See & Do
LATEST NEWS
A Culinary Sensation! Discover “La Viveronne” in Chalais
Hold onto your tastebuds, because Chalais has a spectacular new star! If you are looking for the absolute height of flavor and charm, look no further than La Viveronne. This vibrant new restaurant is the talk of the town, and for good reason! It is quickly becoming...
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne & The Subterranean Church: A Journey into the Heart of Charente’s Hidden Gem
Welcome to the deep south of the Charente! If you are looking for an unforgettable day trip during your stay with us, there is one destination that simply cannot be missed: the magnificent village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne and its breathtaking Église souterraine...
High-Octane History: Experiencing the Circuit des Remparts in Angoulême
Once a year, the quiet, cobblestone ramparts of a historic French city transform into a roaring, high-octane amphitheater of living history. While the peaceful, rolling hills surrounding Yviers offer the ultimate setting for slow-paced relaxation, the Charente is also...
A Convenient Spot for a Meal: Le 53 in Chalais
When staying at Le Boisdalon, sometimes you simply want a quick and easy place to grab a meal. If you are looking for a straightforward spot for lunch or a casual dinner in Chalais, Le 53 on Rue de Barbezieux is a practical option located just a few minutes from our...
Saint-Émilion: A Timeless Journey into the World’s Most Famous Vineyard Village
Welcome to a corner of France that feels etched by history and kissed by the sun! If you are staying with us at Le Boisdalon, you know that the Charente region offers a serene, green sanctuary where the pace of life invites you to breathe deeply. But when the spirit...
A Culinary Journey East: Savoring Baan Thaï & Sushi in Barbezieux
Sometimes, even in the heart of the French countryside, your palate yearns for an adventure that takes you across the globe. While the Charente is justly famous for its rich duck confit, fresh goat cheeses, and world-class Cognac, there comes a evening when only the...
Right on Our Doorstep: The Authentic Charm of the Bar d’Yviers
Sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences don't require an itinerary, a map, or a long drive—they simply require a short, leisurely stroll down the lane. While we often guide our guests to the historic markets of Chalais or the vibrant eateries of Barbezieux,...
The “Little Versailles” of the Charente: Discovering Château de la Mercerie
Have you ever stumbled upon a place so magnificent that it feels like a dream frozen in stone? If you are wandering through the Charente, seeking the extraordinary, you must turn your gaze toward the Château de la Mercerie in Magnac-Lavalette-Villars. Often whispered...
A Hidden Culinary Gem: Le Ptit Bistro de Poirtrot
When our guests ask us for a truly authentic, heart-warming dining experience, we know exactly where to send them. Tucked away in the beautiful countryside near Chalais, Le Ptit Bistro de Poirtrot is the kind of local treasure that makes the Charente region so...
Into the Wild Green Heart: Exploring the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin
While the sun-drenched vineyards and rolling fields of the Charente offer a gentle, manicured beauty, sometimes the soul craves the wild, untamed embrace of ancient forests. For our guests at Le Boisdalon looking to immerse themselves in deep, vibrant nature, a day...
The Venice of the Périgord: A Magical Day Trip to Brantôme
There is a reason why some places capture the imagination completely—they feel less like modern towns and more like living fairytales. While the quiet, sun-dappled countryside of Yviers offers the ultimate peaceful sanctuary, the borders of the neighboring Dordogne...
A Futuristic Cultural Hub: Exploring La Méca in Bordeaux
While the classic limestone architecture of the Charente and the centuries-old history of our region provide endless fascination, southwest France is also home to cutting-edge contemporary marvels. If you feel like trading the whispering trees and sun-drenched...
Echoes of Antiquity: A Day Trip to Saintes and its Roman Amphitheatre
Stepping out of the quiet, natural luxury of Le Boisdalon and into the pages of ancient history is easier than you might think. While the Charente countryside is famous for its rolling vineyards and sleepy stone villages, a short drive west into the heart of the...
A Taste of Local Life: Discovering Les Drôles in Condéon
When you travel to the heart of the Charente, the true magic isn't found in the guidebooks, but at the tables where locals gather. If you are looking for an authentic experience that combines the best of regional flavors with a warm, communal atmosphere, look no...
Glide Through History: Canoeing the Dronne at Parcoul
Imagine a world where the only sounds are the rhythmic dip of your paddle and the gentle whisper of the river against the bank. If you are yearning to escape the heat of the summer sun and submerge yourself in the serene, liquid heart of the French countryside, there...
Josephine Baker: The Star of the Château des Milandes
Deep in the heart of the Dordogne, not far from the tranquil landscapes we love, lies a place that resonates with a history of glamour, courage, and infinite spirit: the Château des Milandes. This magnificent estate was the home of one of the 20th century’s most...
