The Location

La Charnière is in Chadalais, part of the commune of Maisonnais-sur-Tardoire in the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord Limousin (PNPR) and on the eastern edge of the Périgord Vert. 

Being in the Perigord Vert, we are surrounded by lush green pasture and woodland, in an area known as the ‘land of the lakes’.

Whilst situated rurally, we are on the border of the Haute Vienne (87), Charente (16) and Dordogne (24) and as such have excellent accessibility to many small villages and larger towns for their amenities and attractions. The area offers well-maintained routes with minimal traffic that pass through chestnut forests, pastureland and pretty villages.

Chadalais is a quiet hamlet offering peace and tranquility in the French Countryside, however, we are just a 10-minute drive from the village of Saint Mathieu with its supermarket, boulangerie, cafe, post office, tabac and bars. The larger towns of Rochechouart, La Rochefoucauld, Piegut-Pluviers, Nontron, Montbron, Saint Junien and Confolens- and many smaller villages- are all within a scenic 30-minute drive and the cities of Limoges and Angouleme are both around 45 minutes away.

Chadalais is a delightful little hamlet and, being surrounded by many tracks and quiet country lanes is a great place to go for a short evening walk or to explore the Limousin countryside. There are hundreds of beautiful towns, historic sites, attractions and points of interest to visit in the area whether you wish to follow the tourist trail or go a little more off-grid, and activities for all weathers. These range from contemporary art galleries in historic chateau to roman villas, historic churches to beautiful lakes and for those feeling a little more energetic there are plenty of activity parks, beaches, an international golf course and exploratory walks.

Being in the south west of France, we generally have pleasant weather year-round. Long, warm summers and comparatively mild winters meaning it is a destination is suitable for all seasons whether its summer sunbathing or winter walks.  This also means a huge change in the seasonal landscape, offering beautiful countryside year-round.

The Limousin is also a haven for wildlife and birds. You’ll spot many birds of prey such as owls, kestrels, red kites, buzzards and falcons flying gracefully across farmland or posing on fence posts, and the bi-annual crane migration passing close overhead. You’re also likely to spot many legged creatures too such as coypu, pine martens, lizards plus larger wildlife such as deers and wild boar. Walking, cycling or even driving in the area can give you some great opportunities to do some wildlife spotting!

We provide all of our guests with detailed information on what to see and do in the local area, and maps of local walks and cycle rides so whether you’re wanting to stay snuggled in the cottage with a good book after a short walk, or disappear off for the day and explore what the area has to offer, you’ll find something to your taste.

For those looking to explore further afield, we are 45 minutes from the cities of Angouleme, Limoges and ‘Venice of the périgord’ Brantome, 1hr15 from Cognac and Périgueux and 2h from Bordeaux and Bergerac. All of which are well worth a visit and easily achievable for a day trip.

In an area world-famous for its cuisine and gastronomy, we are close to many wonderful markets and restaurants, including Michelin Starred Moulin de la Tardoire and Michelin rated Restaurant Dyades at Domaine des Etangs, Le Vieux Moulin and Grange des Oies- all within a 20-minute drive. There are also plenty of other traditional and award-winning restaurants to choose from in close vicinity and further afield. Recommendations can, of course, be provided.

Our nearest airport is Limoges which flies to many UK destinations and is around 45 minutes away. We are also easy to access by car from the UK- by ferry from Calais (7 hours), Caen (5 hours) and Le Havre (6 hours), or the Eurotunnel (7 hours).

You can see an interactive map showing our exact location on the Contact page