Enjoy the peace and quiet of your own private villa with a private pool conveniently located 1.5km from the local village with shops restaurants etc.
Our house is situated on an elevated private south west facing site enjoying sunshine throughout the entire day with an uninterrupted view of the stunning sunset.
Chalais is a quiet little town in the south of the Charente department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with a population hovering around 1,800. It’s tucked into a green valley along the Tude River, a tributary of the Dronne, about 42 kilometers south of Angoulême and roughly 80 kilometers northeast of Bordeaux. This puts it in a sweet spot—close enough to bigger cities for convenience but far enough to keep its rural charm intact. The landscape around it is classic Charente: rolling hills, patches of oak and chestnut forests, and fields that hint at its agricultural roots.
The town’s crown jewel is the Château de Chalais, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley. It’s got a storied past tied to the Talleyrand-Périgord family, who’ve been big players in French history since the Middle Ages. The castle’s origins go back to the 11th century. After that, it was dismantled, then rebuilt in the 16th century with a Renaissance flair. You’ll find a rare working drawbridge—one of only a handful left in France—and a mix of medieval grit and later elegance in its design. Since 2011, it’s been owned by Yves Lecoq, a French comedian known for his impressions, who’s spruced it up and opens it for tours in the summer (afternoons, except Mondays). Locals say it’s worth a visit for the views alone, stretching out over the Tude Valley.
Down in the town, Chalais feels like a step back in time. The streets are lined with pale stone houses built from the stone of the area in that endearing way old French towns do so well. The Monday market is a big deal here—it’s been running for centuries and still draws folks from nearby villages for fresh produce, cheeses, and the area’s famous "Veau de Chalais," a tender, milk-fed veal that’s a point of pride.
The Church of Saint-Martial, right by the castle, is a must-see. Built in the 12th century, it’s got Romanesque bones and a cloister that was redone in the 17th century after some rough years. It’s now part of the town’s historic fabric, listed as a monument, and occasionally hosts events like art shows or concerts. There’s also Sainte-Marie, an 11th-century church in the old quarter, and Saint-Christophe, a 19th-century addition in a hamlet nearby, showing how faith has shaped the place over time.
Life in Chalais moves at a slow pace. There’s a handful of cafés and small shops, a public pool for hot days, and an airfield (Chalais Aerodrome) if you’re into light aviation. The Tude River offers spots for fishing or just kicking back, and the surrounding countryside is laced with walking paths—nothing too strenuous, just enough to soak in the scenery. It’s not far from gems like Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, about 10 kilometers west, where you can see a jaw-dropping monolithic church carved into a cliff. Bordeaux, with its wine and bustle, is an hour’s drive southwest, and Angoulême’s comic-strip museum and medieval streets are less than an hour north.
Chalais isn’t flashy—it’s not trying to be. It’s a working town with deep roots, a touch of nobility, and a landscape that’s easy on the eyes. Perfect for someone who wants a taste of real, unpolished France without the crowds. The Charente region offers a perfect mix of relaxation and discovery for a family holiday, with the chance to experience "la France profonde" (deep France) at a leisurely pace.
