Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Charente

There’s something about Aubeterre-sur-Dronne that just captivates you; old stone buildings with red tiled roofs climb the hillside above the River Dronne, narrow streets are lined with traditional shops and open out onto a village square graced with ancient lime trees where you can sit in the shade and sip coffee or cognac. It’s one of those places that you come to and just for a while, you completely forget about the news and all the bad things that are going on in the world, and we all need a bit of that, don’t we? It’s good for us; take time out, find a moment of peace.
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne carries the accolade of being one of the most beautiful villages in France, so that alone should be enough to entice you. Whilst you’re here you HAVE to go and see what the village is famous for  - the fascinating underground Church of Saint Jean, hewn from the limestone cliffs in the 12th century; it will envoke a huge sense of wonder and gasps of admiration, it really is amazing. You should also trot along to see the Romanesque Church of Saint Jacques, which has some uniquely beautiful stone carvings. When you want to play go down to the beach at the foot of the village where there’s a restaurant and canoe centre.

All information correct at the time of writing