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Away from the crowds nearer to the coast, the cottage is surrounded by rolling French countryside, yet within easy access of the Vendee beaches, chateaux of the Loire, Poitiers/Futuroscope, lakes and forest. The quiet country roads make it ideal for cycling or walking, and there is a bar, bakery and large supermarket within 1 mile.
Being central to so many areas, it is also perfect for long term stays for house hunting or sampling the French laid-back way of life before taking the plunge!
Walking & cycling routes – there are many in the area & guides are available at the property. One walk can even be joined from the cottage!
Lakes with beaches (called Plan d’Eau):
La Tardiere: About 20 minutes away. Lake, swimming, pedaloes, walks, bar/restaurant.
Courlay: 6k away. Small lake with tennis courts, fishing, play and picnic area.
Cheveux: – about 40 mins - A beautiful spot with a fresh water lake for swimming (with lifeguard), toboggan slide for children, man made beach with soft sand & trees for shade. Very good bathroom facilities & fresh water showers, plus restaurant.
Secondigny – 20 mins -there is another, slightly smaller beach area here.
Barrage du Cebron – to the east near St Loup sur Thouet, north of Parthenay. Man made activity center, children’s swimming pool, tennis courts, windsurfing, fishing, bird sanctuary.
Mervent – head south towards Fontenay le Compte & then into Mervent forest. Lake, swimming, fishing, wind surfing, pedaloes, canoes, restaurant. In middle of a forest which also has a children’s zoo.
Sea-side resorts of the Vendee – about 1 hour’s drive west. “Atlantic toboggan” near St Giles-Croiz-de-Vie. (see Visitors’ comments books for recommended beaches). Also worth visiting is the Ile de Re and its beaches. Les Sables d’Olonne is great for sea-sports – home of the round-the-world yacht race.
Futuroscope at Poitiers – a futuristic 3D cinerama and evening laser show. A great experience for children as well as adults, but be prepared to queue in summer
Go karting just beyond Chantemerle (Niort road – 3 miles), and beyond that there is an adventure forest.
La Rochelle: Museums, shopping, old port, aquarium, sea food restaurants.
The Loire valley with its many chateaux. Head north east towards Saumur & then follow the Loire eastwards. Villandry near Tours is famous for its formal gardens, there are troglodyte caves nearby, then Azay le Rideau & don’t forget to visit Chinon on the way back. Further afield beyond Tours is Chenonceaux – also very beautiful.
Puy du Fou – “son et lumiere” spectacle at night, and “historical theme park” by day with battle re-enactments by gladiators, medieval knights and Vikings. By night the population of 15 communes retell their story in a spectacle of fireworks, fountains, lasers and stunt riding against the flaming background of a ruined fortress. Head north west towards Cholet & it is clearly signposted, however advance booking is adviseable in summer- see their web site for details.
Green Venise (Venice Verte) – in the Marais Poitevin national park – head south through Fontenay & then towards Niort. From Benet head towards Coulon and the towards Arcais. The whole area is very pretty and you can take a canoe, or punt along the leafy green waterways. Or you can hire a bicycle made for 2/4/6/8 and explore the towns!
Local towns: Parthenay – lovely medieval town to the east, about 30 minutes drive. Chataigneraie & Vouvant are pretty towns, as well as the larger Fontenay le Comte, once capital of the Vendee.
Abbeys/Churches: Moncoutant & Bressuire have lovely churches. Also worth a visit are the abbeys of Maillezais and Nieul sur l’Autise, both to the south east of Fontenay le Comte.
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