Holiday in SW France

[deedeemegadoodoo]

I’m currently on holiday in SW France but not enjoying it. I’m staying in a house but it doesn’t have a pool. Every time I go out, everything seems to be closed. Have I picked the wrong place to go? Can anyone who holidays in France a lot give me some tips on places to go? I’m in SW France in Charente / Vienne.

It is prime holiday season for the French too so that might be an issue. Also don’t expect shops to be open between c12 and 1500. However I’m sorry but I don’t know that area at all. Try google? Or local Office du tourisme.

As PP says, most shops are closed in the afternoon and August is holiday times. Are you somewhere very rural?

Are you anywhere near Confolens? There’s usually a festival there in August, not sure of the dates this year

Charroux has an abbey ruins which is nice to look around, and is a nice little village with a market on a Tuesday.

There was a national holiday yesterday so lots of things shut. Also inland is not a prime tourist location so lots of locals go away on holiday for second half of August. Head for the coast and everything will be open (and full).

Thanks for your replies. I am starting to get used to the difference in hours now. I went to the festival at Confolens and that seemed busier. I wondered if it would be too busy at the coast? I’ve been to Il de Ré in spring and it is beautiful.

There are some lovely lakes and that’s where a lot of the french will be.
The lake near us in the Dordogne has 30 minutes free canoe, sandy beach, cafe and lovely walks.
Royan is a nice coastal town.