The village of Saint Simon was once the site of the Charente’s most important shipyard. Today it’s peaceful but 200 years ago the air was filled with a cacophony of noise as workmen and traders plied their trade. To soak up the history, take a look at the museum, La maison des Gabarriers, which is housed in an elegant old stone building. Your ticket also includes a 90-minute trip on a replica gabarre. Also stroll around town, keeping an eye out for evidence of the past – signs explaining all are posted along the way. Also worth a look is the 12th century church of Saint Sigismond.