Things To Do
La Maison Catalpa is situated in a semi-rural area in the small hamlet of Sainsac, which it shares with just four other houses. It is surrounded by sunflower and maize fields. St Aulaye, the nearest village, is five minutes away by car.
The most popular attraction in St Aulaye is the wonderful river beach which really comes alive during the summer months. A very popular bar and restaurant offers local specialities, cold drinks, ice creams, crepes and snacks. A lifeguard is on duty and the shallow roped-off area is great for children. A small play area is also located on the beach. Canoes can be hired from the beach: perfect for a couple of hour's meander down the tranquil river Dronne. Tennis courts are available here too. There is often live entertainment of an evening, and the Bastille night fireworks here is one of the biggest displays in the area. Just across the road from the beach is an adventure ropes course, a perfect shady place to have some relief from the midday sun while being active. There are several levels of tree climbing for different ages. (Beach bar / restaurant and activities only open end of June to beginning of September). There is a choice of two artisan boulangeries in St Aulaye where you can acquire your daily croissants, pastries and baguettes. Also in the village you will find a pharmacy, tabac, traditional delicatessen, hairdresser's, café, bar, small restaurant, pizzeria, cash machine, petrol station and a small Carrefour supermarket. A small weekly fresh produce market on Saturday morning is held in the square. The charming wooden balconies decorating the facades of certain houses add to the picturesque nature of the place. The Saint-Jean monolithic church, an underground church carved out of the rock in the 12th century by the Benedictines, is a sight not to be missed. This building has a vault reaching 20 metres high and is the biggest troglodyte church in Europe! At the centre of the village is a lovely square filled with shops, artists workshops, bars and restaurants where you can sit out on a sunny day and savour the atmosphere of the village. A small market is held in the square every Sunday morning. The square, 'Place Trarieux' is named after Ludovic Trarieux, founder of the French League of Human Rights, who was born in the village. A Romanesque church, the church of St Jacques, which was built to welcome pilgrims on route for Santiago de Compostela, can be reached by walking through cobblestoned walkways and chemins. This has a wonderful 12th century Romanesque facade with finely carved arches and some great ghoulish carvings on the capitals. Another wonderful river beach is found here at the foot of Aubeterre. With facilities such as canoe hire, lifeguards, café and bar, canoe hire, play and picnic areas (beach bar, canoe hire in peak season only). There are plenty of places to eat here and lots of the shops specialise in local produce. A popular lively market is held here on a Friday morning. Perched above vineyards renowned for producing full-bodied, deeply-coloured red wines, it is easily the most alluring of all the region's wine towns. The best way to get a true feel for the vineyards and associated châteaux is to board the small tourist train. This has French and English commentary, and is well worth the small price. You can also do an optional tour of a château while on the train. It is possible to arrange a wine-tasting at one of the local châteaux here. The highlight of a trip to Bergerac is the old town - the area immediately north of the river, signposted 'vieille ville'. This part of the town has some lovely streets and squares to explore, and a variety of boutique type shops. It is certainly one of France's most vibrant and dynamic cities. As with all cities here you can experience flavours from around the world, some of the world’s most delicious locally-produced wines, sightsee and shop, eat and drink. Bordeaux has it all! The largest and most well-known of Cognac producers in the region are Hennessey, Martell and Remy Martin. It is possible to visit the distilleries for a guided tour. There are numerous caves to visit in and around Les Eyzies, plus several prehistoric parks (perhaps more for the children...) for a glimpse of what life was really like in the Dordogne 10,000 years ago. The caves of Font de Gaume, Lascaux and the Grotte du Grand-Roc are amongst the most impressive. Its ten towns and villages - Arcachon, La Teste de Buch, Gujan-Mestras, Le Teich, Lège-Cap Ferret, etc... invite you to discover their many attractions in an enchanting setting. There are plenty of places along the route where you can pull your canoe over to the riverbank for a picnic, a paddle and a sunbathe. A large 'screw top' plastic tub is usually provided to help stop your picnic and camera getting splashed by over-enthusiastic children. At the start, the canoe hire company will drive you upstream