Villa Salena - Visits and activities

The town of Jonzac (10 miles / 16km)

The charming spa town of Jonzac sits on natural thermal springs that have been exploited back to Roman times. Dominated by the 15th C fortified castle, the town boasts an impressive covered marketplace and a fabulous 12th C church. You can visit the fortified chateau, the art centre in the former cloisters and the archaeology museum. The lovely leisure lake offers a sandy beach, water heated by the thermal springs, and many children's activities during July and August.

Website : Jonzac

Aquatic centre - "Les Antilles" (10 miles / 16km)

This stunning aquatic centre draws on the thermal springs to offer superb indoor and outdoor fun pools, with water at a comfortable 29°C. Including a 60m water slide, wave machines, waterfalls and even a sandy beach on the outdoor pool. The facilities include kiddies' pool, saunas, hammams, as well as complete fitness facilities, hydrotherapy and massages.

Website : Les Antilles

The town of Cognac (13 miles / 21km)

Just over the border in the Charente department. The town obviously revolves around the famous cognac distilleries, which you can visit, but the historic quarter, with its medieval cobbled streets and charming half-timbered buildings is real delight for an enchanting stroll. There is also the famous 13th C chateau and the gothic church of St Leger to visit, as well as boat trips on the Charente river.

Website : Cognac

The town of Pons (12 miles / 19km)

A charming medieval town centre with its 12th C fort (now the tourist office) and impressive ramparts with a lovely view over the river. A boat trip on the river makes a relaxing break. The Pilgrim's Hostel, dating from the 12th C is a UNESCO listed monument and well worth a visit.

Website : Pons

The coastal resort of Royan (37 miles / 59km)

This excellent coastal resort has always been a favourite for family holidays. There is a lovely shallow sloping beach, great for children, just north at St Palais sur Mer. For the sporting, there is wind-surfing, kite-surf, fly-surf, jet-ski hire and an impressive sailing centre. Other attractions include the lovely ornamental gardens, the casino and the characteristic 19th C architecture of the sea-front houses.

Websites : Royan  |  Beaches at Royan

The historic town of La Rochelle (70 miles / 112km)

One of the places that you must visit on the Atlantic coast - a great day out. The elegant port is renowned for its chic cafés and restaurants. From there you can walk through the gothic town gateway into the maze of 17th and 18th C streets. Magnificent half-timbered buildings and stone arcades, housing superb shopping! Check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony at the Hotel de Ville - a great holiday snap. A fabulous aquarium and numerous museums. Boat trips from the port to the beautiful island of Re.

Website : La Rochelle  |  Visit La Rochelle

The coastal resort of La Palmyre (47 miles / 75km)

Well known for its vast beaches stretching over 30km (life-guard surveillance around the main access points), wild dunes and shady pine forests. The Bonne Anse bay offers calm protected bathing, ideal for children, whilst surf enthusiasts will love the rollers of the Cote Sauvage. You will find endless forest trails to explore on foot or cycling (hire available). The zoo is one of the best in France - children love it.

Website : La Palmyre

The Roman town of Saintes (25 miles / 41km)

The town dates from Roman times and has an many remains to visit, including an amphitheatre and aqueduct. A pleasant town for wandering around or viewing from a river trip. Nice market. The nearby 15th C chateau and gardens of La Roche Courbon is one of the best in the area and well worth a visit, along with the nearby neolithic caves.

Website : Saintes