Barbezieux and SW Charente.

The N10 is the principal artery through this area and the surrounding localities may well be worthy of study by house-hunters who favour air travel to Bordeaux. There are services there from several UK airports and regular flights to many European and North African destinations. Extensive sections of the road have been up graded to motorway or near-motorway standard. Barbezieux itself clusters around a hill which is surmounted by a seemingly isolated chateau.

A trap is pressed into use as a flower pot at Baignes-Ste-Radegonde.

Forestry and mixed agriculture.

To the north the hills are covered with vineyards and many might find the landscape somewhat monotonous. As one moves away from the most valued acres of grapes for the brandy industry forestry and mixed agriculture re-assert themselves both as economic enterprises and as vibrant factors in charming and varied countryside.

Trees and forest begin to come into their own at Reignac.

Hot Air Balloons

Blanzac is a sizable village in the middle of the area and rejoices in its proximity to Mainfonds where the European Hot Air Balloon Championship is held annually in late July and early August. Our somewhat arbitrary boundary runs along the D674 -another major route connecting Angoulême to Bordeaux via Libourne. The adjoining district is 'South and East of Angoulême'.