Local Area Information

The cottage and hamlet takes its name from the small lime stone caves located in the woods at the bottom of the meadow where the foxes were thought to sleep. There are no foxes resident now but we still catch the odd one exploring the area on our wildlife cameras.

A natural spring rises here within the garden which attracts a verity of insect and wild life throughout the year with deer, boar, genet, pine martin, damsel and dragon flies all captured on film.

This spring feeds into the river Ronsenac which in turn feeds into the river Dronne. 

The area is ideal for cyclists with quiet roads giving stunning views through and over the sunflower fields in July and August.

The Charente cycle route number 54 passes the house road end which gives various various options of distance and direction depending on how energetic you feel.

  

For those preferring a slower pace the VTT (green path) is located 20 meters from the house gate and gives options of various distances which can be walked off road through the countryside, a prehistoric dolman is on this route just a few kilometers away. 

The weather in May, June, September and October is perfect for walking and south west Charente certainly delivers the beautiful scenery, sunny climate and the opportunity to see this area of France at its best.

The quiet roads are ideal for exploring by car, bicycle or foot to discover the countryside, historic villages and towns, lakes and local events: markets, vineyards and cognac distilleries.

It is a short walk to the village of Ronsenac, once the site of an ancient chateau which encompassed most of the village, some of its old walls can still be seen incorporated into other buildings now and the Fountaine de Legionnaires which was its water source, it has an excellent children's play park, tennis court, basket ball court and shaded picnic area.

The hill top village of Villebois Lavalette with its 1000 year old chateau and 17th century halle where the local produce market can be found on Saturday mornings is 2 km from the cottage. Here there is a good range of facilities: restaurants, cafe/bars, bakery, supermarket, pharmacy, bank, post office, vet, library, butcher, children's play area, tennis and petanque courts. The tourist office is in the center of the village by the park and Mairies office. 

Chateau de la mercerie is 5 mins away by car but like the chateau at Villebois can be seen from miles away.

It is a standing joke here, that everywhere is about 30 minutes drive away, and most places actually are! Being on the department borders, Maison des Renards offers an excellent base for exploring the many attractions of the Charente, Charente Maritime, Gironde and Dordogne. 

• Angouleme, The hill top walled city famous as being the cartoon capital of France, this is well depicted as you walk through the old narrow cobbled streets with the painted murals. It is also famous for hosting the circuit de ramparts in September the oldest street racing circuit in the world (unchanged since 1939). This thriving city also gives guests access to sightseeing, parks, shopping, cinema, sporting venues etc, 20min.  
• Aubeterre sur Dronne, a Plus Beaux Villages de  France with its river beach, kayaking, monolithic underground church and meandering streets of artisan studio's, cafes and restaurants and the beautiful village square shaded by ancient lime trees is on the camino pilgrim route to Spain. 
• Brantome, beautiful setting on the river with the impressive Benedictine Abbey, stone bridge and weir, restaurants and bars, boat trips and kayaking.    
• Bourdelles, has a chateau, moulin (mill) medieval center and panoramic viewpoint, kayaking in the river Dronne under the chateau cliffs. 
• Ribérac with its weekly market and bustling town center.
• Also close at hand is the Atlantic coast; Bordeaux is a historic and cosmopolitan city 1.30hr; St Emilion, famous the world over for its wine is 1.15hr; Cognac, known worldwide for their famous for its cognacs and is twinned with Perth, Scotland, where we are from 1hr; Bergerac 1.20hr; Poitiers with the famous Futuroscope and the Valley of the Monkeys. 

Food & Wine

The mild and sunny climate guarantees abundant harvests of fruits and vegetables. 

The Charente is known for its Cognac and Pineau. (pineau is a mixture of eau-de-vie and grape juice). 

Local products such as melons, (goat) cheese, walnuts, hazelnuts and walnut oil can be bought from the produce markets and some of the producers around us.  

Activities

There is a large outdoor public swimming pool with a restaurant and picnic area a 10 minute drive away from the cottage in Gardes-le-Pontaroux. 

At Base de Loisirs de Potrot (open July and August) there is a large maze, aerial assault course, picnic area and a riverside restaurant. 

There are more opportunities for swimming at Plan d'Eau de La Grande Prairie in Saint-Yrieix-sur-Charente (Angouleme) and the Aquatic center next to it, Aubeterre beach by the river, St. Aulaye and Le Paradou near Parcoul.

Outdoors sports venues and parks are easily accessed in Angouleme.

Golf:

Pillac,  - 9 holes - 20 mins       

Angoulême - 18 holes - 25mins