The village of St Mathieu is home to a picturesque leisure lake, which provides a sandy beach with supervised swimming, fishing, sailing and pedalo hire in peak summer with plenty of opportunity and space to enjoy a picnic in the shade of the trees. There is also a restaurant / bar at the lake for drinks, snacks and meals.

There are several other amenity lakes within a half-hour drive of L'Hirondelle each offering their own ambience and opportunities for great family days out.

St. Mathieu has most amenities, including a well-stocked supermarket, a bank, post office, cash machines, 2 bakers, a newsagent/tobacconist, 2 hairdressers and a petrol station. The village plays host to lively evening markets throughout the summer where you can purchase local produce and have it 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. Brantôme, 40 minutes south, is known as the Venice of the Périgord being 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, the largest being the 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 there are a great many 'Randonnées' (marked walks) two of which pass within 400 metres of L'Hirondelle.