Attractions in the Region of Jonzac & Charente Maritime
Below is information on attractions in the region of Chez Bardon. Our gites are close to Jonzac, Lacanau Beach, Blaye, Medoc, Montendre, Cognac, Sainte and Bordeaux. There are train stations in nearby Montendre and Jonzac.
The information below is intended as a rough guide only, we are happy to advise on the activities available in the region.
Jonzac
Jonzac is the nearest town to Chez Bardon, it is not only beautifully historic but also boasts a brand new water centre—based on natural hot springs.
Information on the water centre (note: The language of the page can be changed at the top)
Jonzac is also home to a large Chateau, an indoor market, many bars, restaraunts and shops. The visitors every need is catered for, while retaining the charm of a rural town.
Tours of the Chateau are available and can be organised via the local Tourist Office.
Lacanau Ocean
Lacanau resort has 14 Kilometres (approx. 8.7 miles) of sandy beaches and world-class surfing. For 20 years Lacanau has been part of the World Surfing Championship and Wave Skiing competition. Lacanau offers excellent watersport facilities suited to amateurs, families and the more serious watersports enthusiast.
Lacanau Lake and Forest
The ocean is not the only attraction in the Lacanau area, there is also a beautiful, natural forest and lake.
Lacanau is a conservation area that's worth taking time to explore fully. The forest contains more than 100 kilometres (approx 62 miles) of cycle paths. The lake has two supervised beaches and even more watersports, including: water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing.
Bordeaux
The fifth largest city in France, Bordeaux is an architectural jewel and a cultural hub of France. Tourist attractions in the Bordeaux region include:
Rue Ste-Catherine—a street over a kilometre long, entirely padestrianised and the busiest shopping street in Bordeaux. It is also one of the cities oldest thoroughfares, dating back to Roman times when it was a major north-south road (shown in the first picture).
Cathedrale Saint André—this imposing building (shown in the second picture) is open to visitors, who are allowed to climb to the top of the massive bell tower where there are excellent views of the city.
Jardin Public—An English style public garden, well known for its landscaped gardens, pathways, lakes and old trees
Musée d' Art Contemporain—The museum of contemporary art.
Musée des Beaux-Arts—a fine arts museum holding a permanent collection of 17th-century European works.
Bordeaux is home to approximately another 15 museums, there are markets, and the largest plaza in Europe; the region is also the largest wine grower in the world. More information is available at the Bordeaux Office of Tourism website (requires Flash).
Bordeaux is accessible by train from nearby Montendre, by car directly, or from several park and ride locations on the main roads into the city.
Saintes
Founded in 20BC Mediolanum Santonum was the capital of the former province of Saintonge. Now named Saintes, it's a town full of history and culture.
The Arch of Germanicus (first image) was built at the entrance to a bridge, where the main Roman road crossed the Charente River. The bridge was demolished but the Arch saved and rebuilt at its present location on the bank of the river.
The Roman Ampitheatre (second image) is open to visitors. This can be found on the left bank of the Charente river. At one time it is estimated the ampitheatre would have seated approximately 15,000 spectators.
Also in Saintes are the Abbaye-aux-Dames, Musée archéologique (with Roman artifacts, sculptures and inscriptions), plus many more museums, churches and places of historic interest.
Saintes is accessible by train (from nearby Montendre) and by car.
Blaye
Blaye, on the banks of the Gironde river, the economic and strategic importance of the town dates back to the reign of Louis XIV. Featuring beautiful vineyards and the Blaye Citadel, blaye is a place full of history and wonder.
Blaye is home to the famous Blaye citadel (pictured left).
There are a number of large vineyards in the area, responsible for producing Côtes de Blaye. A tour of the vineyards is a popular choice for visitors to the area, as are the beautiful Chateau's they are managed from. The Chateau's are mostly sited atop hills where a visitor will get the best views of the stunning landscape surrounding them.
Médoc
The Médoc region is home to some even more impressive Chateau's and vineyards than Blaye, a short ferry journey across the Gironde will take you to the region.
Wine connoisseurs will also be interested in the various wine museums available as well as tours of the Chateau's. A listing of Chateau's and contact information is available, as is some general tourist information.
Not only is Médoc home to fine wines, there are a number of water and land based activities a visitor may indulge in, these include: Surfing and water sports, golf, fishing, cycling, walking, sightseeing and more.
Montendre
Montendre is a small town 12 km from Chez Bardon, with a typical lively market every Thursday, a large leisure lake, fishing, golf, tennis and horse riding.
Cognac
The town of Cognac is the home of major brands: Hennessy, Martell and Otard. All of which offer tours of their Chais, whilst this is the main attraction, Cognac is also a beautiful town in its own right and worth visiting for sightseeing and shopping. More information on the process of making Cognac can be found at: Cognac World, while general information on Cognac and the town can be found at: Cognac.com.
Other Places of Interest
St George sur Didonne (just south of Royan, 40 min drive) has Sailing, sand yachting, surfing and wind surfing, and also features beautiful sandy beaches.
St Genis de Saintonge (30 min drive) has a Karting track (competition standard) which is open to public every day until 9pm