in a minibus. You can then canoe back downstream with the flow of the river. The important thing to note is that you are always canoeing with the flow of the river, not against it. Most canoe hire companies also offer a choice of distance, so that you can canoe for just half a day if a whole day sounds too much or too hot (a half day is typically 14km, a full day 28km). Arbor Kayak, Saint Aulaye (5 mins), 24410 Saint-Aulaye. Tel: +33 6 01 49 41 45. Open July-August every day 11am-7pm; May, June, September by reservation. Club Canoë Kayak (15 mins), Route de Ribérac, 16390 Aubeterre. Tel: 05 45 98 51 72. May, June and September : daily from 10am to 6pm, closed on Mondays. July and August : Open 7 days a week from 10am to 7 pm. Winter : Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 6pm We have several local maps which contain routes for easy to moderate riding. More advanced cycle route maps can be obtained from the local tourist office or by visiting www.veloenfrance.fr or www.lacharente.fr. For serious cyclists we have plenty of secure storage for your own bikes and equipment. Sessions are informal and structured to cater for beginners through to intermediate. He can be available to bring his equipment to La Maison Catalpa for larger groups. He supplies all the equipment you need and has a range of bows to fit most adults and children. The scallop shell has long been the symbol of the trail. This symbol was often carved into churches and places along the route. There is a scallop shell on a piece of limestone on the bridge at the bottom of the garden of La Maison Catalpa. We still get walkers come past who are on the trail, sometimes with their donkeys! Other shells can also be seen on the church in Bonnes and the church in Aubeterre. Many follow its routes as a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth. It is also popular with hiking and cycling enthusiasts and organized tour groups. Of course, not everyone wants to take on a pilgrimage! We have some local maps and guides here for you to take on a gentler walk straight from the door. Riding lessons are given by experienced, fully-qualified instructors in a friendly atmosphere, and are adapted to the different levels, ages and objectives of the individual riders (competition, leisure, etc). The club has 12 small ponies, 9 larger ponies, and 5 horses. We also have several horses on short- and long-term livery. We participate at local show jumping and hunter competitions with our horses and riders. We can provide private lessons at a time to suit you, and it is possible to join in with any of the regular class lessons or hacks. Before fishing it is a legal requirement to gain a fishing permit. One can be obtained from Vival the general store in Aubeterre or from any of the local tourist offices. We have some rods and a small selection of equipment available for you to use. The greens and tees are fully irrigated and there are plenty of bunkers and other obstacles that come into play. Equipment, supplies and lessons are available from the clubhouse. Golf Public de Périgueux is 53 mins away. An 18 holes, Par 71, flat parkland course which starts relatively easily but which becomes progressively harder. Several water hazards and very large bunkers make this a tough test for any standard of golfer. Distance: 29 miles. Please enquire through us if you are interested in playing tennis, we can arrange for you, we do have some tennis rackets and balls for you to use. For more info and to check opening times visit their website. Karting details for s nearby track at Chalais (20 mins away), can be found at www.circuitdehautesaintonge.com. A super place to spend the day, if its raining maybe, is at Les Antilles de Jonzac. 1hr 15 mins' drive away, it's a fantastic place that offers indoor and outdoor pools, slides, waves, waterfalls and Roman style baths. In the warmer months you can relax outside on the sun loungers. You also have the option of purchasing a ticket to gain access to the ‘relaxing space’ pool, set to a constant 32°C take advantage of the massaging jets or swim against the currents in this 800sm maze of pool. They also have a solarium, sauna, hammam, cold bath, jacuzzi and relax areas. There's cheese, fruit, sausages, meat, bread, vegetables, fish, local specialities, cooked chickens and lots more too. It is the products from the 'local producers' that are usually most interesting, and the most delicious. Goat's cheese from a local farmer, olives in their own special mix of oil and spices, or a locally-prepared dry sausage, perhaps. Note, markets are held in the mornings all through the year but by midday the stalls will start packing away. Night markets (marchés nocturnes) are a chance to eat and party in convivial surroundings, while enjoying regional food and wine. These are very popular during the summer months, and usually great fun and good value. French Christmas Markets