There are no shopping facilities at Champagnoux. The nearest town is Segonzac, which is approximately 3 miles away and within five minutes by car. There is a supermarket here as well as a selection of other shops. There is also the Université des Eaux de Vie (The University of Cognac) which runs courses for tourists as well as for professionals in the trade. Other nearby towns include Angoulême, which is a splendid hilltop city with many old buildings and the remains of the mediaeval château. Being a university town, it has an excellent selection of small restaurants, some of which have live entertainment. Angoulême is approximately 40 minutes drive from Champagnoux and hosts a Vintage and Classic car rally in September. For those who want water sports, try "Le Plan d'Eau de la Grande Prairie" where you can sail, swim, windsurf etc in perfect conditions.

Another favourite is Jarnac, approximately 15 minutes away. This has a small covered market and a pleasant pedestrianised town centre. It is possible to hire canoes for use on the river or to enjoy a day trip on a motor launch. There is a large communal swimming pool, or you can swim in the river!

Our personal favourite is the town of Cognac, approximately 20 minutes by car from Champagnoux. The main shopping area has been pedestrianised and the range of shops is exceptional. There is a large covered market area and the quality of the food is extremely high. There are also very large supermarkets on the edge of town. Adjacent to the museum, the communal park in Cognac is beautifully maintained with an agreeable child’s play area with swings and animals. This is conveniently adjacent to the market. There is a wide range of restaurants and recommended addresses will be sent with the details forwarded when a booking is confirmed. Cognac is, of course, famous for the brandy of the same name and many of the larger companies offer free visits with English-speaking guides and usually a free sample as you leave! There is a film festival for detective films in March and a classical music festival in June held in the beautiful Roman churches of the region.

Other destinations include Saintes, famous for having two cathedrals and a splendid Roman theatre (approximately one hour from Champagnoux) and La Rochelle with its interesting small shops and twin towers guarding the port (approximately one and a half hours from Champagnoux). There is a modern aquarium open 365 days of the year. Going further South, there is the picturesque wine town of St. Emilion, which provides an excellent introduction to the wines of Bordeaux (approximately one hour from Champagnoux) and finally, Bordeaux itself, which is approximately 75 minutes from Champagnoux.