Manoir Romanesque France

Sip a glass of Pineau des Charentes as you sit back on your riverside terrace, looking out to the calming river, before wandering into the village to dine out just a few steps away.
Manoir Romanesque is a unique and very special place to stay on the banks of the Charente river in a beautiful village and a short stroll from a grand château. Yet it’s not just the setting that will impress you – this historic manor house dates back to the late 1400s and is classified as one of France’s Monuments Historiques.
Indeed, you’ll sense the history all around you as you step inside the characterful interiors and admire the exposed Charentais stone walls, traditional furnishings and original 15th century frescoes in the inviting salon and dining area. Stone stairs take you up to the six en suite bedrooms on the top two floors, each one with a view of the courtyard garden and river.
Outside, the ambience is truly idyllic with the tranquil rose garden, trickling water fountain, bassin-style summer swimming pool and beautiful patio for al-fresco dining. The riverside walled terrace is a picture-perfect place to relax with such romantic views. No wonder Manoir Romanesque makes such an ideal Charente wedding venue – there is even a chapel within the grounds that guests can hire (the chapel also hosts concerts and exhibitions occasionally). 
There are many charming shops and restaurants nearby, including a converted riverside moulin which bakes the most delicious brioche. Beyond your historic home and its picturesque village setting, head out and about exploring the Charente valley with its glorious natural scenery, wildlife, walking paths and cycling. Kayak or canoe along the river, visit attractive towns on market day, enjoy lunch out in pretty villages or spend time in the chic city of Angoulême, home to the National Comic Strip and Image Centre and legendary and stylish classic car race, ‘Circuit des Remparts’.
Sample the fortified wines of Cognac and Jarnac within an hour or head further afield towards the Atlantic coast for fine sea-food, maritime towns and vast Atlantic beaches, including the sandy shores of incredible Île de Ré. Manoir Romanesque is set on the banks of a branch of the Charente river in a beautiful village around 45km north of Angoulême, in the Poitou-Charentes region of south-western France.
Step out of your private gated entrance, walk over the picturesque bridge and you are in the heart of this pretty village with delightful shops and restaurants within walking distance. Enjoy lunch at the old moulin at the river’s edge, then walk up the lane towards the impressive 15th century château set in its grand gardens – tours of certain parts of the castle can be arranged in the summer months.  
Beyond the village, it’s wonderful to be surrounded by such outstanding nature – the Charente valley is classified as one of the EU’s Nature 2000 protection areas. The landscapes and wildlife are best discovered by foot or bike (with cycling and mountain biking trails across the region) and there are canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the river.
Visit riverside villages and towns such as Mansle (12km) and picturesque Ruffec (7km), both with charming markets selling foie gras, goats cheese, duck, seafood from the Atlantic and other regional delights. History lovers can admire the abbey in Nanteuil-en-Vallée, a classified ‘village of character’, whilst the medieval gardens in Tusson (16km) are also a joy to visit.
Head to the chic and authentic city of Angoulême (45km) for a lovely day out, attractively positioned on the banks of the Charente river. As well as beautiful historic buildings, an ancient citadel and bustling markets, you can also visit the brilliant National Comic Strip and Image Centre. If staying on the third weekend of September look out for the legendary and stylish classic car race around the ancient cobbled roads of the city, Le Circuit des Remparts. The contest dates back to the late 1930s and remains a weekend of high octane, style and society, also referred to as ‘Monaco Sans La Mer’.
Further afield, experience the excellent restaurants and fine brandy and Cognac tastings in Jarnac and Cognac, both around an hour away, or drive even further towards the coast with the maritime towns of La Rochelle and Royan each reached in under two hours. For a truly spectacular day out, explore the pretty villages and vast sandy beaches of Île de Ré, reached from the mainland via a 3km long toll bridge.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting/childcare services
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!