range from the big open-air markets in Bordeaux or Périgueux to smaller ones in local villages. Brocantes / Vide Greniers are a way of life and a national passion in France. The French are a nation of recyclers and guardians of things – they hate to throw something away if it can serve a useful purpose, and this is what drives their love of second-hand markets. Held normally on a Sunday, they're an enjoyable way to spend a few hours browsing. You are likely to come across a wide range of bizarre and sometimes interesting relics! For a list of Brocantes visit the website. The fantasy of two brothers, Alphonse and Raymond Rethore who, because of a joint pact never to marry, have left the château heirless and at the mercy of fate and the state to return it to a new life. A beautiful château with a truly amazing story, well worthy of a visit. The medieval castle with its keep has great views of the adjacent river beneath the cliffs, and beautiful gardens. The style is partly Renaissance and partly medieval. Take a guided tour for the best experience. The castle contains some finely-decorated rooms and apartments. But it is for the wine that the Monbazillac region is best known. 3500 hectares of vines produce one of the most widely known (and most highly reputed) dessert (sweet) white wines in the world. There are guided tours of the libraries, which are amazing. you can visit the dungeons, vast kitchens, chapel & other beautifully-presented rooms over 3 floors, accessed by a beautiful renaissance marble staircase. You can relax in beautiful gardens created by the 19th century, the renowned landscape architect, the count de Choulot. Gardens are a mix of French and English-style.St Aulaye
A bastide town dating back to 1288, St Aulaye boasts a magnificent 11th century Romanesque church. From here you get very good views of the Renaissance château of Saint Aulaye, which is now utilised as the town hall.Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne
Less than 15 minutes by car Aubeterre Is the jewel in the crown of the area. Officially listed as one of France’s prettiest villages and with a history dating back to 11th Century, this historically rich and stunning village immediately appeals to visitors with its beautiful houses arranged as an amphitheatre and dominating the River Dronne.Ribérac
Less than 20 minutes away. The biggest market in the area is held here every Friday morning.Chalais
Again less than 20 minutes away, a substantial market is held every Monday morning.Brantôme
At less than an hour drive you will find what's known as the 'Venice of the Dordogne'. The Benedictine Abbey on the river's edge is superb and this along with the old stone bridge, weir and pretty mill now turned into a splendid hotel and restaurant make for a very photogenic scene.Périgueux
Again less than an hour's drive, Périgueux with its lovely medieval centre and cathedral is also full of good shops and interesting little pedestrian back streets, and lots of pavement cafes to sit and absorb the atmosphere.Saint-Émilion
At just 55 minutes' drive you will find Saint-Émilion, a recognised World Heritage site. Two thousand years of history wait to be discovered in this remarkable Bordeaux wine region.Bergerac
An hour away by car, Bergerac sits on the northern bank of the Dordogne River in the western part of the department. It is among the largest towns in the region and is classified as a town of Art and History.Bordeaux (1hr 20mins)
This is the world's largest urban World Heritage Site, cradling half the city (18 sq km) in its UNESCO-listed treasure chest. After Paris, Bordeaux has the highest number of preserved historical buildings in any city in France.Cognac (1hr 20mins)
For the past three centuries, Cognac has been almost universally-recognised as the finest of all spirits that are distilled from grapes. It has many incomparable qualities: fruitiness, subtlety of bouquet, intensity, warmth and above all the complexity of the many thousands of styles and flavours from a predominantly single grape variety.Les Eyzies (1hr 35mins)
The centre of pre-history in the Dordogne. Les Eyzies is in the heart of the Vézère Valley. The many caves that surround it feature prehistoric drawings and are some of the most beautiful in Europe. Indeed, the cave-lined Vézère Valley has been classified as a heritage site by UNESCO.Royan (1hr 55 mins)
Fantastic Atlantic coast beaches stretch for kilometres on either side of the town and are arguably the finest in France. They range from child-friendly beaches near the town to the wild, unspoilt beauty of the Côte Sauvage, where you can find tranquillity even in the height of the season. The Marché Central de Royan is unmissable if you are in town. While most French markets are great places for discovery, everything happens here on a larger scale.Arcachon (2hrs)
