Explore the area
Things to Do Near La Vieille Gorce, Vienne
Staying near Charroux means you’re closer to more than most visitors realise. Within an easy drive of La Vieille Gorce, you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage abbey, a free-roaming primate sanctuary, one of France’s largest theme parks, and a medieval market town that still holds its Thursday market the way it has for generations. This guide is split into two parts, organised the way you’ll actually use them: where to go, and where to eat.
5 min
To Charroux
30 min
To Val de Vienne circuit
~1 hr
To Futuroscope
Why Base Yourself Near Charroux
La Vieille Gorce sits in the Vienne, on the border of Poitou-Charentes and the Charente, in the southwest of France. It’s worth being specific about that, because “Vienne” gets confusing fast: there’s also a town called Vienne in the Isère region near Lyon (known for its Roman ruins), and the word is sometimes mistranslated into “Vienna,” as in Austria. None of those are this Vienne. This one is quieter, greener, and built around small towns rather than a single big attraction, which is exactly why it rewards a bit of planning.
Charroux itself, five minutes down the road, is a good example. It grew up around an 8th-century abbey that was once a stop on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, and its surviving Charlemagne Tower is one of the more distinctive landmarks in the region. From there, the rest of the area opens up in rings of drive time: a motor racing circuit half an hour away, a UNESCO abbey and a “town of five castles” within the hour, and a theme park that’s easily worth a full day.
None of it requires much advance planning. Most of what's covered in this guide can be booked, visited or eaten at on the day. Futuroscope is the one exception worth checking ahead of time, simply because of its size and the number of timed shows, and the Charroux market only runs on Thursdays.
Uit en over
Eten en drinken
Charroux’s Thursday morning market, breakfast at La Vieille Gorce, restaurants in Charroux, Civray and Confolens, and the regional goat’s cheese Chabichou is worth tracking down while you’re here.
Cycling and Walking From Your Door
Planning Your Days: How Far Is Everything?
5 min
15–20 min
Savigne, Civray, Confolens for a wider choice of restaurants and shops.
30 min
45–60 min
Chauvigny, Saint-Savin Abbey, La Vallée des Singes, Futuroscope
Veel Gestelde Vragen
01. What is there to do near La Vieille Gorce without a car?
The pool, gardens and quiet country lanes right at the property, plus cycling if you hire or bring a bike. Charroux itself is 5km away, about a 5-minute drive or a 20 to 25 minute cycle, so a car or bike is genuinely useful for reaching the town.
02. Is the Vienne region good for a family holiday?
Yes. Between La Vallée des Singes, Futuroscope, and the space to cycle or walk safely from the property, there’s a good mix of active and low-key options for families.
03. How far is Futuroscope from La Vieille Gorce?
Around an hour’s drive. It’s worth allowing a full day, since it’s built around ride-through cinema and simulator experiences rather than quick attractions.
04. Is La Vieille Gorce pet friendly?
No, pets aren’t permitted at the property. Everything else in this guide is unaffected either way, but worth knowing before you book if you’re travelling with an animal.
05. Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Mostly no. Charroux, Chauvigny and La Vallée des Singes can all be visited on the day. Futuroscope is the one exception worth checking ahead of time, simply because of its size and the number of timed shows.
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