25 things to do in La Vienne and Charente
As we welcome in the new year, here are 25 things to do in La Vienne and Charente in 2025! We’ve visited most of these places (often more than once) and have loved the experience each provides.
Futuroscope
66km, 45min drive
A futuristic theme park featuring multimedia, cinematographic, and audiovisual attractions.
Aquascope
66km, 45min drive
A new aquatic centre next door to Futuroscope offering swimming pools, water slides, and wellness facilities.
La Vallée des Singes
9km, 12min drive
A primate park home to various species of monkeys and apes in a natural setting.
Parc de la Belle
25km, 20min drive
A beautiful park featuring gardens, treehouses, and play areas for children.
Le Cormenier
7km, 8min drive
An interactive museum showcasing rural life in the early 20th century.
Picnic and Canoe at Rejellant
23km, 25min drive
A riverside area ideal for picnicking and canoeing, with scenic views.
Église Notre-Dame-La-Grande
57km, 50min drive
An 11th century romanesque church with stain-glassed windows.
Get lost in Labrinthe Végétal!
6.5km, 10min drive
A maize maze, plus other outdoor activities, open selected months of the year (usually April and May, July and August, and October)
Swim in the lake at Plan d’eau de Saint-Macoux
11km, 13min drive
Designated swimming area in the lake with a slide, pétanque pitch, walks around the lake, café.
Playful Riverside Walk in Civray
4km, 6min drive
(Parcours de santé)
Riverside walk from Civray town to Resto’fil de l’O (a campsite café/restaurant) with fun wooden challenges along the route. At the café, you can get drinks, play pool and darts, and sometimes listen to live music.
SENSAS Poitiers
62km, 45min drive
For a team or family between 4 and 12 people, challenge your senses with games and activities throughout six surprising rooms.
L'Isle-Jourdain
38km, 35min drive
A charming destination to explore local culture and scenery. Zip line across the river, hire bikes, children’s play area, bungee jump off the viaduct.
See the animals at Zoo St. Pierre Woods
44km, 40min drive
There are 38 species of animals in this wooded park open between 10am and 4pm, and completely free.
Vélorail in Confolens
40km, 35min drive
Pedal along scenic routes on old railway tracks for a unique adventure.
Verteuil sur Charente
28km, 27min drive
A picturesque village with historic architecture and river views.
Terre de Dragons
52km, 45min drive
La Planète des Crocodiles and Ile aux Serpents have merged together into one attraction, offering up close walks above crocodiles and snakes.
Nautilis
71km, 50min drive
An aquatic center with pools, rapids, a wave machine, slides, and wellness facilities.
Go to a book fair at Montmorillon
62km, 55min drive
Home of the writers - there are regular book fairs and artisan sellers throughout the town. There are also beautiful views over the river.
Experience medieval Chauvigny
59km, 55min drive
Medieval town with artisan market stalls, restaurants and coffee shops. There’s even a restaurant where the servers dress up in medieval costume. You can also watch the birds of prey (giants of the sky) fly over the medieval parts of the town.
Swim at the Öda Aquatic Center in Civray
5km, 7min drive
Features indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and a gym.
Les Trois Fontaines, Champagné-Saint-Hilaire
23km, 20min drive
A peaceful natural area with lakes, hiking trails, picnic spots, and activities like mini-golf and pétanque for a family day out.
Les Iles de Payré
24km, 22min drive
Walk around a lake with lots of little islands connected by bridges. A great place for walking, cycling, and picnicking. The site has outdoor fitness equipment for those over 14 years old. There are many species of fish to spot in the lake, including carp, roach, pike, and bream.
Visit Monsieur Balluet in Cognac
71km, 60min drive
Enjoy a free tour (booking recommended) to learn about Cognac production.
Chateau d' Epanvilliers and museum of games
8km, 9min drive
A historic castle featuring a museum dedicated to traditional games.
Aventure Parc Massignac
59km, 60min drive
A thrilling adventure park with zip lines, rope courses, and outdoor fun.
Looking for somewhere to stay?
Gîtes du Marigné consists of three gîtes nestled in the picturesque countryside of south west France. Each gîte (La Petite Maison, Chez Tournesol, and Chez Hiboux) offers self-catering facilities, cosy log burners, and access to the shared outdoor pool, pétanque pitch, and play equipment.