Arcachon's bay is a fascinating world with multiple landscapes: oyster ports, sandy beaches, pine forests, a famous peninsula and the highest dune in Europe, the Great Dune of Pilat.Canoeing
Canoeing along the Dordogne, of France's most celebrated rivers: wide, peaceful, calm, flat, excellent for families, easy for beginners. Perfect for children (lifejackets are provided) although generally not possible with small infants and babies. Canoe and equipment hire provides great value for a day's entertainment.Cycling
Cycling along quiet, winding, rural roads, while taking in the spectacular countryside is just one of the many delights of being on holiday in France. Cycling in the Dordogne and Charente is popular, an hour can easily pass without sight of any other vehicles, making this a relatively safe option for a family activity.Archery & Air rifle target shooting
Archery and air rifle target shooting can be arranged with a local experienced English and French speaking archer. Ian can offer fun “have-a-go” sessions and introductory lessons to individuals, groups and families. All equipment is supplied.Walking
France is a walker's paradise with around 180,000km of marked walking tracks. The area around La Maison Catalpa was in times past and still is one of the trails on the Pilgrim trail ‘St Jacques de Compostelle’. Santiago de Compostela, in NW Spain, has been a Christian pilgrim destination since at least 1100 AD.Horse riding
Available at Bors de Montmoreau, 20 minutes’ drive away. Set in 25 acres of beautiful rolling hills and woodland, this English and French speaking club has a spacious barn, stables, tack room, club house, wc and three arenas, a large and small sand school and a jumping paddock on grass.Fishing
Fishing is a hugely popular activity here and there is an abundance of healthy and quality brown and rainbow trout, salmon, pike, zander and black-bass to name but a few.Golf
We have a set of golf clubs here if you wish to use them. Manoir de Longeveau is a 15 minute drive. Nestled in a beautiful valley on the Charente/Dordogne border and set within the grounds of the Longeveau estate, the 9-hole, par 64 golf course offers a challenge to golfers of all abilities.Tennis
We have two local courts near to us that are available to use all year, and tennis lessons can also be arranged. St Aulaye Tennis court, next to the river beach. Aubeterre Tennis court, next to the river beach.Rope courses (July & August only)
We have two excellent local high ropes courses. The first one in St Aulaye, opposite the beach. This is suitable for ages 4 and up, offering a great range of circuits which are sure to keep you occupied (or terrified) for an hour or two. The second rope course can be found at Poltrot nature reserve. These are only open in peak season.Go-karting (1hr 10 mins)
There are several go-karting tracks and circuits within an hour or so's drive. Our favourite is Karting du Périgord, 24300 Teyjat. This is a great track of some 1,100m located near Nontron. They offer three types of karting to cater for young children to adults.Swimming
There are plenty of opportunities for open-air swimming. Swimming in the local rivers and lakes is a 'done thing' here! From the local river beaches at St Aulaye and Aubeterre to the beautiful, scenic lake at Lac Jemaye, there is nothing better to cool off! There are outdoor public pools in St. Aulaye, Riberac, Chalais and La Roche Chalais.
One of the most popular activities for visitors to France is visiting the local markets, usually held in the same location every week. French markets really do still have great produce to tempt you, and you will be lucky to get away without a large bag of delicious produce.Local Markets:
Villebois- Lavalette (40 mins)
Perched on its hill, the medieval fortress of Villebois-Lavalette and its fortification flanked by six round towers has a vast panoramic view of the surrounding country.Château de la Mercerie (40 mins)
This impressive château is in the process of restoration, all done by local volunteers. This is a folly on a grand scale.Château de Bourdeilles (45 mins)
A relatively small château with two distinct parts of different eras. It's a Renaissance castle full of interesting wooden carved furniture, tapestry, paintings and pottery.Château de Puyguilhem (1 hr 10 mins)
Château de Puyguilhem was constructed in the 16th century and it is similar in style to those of the Loire Valley.Château de Monbazillac (1 hr 8 mins)
The castle itself is a listed historical monument, and dates from the 16th century. It is in an early Renaissance-style, in an attractive wooded setting with far-reaching views across the region.Château de La Rochefoucauld (1 hr 10 mins)
This Château is definitely worth a visit. Building of the château began in the 10th century on the original site of a Roman fortress.Château de Hautefort (1 hr 30 mins)
Impressive interiors present a remarkable collection of 17th and 18th century furniture, paintings and other interesting artefacts.