A Local Delight: Dining at Chez P’tit Pierre
If you are looking for that perfect, laid-back spot where the food is honest, the wine is flowing, and the atmosphere feels just like home, then you must visit Chez P'tit Pierre. Nestled in the heart of our vibrant region, this charming bistro has quickly become a...
Sun, Sand, and Mid-Century Style: A Day Trip to the Coastal City of Royan
There is a unique thrill in leaving the quiet whisper of inland forests behind for a day to breathe in the salty, sun-drenched air of the Atlantic coast. While the peaceful, rolling landscape surrounding Yviers offers the ultimate setting for slow-paced relaxation,...
An Immersive Masterpiece: Exploring the Bassins de Lumières in Bordeaux
True art does not just sit quietly on a wall—sometimes, it breathes, moves, and envelops you entirely. While the countryside of the Charente offers a masterclass in natural beauty with its rolling sunflower fields and golden sunsets, a short journey south brings you...
Safari Parc Guizengeard: A Wild Escape into the Heart of the Saintonge
Discover a world where nature roams free just a stone's throw from your tranquil retreat. When you decide to escape the relentless pace of modern life and find sanctuary with us at Le Boisdalon, you are choosing more than just a place to sleep. You are choosing an...
A Lively Brasserie Experience Close By: Dining at Le Flore in Chalais
While the absolute tranquility of Le Boisdalon is perfect for unwinding, there are days when you might crave a more vibrant, casual atmosphere to pair with a good meal. You don't have to venture far to find a lively local spot. Situated right in the center of our...
A Renaissance Jewel Reborn: Discovering the Château de Bouteville
There is something deeply captivating about standing among ancient stones that have witnessed centuries of French history, especially when they overlook an ocean of rolling vineyards. While the peaceful fields surrounding Yviers provide a tranquil escape, the Charente...
A Citadel on the Estuary: A Day Trip to the Historic City of Blaye
There is a profound sense of grandeur that comes with standing on top of ancient stone ramparts, looking out over the widest estuary in Western Europe. While the peaceful, rolling hills surrounding Yviers offer the ultimate setting for slow-paced relaxation, the...
A Culinary Gem in the Charente: Savoring the Magic of Le Bistroquet in Montmoreau
There is a distinct joy in discovering a restaurant that feels like a well-kept local secret, a place where the food is as warm and inviting as the people who serve it. When you journey to the south of the Charente, your days are often filled with the quiet rustle of...
Unveiling the Secrets of the Vine: A Day Trip to the Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux
To truly understand the soul of southwestern France, one must understand its wine. While the rolling, sun-drenched vineyards of the Charente produce the world’s finest Cognac, our region sits just a stone’s throw away from the global capital of wine: Bordeaux. For...
Tee Off in Tranquility: Discovering Golf d’Aubeterre
For golf enthusiasts, there is no greater pleasure than stepping onto a meticulously kept green surrounded by the raw, natural beauty of the French countryside. Just a short, picturesque drive from the peaceful haven of Yviers, the Golf d’Aubeterre offers an idyllic...
A Culinary Gem in the Dordogne: Dining at Ô Petit Gavroche in Montpon-Ménestérol
While the rolling hills and quiet woodlands of the Charente offer endless tranquility, one of the greatest joys of staying at Le Boisdalon is our proximity to the neighboring Dordogne. If you are in the mood for a short, scenic drive across the departmental border, a...
The Hidden Serenity of the Lac Bleu: A Natural Escape near Guizengeard
Step away from the map and lose yourself in a landscape that feels like a well-kept secret. When you stay with us at Le Boisdalon, you are treated to the best of the Charente’s rolling, verdant beauty. While our gardens in Yviers offer a sanctuary of peace, we also...
A Day Trip to the City of Bergerac: Cyrano, Fine Wines, and Riverside Magic
Welcome to your ultimate French getaway! When you stay with us at Le Boisdalon, you are perfectly positioned to explore the very best of southwest France. Nestled in the tranquil, rolling hills of the Charente, our sanctuary in the peaceful village of Yviers offers a...
A Taste of Italy in the Charente: Dining at La Trattoria in Saint-Séverin
As much as we adore the rich, traditional gastronomy of southwest France, there are evenings when nothing hits the spot quite like the comforting, sun-drenched flavors of classic Italian cuisine. While the peaceful sanctuary of Le Boisdalon immerses you in the...
Discovering the Majesty of the Château de Villebois-Lavalette: A Timeless Jewel in the Charente
Step back into a world where stone tells stories and horizons are defined by ancient fortifications. If you have ever dreamed of standing on the ramparts of a castle that has witnessed the passage of centuries, the Château de Villebois-Lavalette Click to open side...
