Spacious apartment 3 kms from Marennes, 500m from sea (5 mins by car, 10 on a bike. Sitting room TV,DVD,Hi-fi and put-u-up for occasional use. Bedroom with one king or 2x 90cm single beds. Kitchen/diner with 4 ring gas cooker with oven, microwave and all utensils etc. Large shady garden with 2 terraces with furniture. Quiet location with opportunity for walking, biking, superb bird watching, a variety of beaches within minutes and great cultural heritage to explore - Roman churches, museums etc. Come and enjoy this unspoiled area of France! We look forward to welcoming you.
Click each photo to see a larger version. | View Slideshow
http://www.frentals.com/en/rentals/624/slideshow/?image=m624_478.jpg,m624_479.jpg,m624_480.jpg,m624_481.jpg,m624_482.jpg,m624_483.jpg,m624_484.jpg,m624_485.jpgView of the rear of the property,Looking towards the house from the garden,The main outside sitting area,The second sitting area,The sitting room,The bedroom,The dining end of the kitchen,The 'working' end of the kitchen624 Previous Next
Description
We are situated close to the viaduct that joins the mainland to the Ile d'Oleron, one of the most popular holiday destinations for the French. (The sunshine record is only just below that of the Riviera) The beaches of Marennes and Bourcefranc are easily accessible, while those of the island are only a few minutes drive away. There, the west coast beaches are open to the Atlantic and provide good surfing, those on the east of the island are more sheltered (and afford great views of Fort Boyard!) It is possible to take a boat trip to other nearby islands such as Ile d'Aix where Napoleon spent his last night on French soil. Ile Madame has a causeway which you can cross (carefully) by car or by bike or on foot to explore this backwater. The supersmart Ile de Re is reached by viaduct from La Rochelle. This island is stunning but very crowded and expensive in the high season, better explored if you come here at a quieter time. There are lots of towns and villages within easy reach with their markets and interesting buildings to explore. The resort of Royan is about 30 minutes by car and La Rochelle (with its airport)is about 45 minutes away. If you head inland there is the town of Saintes with its Roman amphitheatre and crypt, a wonderful music centre in the Abbaye aux Dames, river trips and frequent markets. Another half-hour's driving brings you to Cognac where many of the famous cognac producers have their headquarters and visits to the distilleries can be arranged. We are also slap bang in the centre of the most renowned oyster producing area in France so almost every restaurant provides fantastic seafood, although for the meat-eaters there is a Buffalo Grill within walking distance of the flat and a McDonald's in Marennes!Classified Monuments abound - particularly the works of Vauban, not forgetting the Roman heritage of this area. Many of the churches date from the 12th or 13th centuries and although they have modernised some aspects, the architecture remains original. We are also in the midst of an important wetlands area so the wildlife and birdlife has to be seen to be believed. As one of our earlier visitors remarked about the birds of prey: 'They are right in your face!'Getting out into the marshes with the car or on a bike with a picnic, something to drink, the binoculars and a camera even in the busiest season gives you a day of peace and wonder at the glories of nature.This area really has all you could wish for in a holiday (except, of course, the mountains!) Sun, sea, beaches, places to explore, interesting local features and great food!
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