The great thing about living in this region is that you really don’t have to travel very far to enjoy the delights of small towns and villages, relatively traffic-free roads, and at this time of year, few tourists. The wonderful warm weather is due to come to an end (in fact it has changed today with cloud cover and showers expected), so yesterday was a great opportunity to take a leisurely drive and to explore. Just 35 mins away is the beautiful village of Verteuil-sur-Charente. Driving along the country lanes, the first thing you see is the vast fairytale château which dominates the village. You really can’t miss it!

The château has been here in various forms since 1080 and has been rebuilt over the centuries, and has been in the same family.

As the name suggests, the Charente river flows through the village. Just below the château is an old flour mill powered by the river. Sitting at the base of the château on the terrace of the mill, stuffing a gorgeous cake down my throat, enjoying the warmth of the sun was perfect. Sorry, no pics of the cake, but it was so scrummy! (You’ll just have to take my word on that). Life is good.

A bientôt!