The village of St Mathieu is also home to a picturesque leisure lake, which provides a sandy beach with supervised swimming, fishing, sailing and pedalo hire. A restaurant / bar are also open here throughout the day in summer. The village provides full amenities, including a supermarket, banks, cash machines, 2 bakers and a petrol station.

St Mathieu also plays host to lively evening markets throughout the summer where you can purchase local produce, which is then cooked for you on a communal barbecue. Drinks and entertainment are also available to ensure a fantastic al-fresco experience.

Discover the magnificent Châteaux on the Richard the Lionheart route. There are 16 in total from the magical castle at Montbron, to the majestic hilltop chateau at Rochechouart.

Limoges, the porcelain capital of France, is only 45 minutes away. The beautiful cities of Périgueux and Angoulême are also under an hour away. A special mention must go to Brantôme, 40 minutes south, known as the Venice of the Périgord. Surrounded on all sides by water with a magnificent centrepiece abbey overlooking the weir on the river Dronne.

Unlock the sights, sounds and tastes of the local markets with the largest weekly regional market at Piégut, only 15 minutes away by car.

For the more energetic we can guide you to the many activities available in the area such as Horse riding, fishing, cycling, Kart Racing, swimming, golf and sailing. For walkers you are in the midst of a great many 'Randonnées' (marked walks). Two of these pass within 400 metres of L'Hirondelle, not for the faint hearted is the black walk, marked out over 45 kms.

However you may simply wish to unwind in our tranquil garden. A picnic table and sun loungers set amongst the shade of our trees are the perfect place to enjoy a cool drink on a hot summers day.

Wildlife

The best place to start is in our own garden, where Buzzards and Red kites can often be seen circling overhead. Watch out too for the ever-busy birds, such as Blue Tits, Wrens, Black Redstarts, Great Tits, Goldfinches and of course Swallows. You may also catch a glimpse of less common birds, for example Hoopoes and Hen Harriers. Deer are also occasionally spotted at the margin of the woods.

The surrounding countryside is also a fantastic haven for all kinds of flora and fauna whether you are walking, cycling or driving.