Le Poulailler

If you manage to prise the family away from this fabulous resort, there's a multitude of attractions, historic villages and cities and some of the best beaches in France waiting to be discovered.

Saint-Séverin

There are a number of pretty villages within easy reach of Longeveau, with Saint-Séverin the nearest and just 5km away.

The village is home to several small shops, including a bakery, butcher, chemist and supermarket and there is also a popular small market every Thursday morning.

Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne

About the same distance in the opposite direction is Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne, officially one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Built on a hillside above the river Dronne, the village has narrow streets, shady squares to stop and watch the world go by and interesting architecture.

Children and grown-ups alike will enjoy the puppet theatre in the central square, showing classic tales such as Beauty and the Beast and Ali Baba. The shows are extremely popular and booking is essential to guarantee a seat.

The village is famous for its massive Underground Church of St Jean, or monolithic church, carved out of the rock. At 20m at its highest point, it is the tallest in the world. Climb the stone staircase up to the first floor for a spectacular view of the interior.

Another church worth visiting is the Romanesque St Jacques, boasting a beautiful 12th century facade with finely carved arches.

The river beach - with fresh sand shipped in at the start of every summer - is perfect for picnics and paddling and is sure to prove popular with the whole family. There's also a children's playground, canoeing, kayaking and fishing - plus a great cafe.

Bonnes
Bonnes is another pretty village in a lovely location on the Dronne river and less than half an hour from Longeveau.

Here you'll find a pony club for children of all ages and abilities and a wonderful 11km countryside walk, Circuit de Bonnes.

A festival is held in August when the grand finale is a spectacular fireworks display.

Riberac
This attractive, but relatively quiet town, is at its best on a Friday morning when it stages a market, reputedly one of the biggest and best in the Dordogne.

Just 16km from Longeveau, Riberac has lots of local shops, including wine caves, a couple of big supermarkets and plenty of child-friendly restaurants.

Free music evenings are held in the town square on Tuesday nights in July and August.

La Jemaye
A little hamlet, Le Jemaye is well-known for its large lake with beaches, a play area, woodland walks, a hide to watch the birds on the lake and family-friendly eateries.

An easy half-an-hour's drive from L'Amandier there are also sporting activities and events, including water skiing and cycling, staged in July and August.

Angoulème
The capital of Charente, the ramparted city of Angoulème is home to stunning architecture, traditional markets and beautiful gardens.

A 45-minute drive from Longeveau, take the time to relax in one of the many pavement cafes or dine in a choice of family-friendly restaurants.

The city is the world capital for Bande Dessinée - comic strip - and many of the buildings are decorated in this style with a fascinating museum dedicated to the art.

In Angoulème's mountain shopping zone you'll find Kizou Adventures - an indoor playground with all the usual ball pools, ropes and soft play, for little ones aged from six months to 10 years.

And just outside the city is the fabulous Plan d'Eau water lake with several beaches - perfect for a bit of bucket and spade fun - and a wide range of water sports.

Cognac
Cognac, about an hour from Longeveau, is famous for the grape-based spirit made in the town for more than 300 years.

Stroll through its narrow streets with a mix of medieval timber framed houses and grander mansions or enjoy an alternative view of the town by taking a cruise on a replica gabarre, the traditional flat-bottomed oak boats that once transported cognac, salt and other produce.   Trips take about two hours.

Back on dry land, signposted walking routes lead visitors through different parts of the town - either to explore the era of the salt trade and brandy industry or the urban growth that took place in the 19th century thanks to economic development.

One of the most popular tourist attractions is a tour of one - or more - of the many big name cognac producers to find out about the drink's history, how it is made and sample a tasting.

Nearby Les Antilles de Jonzac indoor water park is one of the largest in Europe and is designed to appeal to youngsters and adults alike.

For the little ones the centrepiece is a main lagoon with beaches, palm trees, a tropical glasshouse, slides and water toboggan ride.

More serious swimmers can take the plunge in the 25m sports pool where games and events are organised for children and teenagers.

Grown-ups can enjoy the fitness and health centre with its Turkish and Roman baths, a sauna, jacuzzis and a solarium - and, if you're feeling energetic, a fully-equipped fitness area.

A variety of beauty treatments and spa treatment services are also on offer.

Saint-Emilion
A little further afield, Saint-Emilion is one of the four Bordeaux wine regions and produces some of the finest wine in the world.

Even without the lure of wine the village, about an hour-and-a-quarter from L'Amandier, would deserve a visit - with pretty winding streets, pavement cafes, restaurants, local shops, and historical buildings and monuments.

The Romanesque church features a beautiful 14th century cloister and if you climb the bell tower you'll be rewarded with magnificent views over the town and surrounding vineyards.

There's also a great view from the top of the Chateau du Roy 13th century donjon in the centre of town.

Running deep under the village is a labyrinth of passages and rooms and guided tours taking in the catacombs and the impressive buried monolithic church, the biggest in Europe.

There's also an underground pottery museum with exhibits from the Roman period to modern day.

Beaches
Great beaches can be found about a two hour's drive from Longeveau - and two of the best are Arcachon and Royan.

Arcachon is hugely popular with French families and it's easy to see why. Superb sandy beaches, a picturesque sea-front promenade, plenty of shops, bars and eateries - topped off by the town's signature architecture featuring stained glass, ornate balconies and intricate brickwork.

The resort is also home to the fun-packed Aqualand water park with rides and slides for all ages and open from June to September.

Royan's beaches are, arguably, the finest in France and the main 2km long La Grande Conche has a special children's section with a variety of activities and a lifeguard in the summer.

North of the town you'll discover a series of sandy coves and and unspoilt, wild stretches of beach.

And more....

A host of other leisure activities are available within the local area from jet skiing and quad biking to mini-golf and go-karting.

The local villages and towns also host a variety of family-friendly festivals, fetes and fireworks displays throughout the summer.