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We are welcoming a lovely sunny day here in France, as the Easter weekend arrives. Sunshine comes early in Charentes Maritime, as this beautiful region benefits from the highest number of annual hours of sunshine in France! If you love the sun, why not consider booking a holiday in South West France this year?

With the Easter weekend fast approaching, we’ve been busy exploring some fabulous local traditions here in South West France. Here are our faves:

When choosing a holiday, It’s so important to find a family child friendly atmosphere if you are going abroad with babies, toddlers or young children. A welcoming, safe environment is essential to whether parents will get chance to relax and enjoy quality time with their children. The Charente region of France is a great choice for children as it’s wonderfully unpretentious and is very welcoming and friendly.

There is so much to do across the Charente area – and best of all...a lot are FREE or cost just a couple of euros… meaning you can have a fun packed holiday, whatever your budget! Here are our top ten suggestions:

The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), which offers advice to travellers and represents travel agents and tour operators, advises "Even in a no-deal scenario, the European Commission has said flights to and from the UK will still be able to operate." So-bottom line-business as usual.

In Aug 2019 Cognac will host the Ferederation Francaise de Cyclotourisme's 81st annual week-long get together. Over 20,000 cyclists are expected, with daily themed circular itineraries for road and mountain bikes planned to help riders discover sites and scenery throughout Charente and Charente- Maritime.

Just a quick update on whats been happening at Les Vieilles d’Ombres already in 2019 .... Renovation work has begun! We’ve added a door in the back of the Cognac gite to allow direct access to the secure play barn area and pool.

We are delighted to see our nearest coastal port, La Rochelle has featured in this year’s thelocal.fr in their guide to the 15 most romantic locations to visit in France this winter. And we wholeheartedly agree with their choice!

In France, New Year’s Eve is called ‘la Saint-Sylvestre’ or ‘la fête de la Saint- Sylvestre’, named after the saint of the day – a pope who lived from 314 to 335 AD. The French have celebrated New Year on different dates throughout their history.

Our region of France has so many great restaurants and places to eat, that it’s sometimes difficult to choose where to go, however a particular gem has recently opened in Cognac, called Hotel Chais Monnet, that would compliment any special occasion.