Things to do
The region
Chateau de Clerbise is set in the Charente-Maritime region of France. It is one of the sunniest parts of the country but, because it is situated on the Atlantic coast, it also has one of the mildest climates. The area is best known for making cognac, and the countryside is full of vineyards dedicated to its production.
It’s has many towns that are steeped in history, and there are far more things to see and do than we can list here. We have just given you a taster of a few things that might be of interest, but there are numerous other activities and sights to enjoy.
To the west of the chateau, there is a coastline full of sandy beaches and delightful towns. La Rochelle is the nearest seaside city, with a charming old town and an impressive history.
South of Charente-Maritime is the beautiful city of Bordeaux, which is well worth a visit. Surrounding the city is the famous Bordelais wine region, with thousands of vineyards that you can visit.
For more details on Charente-Maritime, visit france-atlantic.com or tripadvisor.ie
Beaches
There are many beaches on the west coast and the islands between Royan and La Rochelle. These three are about 40 minutes away, but there are many more further north. Check the website en.plages.tv for recommendations.
Grande Conche - a large beach in Royan itself. A lot of facilities and very accessible.
Plage du Chay - a smaller beach, west of Royan with plenty of facilities.
Plage de la Grande Cote - long beach west of Saint Palais du Mer. Watch out for the nudists!
The region
Chateau de Clerbise is set in the Charente-Maritime region of France. It is one of the sunniest parts of the country but, because it is situated on the Atlantic coast, it also has one of the mildest climates. The area is best known for making cognac, and the countryside is full of vineyards dedicated to its production.
It’s has many towns that are steeped in history, and there are far more things to see and do than we can list here. We have just given you a taster of a few things that might be of interest, but there are numerous other activities and sights to enjoy.
To the west of the chateau, there is a coastline full of sandy beaches and delightful towns. La Rochelle is the nearest seaside city, with a charming old town and an impressive history.
South of Charente-Maritime is the beautiful city of Bordeaux, which is well worth a visit. Surrounding the city is the famous Bordelais wine region, with thousands of vineyards that you can visit.
For more details on Charente-Maritime, visit
france-atlantic.com or tripadvisor.ie
Beaches
There are many beaches on the west coast and the islands between Royan and La Rochelle. These three are about 40 minutes away, but there are many more further north. Check the website en.plages.tv for recommendations.
Grande Conche - a large beach in Royan itself. A lot of facilities and very accessible.
Plage du Chay - a smaller beach, west of Royan with plenty of facilities.
Plage de la Grande Cote - long beach west of Saint Palais du Mer. Watch out for the nudists!
Sports
There are three 18 hole golf courses in the area. Green fees vary with the season so the prices listed are only guides:
Golf du Cognac - roughly €40
Golf de Saintes - roughly €56
Golf de Royan - roughly €70
The area has plenty of horse stables, tennis courts and activities to try. Watersports are easy to find along the coast and on the nearby River Seugne.
For the intrepid romantics, why not try a hot air balloon ride?
Regional Horse riding Association
Sports
There are three 18 hole golf courses in the area. Green fees vary with the season so the prices listed are only guides:
Golf du Cognac - roughly €40
Golf de Saintes - roughly €56
Golf de Royan - roughly €70
The area has plenty of horse stables, tennis courts and activities to try. Watersports are easy to find along the coast and on the nearby River Seugne.
For the intrepid romantics, why not try a
Regional Horse riding Association
Boat & jet-ski hire in La Rochelle
Vineyards and cognac
There are thousands of vineyards around Bordeaux offering tours and tastings, but booking is essential. The Bordeaux region is divided up into 37 subregions, with each area making their own distinct wine blend. We have listed a few vineyards from the Baye area, which is closest to the chateau.
The Blaye area makes Côtes de Bordeaux wine. Its red wine is a mixture of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a little Malbec and Petit Verdot. Its white is a mixture of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, with a little Muscadelle.
To find many more vineyards, in Blaye and other Bordeaux regions, we recommend bordeauxwinetrip.com.
Vignobles Raguenot - Saint Caprais de Blaye. For the adventurous, make your own wine for € 40. Tours are free, tastings start at €6. Monday to Saturday 08.30 - 12.30, 13.30 - 17.30. 30 minute drive.
Château Marquis de Vauban - Blaye. Large 18th century estate. They offer a wide range of tours and tastings, and even horse drawn carriage rides, starting at €6. 09.00 - 12.30, 15.00 - 19.00. 50 minute drive.
Château les Chaumes - Fours. They offer a range of different tastings, starting at €3. 10.00 - 12.00, 14.00 - 19.00. 40 minute drive.
Château Dubraud - St. Christoly de Blaye. Beautiful 19th century chateau. €8, Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 18.00. 45 minute drive.
Château Nodot - St. Christoly de Blaye. Includes a small museum showing wine making from the Middle Ages. 14.30 - 18.00. 50 minute drive
The main Cognac houses all offer tours and tastings.
Hennessy Distillery, Quay Richard Hennessy, Cognac - Guided tour with tasting €18 or €30pp. 09.45 - 17.00
Remy Martin - Guided tour of the Estate, outside the town of Cognac, €20. Guided tour of the historic house, in Cognac, €32.
Martell & Co, Cognac town - Guided tours, €14 or €19.
Bertrand Cognac, outside Jonzac - Smaller, family-run vineyard and distillery. Guided tours free or €8. Opening times vary,but mostly 09.00 to 12.00, 14.00 to 18.00
Vineyards
There are thousands of vineyards around Bordeaux offering tours and tastings, but booking is essential. The Bordeaux region is divided up into 37 subregions, with each area making their own distinct wine blend. We have listed a few vineyards from the Baye area, which is closest to the chateau.
The Blaye area makes Côtes de Bordeaux wine. Its red wine is a mixture of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a little Malbec and Petit Verdot. Its white is a mixture of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, with a little Muscadelle.
To find many more vineyards, in Blaye and other Bordeaux regions, we recommend bordeauxwinetrip.com.
Vignobles Raguenot - Saint Caprais de Blaye. For the adventurous, make your own wine for € 40. Tours are free, tastings start at €6. Monday to Saturday 08.30 - 12.30, 13.30 - 17.30. 30 minute drive.
Château Marquis de Vauban - Blaye. Large 18th century estate. They offer a wide range of tours and tastings, and even horse drawn carriage rides, starting at €6. 09.00 - 12.30, 15.00 - 19.00. 50 minute drive.
Château les Chaumes - Fours. They offer a range of different tastings, starting at €3. 10.00 - 12.00, 14.00 - 19.00. 40 minute drive.
Château Dubraud - St. Christoly de Blaye. Beautiful 19th century chateau. €8, Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 18.00. 45 minute drive.
Château Nodot - St. Christoly de Blaye. Includes a small museum showing wine making from the Middle Ages. 14.30 - 18.00. 50 minute drive
Cognac distilleries
The main Cognac houses all offer tours and tastings.
Hennessy Distillery, Quay Richard Hennessy, Cognac - Guided tour with tasting €18 or €30pp. 09.45 - 17.00
Remy Martin - Guided tour of the Estate, outside the town of Cognac, €20. Guided tour of the historic house, in Cognac, €32.
Martell & Co, Cognac town - Guided tours, €14 or €19.
Bertrand Cognac, outside Jonzac - Smaller, family-run vineyard and distillery. Guided tours free or €8. Opening times vary,but mostly 09.00 to 12.00, 14.00 to 18.00
