This area of France benefits from a warm "micro-climate", thanks to the Atlantic gulf stream. It is also the second sunniest region of France, after the Côte D'Azur.

The pretty town of Chateauneuf, just three miles away, offers shops, bars, resaurants and a supermarket, while the larger towns of Jarnac and Cognac are a must for wine and Cognac enthusiasts. All the famous Cognac makers have distilleries here - Corvoisier, Hine, Hennessy, Martel - most having museums or visitor centres. There are also many interesting wine makers in the area, who have caves for wine-tasting and buying.

In early August, Cognac hosts a popular blues festival.