The Chateau at Villebois-Lavalette is an impressive sight on its hillside. Ascend to its battlements to get superb views of this countryside.

Chalais to Montbron, SE Charente

Rolling hills, dreams and pastures.

Many people may come to find this area the 'wrong way round' i.e. that they drift into it while touring, searching or researching the repository of dreams that is the Dordogne. In that case they might well be pleased that they drifted across the border. This is lush country of the sort that many may find reminiscent of Hampshire or Dorset with rolling hills, woods and pastures.

Towards the south Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a little village crowded into the cleft of a valley and awarded the cachet of being one of the prettiest villages in France. A jig-saw of red-tiled roofs certainly announce that you've found something special if you arrive in the large car park seemingly located high above the houses.

Woods and nut-oil.

In the centre, north of Villebois-Lavalette, the Forest dHorte is a vast wooded area offering endless retreats for those living near it. Onwards then the D16 continues through attractive countryside and small villages to Montbron a small town of no great charm itself but surrounded by an area dubbed the 'little Switzerland of Charente'. Nearby you'll find a selection of traditional grain, nut and stone-cutting mills.