“Just back from the Dordogne - and we wanted to thank you as soon as possible for what was a quite splendid break. It all went off superbly.” - Anthony Peregrine (April 2008).

New flights from local airports are ideal for Chateaux Escapes

Great news! This summer it will be even easier to get to one of our most popular Chateaux Escapes – the 4-star Chateau de Bignac in the Dordogne.

New flights to Bergerac are opening up from Liverpool, Bristol, East Midlands and Edinburgh – adding to the existing routes from Stansted and Exeter.

Holidaymakers adore this glorious ladies’ chateau surrounded by vineyards and orchards and just 15 minutes from the airport. The hotel owners treat you as honoured guests in their home, which they have lovingly and beautifully restored.

For a few days break you may be happy simply lounging by the pool, with its incredible views over the countryside. However, we’ll also provide bikes for you to explore the area or a personal introduction for your very own wine tasting session at one of the nearby vineyards.

All in all, the perfect place for a few days of blissful respite.

Does your partner prefer golf balls to bike wheels?

And you are just the opposite? Even if your other half refuses to go near a bicycle and you don’t want to go alone, you can still have a fabulous cycling holiday.

We have arranged two week-long holidays for people who would like to be part of a small group. Each day you follow a leader, discovering the local sights, exploring the countryside and stopping for lunch.

Both holidays are based around two hotels, delicious food and pleasant company. Either come alone or book with a friend. Either way, there is no single room supplement.

You can choose from:

1. The Gascony - Saturday 12th July to Saturday 19th July based in Condom and Brimont with hotel pools and chateaux stops.
Or
2. Venise Verte - Saturday 6th September to Saturday 13th September based in Vallans and Coulon for cycle paths and flat bottomed boats.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Champagne in the Charente

Enjoy a bottle of Champagne on arrival in France, for all bookings made for the Cognac and Charente region during April.

We have always loved our Cognac & Charente base hotel in Roullet St Estephe, with its charming hoteliers and delicious food but this year we think it will be more popular than ever.

Christine has refurbished all of the bedrooms and they look truly gorgeous, and Philippe has also introduced an exciting new menu which includes a whole range of vegetarian options.

The cycling can be easy too. Simply meander alongside the river or perhaps hire a canoe for an afternoon. Lunchtime picnics somehow taste even more delicious when eaten on the steps of Agrippa's Roman amphitheatre.

When off the bikes, try a tour of one of the region's ancient chateau, or spend an hour or two sampling Cognac in a distillery. A particular - and peculiar - treat of the region is the museum at Jarnac. It houses a collection of everything officially given to President Mitterand from paintings to tooth picks.

Round off each afternoon with a swim in the pool and then a pineau aperitif before dinner - very local and very relaxing. Bon appetit.