English 
FrançaisLa Charente
La Bussiere is situated in the north of this department. It is close to the border with La Vienne and about 15 Kms. from Availles Limouzine.
To help you plan your holidays we have included a brief overview of the department with the main places of interest.
Angouleme
The capital of Charente is Angouleme, a pretty town set up on the ancient ramparts. With its small shops, book shops, new market, nice small restaurants and narrow streets it is an ideal place to spend a day, just wandering. At the right time of year, see our page on events, there is street racing in old high performance cars. It is also famous for its comic strip (known in French as Bande Dessinée) industry and college courses and example of this can even be found in the coup d'oeil in the streets of Angouleme. The festival of Bande dessinee takes place on the 27 January each year, more information can bbe found on Alternative Bande Dessinée For more information about events go to the events page.
Cognac
Probably the best known town in Charente is Cognac, the centre of the Cognac industry. It is possible to visit all the well known marques, each of whom has a well organised visitor centre and tour of their premises. the tour includes learning about the making, maturation and storage of Cognac and finishes with a tasting. If you go make sure that you visit Chateau Cognac, Otard (beautiful teardrop shaped bottles); Hennessey and Martel. Why not visit Cognac World.
Confolens
For more detail
Less well known is the town of Confolens which is only 10 kms from our gite
at La Bussiere.
Every summer there is a folk festival in which over 600 artists from many countries round the world partake. Information can be found on Festival web site
Finally, if you are interested in technology it is possible to take guided tours around the largest tile factory in the world, located in Roumazieres. You see everything from the arrival of the raw clay to the dispatch of the finished roof tiles.
Further information
To get walking and cycling maps please visit Charente Maps for walkers