing break to allow you to unwind, soak up the sun and enjoy a glass or two of the local tipple and a bite to eat, or you want to explore the delights of this part of France and take part in the numerous activities available then this is the ideal holiday retreat for you.