Oradour-sur-Glane: A Monument of Violence and Sorrow
History is not always about grand châteaux or scenic landscapes; sometimes, it is a quiet, heavy reflection on the fragility of peace. For those staying with us at Le Boisdalon, a visit to Oradour-sur-Glane is a journey of deep significance. It is a place that leaves...
The Circuit de Haute Saintonge: Where Karting Meets High-Performance Speed
For those who love the hum of engines and the sharp grip of tires on asphalt, a stay at Le Boisdalon offers more than just the tranquility of the countryside. While we adore the peace of Yviers and the slow, golden afternoons in our gardens, we also know that our...
The Timeless Tranquility of the Grand Étang de la Jemaye
When the sun climbs high over the Charente and the Périgord, and the world begins to hum with the quiet energy of a summer day, there is one place that calls to those who know the true meaning of peace. Deep within the forest of the Double lies the Grand Étang de la...
Rocamadour: A Vertical Miracle Carved in Stone
If there is one place that defines the soul of the Dordogne Valley, it is the awe-inspiring village of Rocamadour. Clinging precariously to a sheer limestone cliff, this medieval marvel looks as if it were carved directly from the rock itself, suspended between earth...
A Taste of Authentic Rural France: Dining at Chez Poirier in Bardenac
There is a distinct kind of magic found in the unassuming, rustic bistros that dot the French countryside. While the grand, Michelin-starred restaurants of the cities offer their own kind of spectacle, the true soul of French gastronomy is often served on a simple,...
History on Our Doorstep: Exploring the Majestic Château de Chalais
You don’t have to travel far from our peaceful sanctuary to step back in time and walk the halls of French royalty. While the Charente is celebrated for its quiet country lanes, sun-drenched vineyards, and sleepy stone villages, it also holds secrets of immense...
The City of Angoulême: Exploring the Balcony of the Southwest and the World Capital of Comics
Welcome to the vibrant heart of the Charente! When you think of a quintessential French holiday, your mind might instantly wander to serene rolling hills, endless vineyards, and quiet, historic villages. While we have plenty of that tranquility right here at Le...
A Hidden Gem in Our Village: Discovering La Bohème Museum in Yviers
You don’t even have to leave our lovely commune of Yviers to uncover a world of artistic inspiration, poetic history, and nostalgic charm. While we frequently recommend fantastic day trips to neighboring cities and historic citadels, some of the most magical...
A Taste of Authentic Rural France: Dining at Le Bistrot des Halles in Montboyer
There is something deeply comforting about the rhythm of a traditional French village, especially when it comes to the local culinary scene. While our guests love the serene isolation and luxurious calm of Le Boisdalon, discovering the hidden gastronomic gems of the...
Cozy Movie Nights in the Charente: Discovering Cinema Arc-en-Ciel in Chalais
There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a small-town movie theater—a place where the popcorn is fresh, the tickets are affordable, and the atmosphere is thick with local charm. While our sun-drenched terrace and sprawling gardens at Le Boisdalon invite you to...
The Giant of the Coast: An Unforgettable Trip to the Dune du Pilat
While we love the gentle hills and quiet woodlands around Le Boisdalon, sometimes the soul craves the raw, majestic power of the Atlantic. For our guests looking for a truly breathtaking day trip, we often recommend a journey to the Dune du Pilat. As the tallest sand...
The City of Bordeaux: A Grand Day Trip to the Pearl of Aquitaine from Your Charente Haven
Welcome to your perfect French getaway! When you dream of the ultimate vacation in the southwest of France, you likely envision a perfect balance: the absolute serenity of the deep countryside combined with the ability to easily access world-renowned cultural hubs....
A Vibrant Night Out Close to Home: Dining at La Bodega in Chalais
While the deep tranquility of Le Boisdalon is perfect for unwinding, sometimes a memorable holiday evening calls for a bit of lively energy, great music, and fantastic food. You don't have to travel far to find a warm, bustling atmosphere. Located in our neighboring...
Food & Drinks
Bar d’Yviers – Yviers
La Bodega – Chalais
Le 53 – Chalais
Le Flore – Chalais
Le Bistrot des Halles – Montboyer
Le Bistroquet – Montmoreau
La Trattoria – Saint Severin
Restaurant Ô Petit Gavroche – Montpon-Ménestérol
Les drôles – Condéon
Baan Thaï & Sushi – Barbezieux
Chez Poirier – Bardenac
Workshops
Lise Gerson Lohman Photography
If you are interested in photography, Lise (who is a professional photographer) can arrange a one day Macro or City/Village or Portret- course for you. The workshop will be on your personal photography level with use and explanation of your own camera!
Architectural Buildings
La Meca – Bordeaux
Subterranean Church of St. Jean – Aubeterre sur Dronne
La Cité du Vin – Bordeaux












































