The Gites at Le Tilleul is only 10 minutes drive to the nearby Lacs de Haute Charente, and just a little further to both St Mathieu Lake and Grand Etang de St Esteph.
At these freshwater lakes can be found sandy beaches and shallow, warm water for paddling or swimming. Free half hour kayaking sessions are available at Grand Etang during certain summer months, with lifeguard services available at the larger lakes.
The lakes are great places for families to visit, with children's play areas, paths suitable for buggies, walks and cycle tracks along with cafe / restaurants if you don't want to take your own picnic with you.
The tree-top Aventure Parc at Massignac, just 10 minutes drive away offers something for all of the family and for all abilities - from the thrill of tree top high rope courses, to the zip-wire across the lake for all those adventurous children, or even the fun bungee and air-bag jumping.
There is also a tiny-tots adventure area for 3 years plus, along with an on-site cafe or the option to bring along your own picnic (tables & benches are available).
The Charente has something for all cyclists, whether you want to take a long cycle ride through the Charente countryside with its pretty french villages, or just want a short ride to pick up your morning supplies from the Boulangerie.
The Charente features over 1000 km of marked mountain bike trails, varying from 6kms to 50 kms in length, with suitability for everyone from children up to the experienced off road cyclists.
The well marked local Charente loop circuits also offer easy going family circuits between 4 and 10 kms. We have detailed maps of each of these on site.
Bikes can be hired for all or part of your holiday from a local company Bike Hire Direct.
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We are spoilt for choice here at Le Tilleul with 3 Karting circuits within a 45 minute radius of the gites, with the nearest one only 10 minutes drive away and previously raced by Alain Prost as a junior.
Karts begin from ages 4 upwards (dual bi-place karts are available at one circuit which allow for an adult and child to sit alongside each other) and range in size and power.
So whether the kids are looking for a fun filled afternoon on the track, the adults want a competitive racing experience or you just want a bit of family fun close-by, there is plenty to choose from.
In the Charente you will find a lovely hilly scenery, speckled with small farms, lakes and woodland.
In the area there are a number of horse-riding schools and stables where you can take part in riding activities, beginners’ classes, hacking, trekking or lakeside discovery in the Haute-Charente. The nearest riding school to us is in Montembeouf only a few minutes drive away.
The lakes of the Haute Charente are home to many varieties of fish, including carp, perch, tench, black bass and pike.
Anglers are welcome throughout the year, and short-term permits are available for day visitors and holiday visitors (who can also purchase a 15-day cartes vacances).
There are also other dedicated fishing lakes nearby for the fishing enthusiast, from as close as just 5km away.
We are only 7 kilometres away from the 18 hole golf course, Golf International de La Prèze which is a spectacular 65 hectare course, set in a beautiful area surrounded by hills, woods and lakes.
It offers an 18-hole championship course, as well as an 18-hole pitch and putt course, a 20 tee driving range and two pitch and putting greens.
There are a further 3 or 4 other courses within an hours drive.
