Nestled
in between open countryside with beautiful views, walking and cycling are
obvious pastimes. Bicycles of varying sizes are available for guest use.
However, for those preferring our 4 legged friends, there are local
equestrian centres offering horse riding for all ages and abilities.
Locally,
the Spa town of St Jean d’Angély caters for most needs, with restaurants,
shops, markets, a gym & aquatic centre, the Abbey, karting, moto cross and
more besides. For Golf and shopping
however, Niort, Saintes or Cognac are all within easy reach.
Discover
wines, cognacs or the local aperitif “Pineau” with a visit to one of the
many distilleries.
Lounge
by the pool or visit the beaches along the Atlantic Coast - La Chátelaillon-Plage,
La Rochelle, Royan.
Not
forgetting to mention zoos, museums, a donkey sanctuary, Futuroscope, the
Aquarium and even a Silver Mine, Le Repos des Hiboux provides a wonderful base
for some great excursions.
To
try and help you plan your holiday, take a look at some suggested excursions.
Full Day Excursions
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Royan
Commence early with a visit to La Palmyre zoo (arrive early as queues can
get quite long). Comfortable shoes
are a necessity as you will be walking for at least 2 hours.
Afternoon spent on the beach. Maybe
combine it with a visit to Il D’ Oleron. Take the tourist train around the southern part of the island and stop
off at a beautiful beach midway. |
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La Rochelle
Visit to the Aquarium in the morning followed by a walk around the
harbour and La Rochelle Old Town. |
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Ile de Re Famous for its beautiful beaches.
Make sure you pack your sun lotion.
Have change available for the tolls (16.50 euros return).
Car parking can be difficult in peak season. Have a drive around the
island before choosing one of the many beaches. Walk around the harbour and find a good restaurant in the
evening. |
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Cognac Worth a visit, however, if the
hustle and bustle of city life is not for you travel a further 10 minutes inland
to a pretty village called Jarnac. It
has the head quarters of cognac distiller ‘Courvoisier’ and has some nice
riverside cafés. |
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Saintes Large pedestrian shopping
centre with the advantage of historic monuments within walking distance.
Many good restaurants for an evening meal. |
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Bassin d’Arcachon The Dune du Pyla is a must see providing you don’t mind the
2 and half hour drive. Pack a light
picnic and something for the beach. After
the 5 minute climb up man made steps, head for the beach at the bottom of the
sand dune. Make sure you leave
enough energy for the 40 minute walk back up the sand dune afterwards.
If you have time, spend the afternoon and evening in Bordeaux, an hour
further north and on the way home.
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Bordeaux 90 minutes drive on the A10 (costs approx. 9.60 euros each way). Worth a day trip just to see the magnificent buildings. |
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Futurescope Theme park located near
Poitiers. More suited to teenagers
than small children. |
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Rochefort A visit to the Corderie
Royale and the construction of Hermione.
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Puy Du Fou A fantastic family day out is guranteed at this park. Various shows and attractions throughout the day including unbelievable large birds of prey swooping only inches above your head ... unfortgettable! |
| La Vallée des Singes A park which is dedicated to the conservation of primates. You are able to get up close and personal to over 350 species. Great enjoyment for children with play and petting area. Only 10 minutes away is the beautiful 'Parc de La Belle' which makes it a great day out. |
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Half Day Excursions
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Surgeres Pretty and historic market town. Take 10 minutes to have a walk around the gardens of the Mairie which is a favourite of ours for picnics. |
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St. Jean D’Angley Historic town
with the Abbey Royale and Fountain. Nice
for a stroll around the shops or lunch in one of the many cafés.
Large park with children’s play area and lots of fairly tame ducks and
geese to feed. Next to the park is
an aquatic center which is definitely worth a visit during any inclement
weather. |
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Marais Poitevin Aptly called ‘Venise Vert’ because of its
canal network. Great place for an
afternoon’s trip when the heat of the sun has gone.
Many riverside restaurants offering a good selection of meals for midday
or evening. |
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Chize Zoo Not as large as La
Palmyre,
however, only 10 minutes away and worth a visit if you have children and are
short of time. |
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Dampierre Sur Boutonne This beautiful renaissance chateau is only 5 minutes away. Whilst destroyed by fire in 2002, you are still able to visit the chateau and watch how the renovations are progressing. Coupled with beautiful gardens and a maze, this is a wonderful place to visit on a sunny morning or afternoon for a stroll, bike ride or picnic. After visiting the chateau walk around the corner for drinks and a meal at the local bar/restaurant. |
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