A yellow-marked circular trail, the 2.5-hectare garden promenade along the banks of the Charente and the Baignade du Portal offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Vars. This makes it easy to plan around specific interests: water and the beach, exploring the gardens or walking through nature and woodland. These activities do not have to be combined into a single outing. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Vars, first consider which activity will be central to your stay.
Water and Gardens at the Portal
The Baignade du Portal is freely accessible all year round; the beach is supervised in summer. As supervision is organised seasonally, check how it will be arranged during your visit before you travel. The site is also accessible by canoe or kayak. As well as the beach, this offers the option of making access by water a focus of your visit.
The gardens of the Logis du Portal lie on the banks of the Charente and can be explored along a 2.5-hectare promenade. The grounds include a herb garden and a permaculture vegetable garden. The riverside setting and the different garden areas give the walk its own character. The Logis du Portal is listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments for the architectural quality of the property and the particular interest of its portals. A visit to the gardens thus also offers a glimpse of the area's architectural heritage.
Walking Trails with Different Features
The Sentier de la Diligence is a signposted circular trail marked in yellow. The route names Puy Delan on the Route de Vars (D11) and the village of Les Couziers as possible starting points. You can therefore choose between these two places to begin your walk. One section of the route follows a Roman road, making this historic track another feature of the circular trail, alongside its waymarking.
The Sentier des Ramoneurs offers a different focus: it is an extended hike through nature and woodland. Near Beaumont, it leads to an elevated viewpoint overlooking Angoulême, Mansle and the hills of Champniers. The main differences between the trails can help you choose: the Diligence trail is defined by its circular route, yellow markings and section of Roman road, while the Ramoneurs trail features an extended hike and a viewpoint.
Local History and Finding Accommodation
Vars was once the summer residence of the bishops of Angoulême. The nine stained-glass windows in Vars, dated 1899, are another point of interest in the area's history. Together with the architecture of the Logis du Portal, these details add a range of cultural and historical themes to the nature and walking experiences.
Use these activities to guide your search for a holiday rental in Vars. Check a property's location and amenities against your own needs and the details provided for each listing.
Discover more destinations: Juillé, Sers, Saint-Sulpice-De-Cognac, Blanzaguet-Saint-Cybard, Julienne, Genté, Marcillac-Lanville, Maine-de-Boixe
For the broader travel guide: Charente.
