This region is almost untouched by tourism with acres of sunflowers and poppies; rolling hillsides covered in vines indicate that you are in Cognac country. Some of the most famous Cognacs are produced by the distilleries along the Charente River - the local vineyards also have many home brews, certainly worth exploring. Ancient sun bleached stone villages and fortified towns – the Romans were here for four centuries and you can still sit on the steps of their amphitheatres and be transported back in time.

Our holidaymakers tips:

• Cycle along Aquila's road at a pleasant pace
• Canoe on the river Charente, a relaxing way to spend a day off the bikes
• Cycle through fields filled with summer sunflowers and spring poppies
• Don't miss Aubeterre, a hidden jewel of a medieval village
• Taste the famous brandy and sample the by-product the locals drink, Pineau.
• Visit the pre-historic cave paintings and Mouthiers' houses dating from the 15C and 16C
• See the Presidential Museum in Jarnac, President Mitterand's birthplace
• Be sure to try a specialty of the region... sweet Charente melons.

Checklist: Start 15th May to 25th September; Terrain - grade 1, easy and grade 2; Distances 10-50km; Temps – 18C-27C; Base hotel pool, trail-along-bikes, family friendly, canoeing, baggage transfer option available.