Les Petites Pierres offers a relaxing base for your holiday to this sunny area of France.Sympathetically restored with original features,the Gite has been equipped to a high standard.The shared Pool (9mx4.6m & 1.2m deep)with its ample decking area,is securely gated.Positioned in a suntrap,the loungers allow you to take in the lovely views of the surrounding woodland.The 2 acres of grounds,include a well equipped,separate Games Field,and a wildflower area.The Gite is south facing and has 2 outdoor private garden areas,one sunny one shaded,with table and chairs.Relaxation beckons
Les Petites Pierres(Little Stones)
This property is a charmingly renovated 18th century cottage furnished to a high standard throughout.It has a 'typically French' feel with original oak beams and woodburner.Modern facilities have been incorporated and the well-equipped kitchen contains the Gas Cooker,Fridge-Freezer,Microwave and Washing Machine.The shower room +WC is located downstairs, with a shaver point and heated towel rail.The comfortable lounge/diner has a solid oak fire surround and a woodburner for early/late season stays.There is a TV(freesat),Video/DVD player ,CD player and a selection of DVDs, Books and Games.
The 2 bedrooms are upstairs and have original oak beams and views over the woods at the front.There is one double and one twin bedroom, and the latter can accommodate 3 children under the age of 8 with the provision of a top bunk bed.
A private patio with table and chairs for sitting/dining is at the front of the Gite with another private BBQ garden across the chemin.
The Pool and Grounds
Set in a glorious sheltered sun trap, the large shared Pool (9m x 4.6 m and 1.2m deep) is surrounded by an ample sun deck and is securely gated.Loungers, chairs and parasols are supplied for relaxing and sunbathing after a refreshing dip.We can also provide a paddling pool for tots.The tranquil setting is surrounded by woodland views.There are a number of benches positioned around the grounds to take in the beautiful surroundings.At the top of the site, is our large well-equipped Games field where you can enjoy -Football,Table Tennis,Badminton,Basketball and Boules.There is an abundance of local Wildlife including,Buzzards,Woodpeckers,Owls,Lizards,Frogs,Red Squirrels and masses of Butterflies and Ladybirds attracted by our Wildflower area.Grasshoppers and Crickets are also a delightful addition to the soundscape.Thre are wonderful walks right on our doorstep.There is a parking area for guests away from the Gites.
Plenty of space for guests to be active AND relax.
Beaches
An hour away are the beautiful beaches at the seaside resorts of Les Sables-d'Olonne and La Tranche.The picturesque seaside resort and Port of La Rochelle(1hour 15mins) also has a delightful beach,many shops and a variety of restaurants.The Ile de Re,with its charming harbour at St Martin de Re,not only has 60 miles of dedicated cycle track, but you may even spot the Donkeys in trousers! And for 'twitchers',the seaward end of the Marias Poitevin offers excellent Birdwatching opportunities.
Things to do
We are within an easy drive of two of the top theme park destinations in France,Futuroscope at Poitiers,which has a number of interactive games and rides,and Puy du Fou,with its spectacular outdoor shows,replica villages and falconry exhibitions.The Marais Poitevin,is a fascinating area of meadows and marshlands-hire a boat and spend the day meandering through the picturesque waterways.If you start at Coulon,you can also take a ride on the miniature train.There are beautiful beaches at Les Sables-d'Olonne,La Tranche and the seaside resort and port of La Rochelle is a must to visit.For steam railway enthusiasts,there is the Chemin de Fer,Cholet,a 22km stretch of track, complete with dining car and a small museum.There is a cycleway running the length of the Vendee coast and 60miles of cycle tracks on the Ile de Re (La Rochelle)-with a Velo-Bus to come back on if required!Locally,there are several 'plans d'eau'which have a large lakes for swimming,man-made beaches,often waterslides and many watery activities.For fishermen/women, the fantastic Pescalis,Europe's premier fishing complex is just 10 minutes drive away.It has more than 250 acres of lakes with carp up to 25kgs.10 mins away is the'Forest of Adventure' and an excellent go-kart track both very popular with our visitors.For something 'completely different'travel underground at the Faymoreau Mining Centre.
Things to See
Just north of L'Absie is the Rocher Branlant - the 'rocking rock'-a huge balanced boulder which moves very slightly when pushed!Local Markets in the area are a fantastically rich way to experience French life and Food and the owners can advise on any Vide Greniers (loft sales) in the area.Parthenay,Niort and Poitiers are vibrant cities rich in medieval history.Vouvant a very pretty village has some very beautiful walks. There is a Chateau at Coulonges sur L'Autize,and the Chateau et Jardin Medieval de la Guyonniere is near Parthenay.The Chateau at Saumur and the Loire Valley make a great day out.
Food & Drink
There are a number of Local Restaurants which offer a range of styles of cuisine.We are happy to advise and book.We also list the local supermarkets and Produce Markets -of which there are many!This area is renowned for its Goats Cheese,Apple Juice,Mussels,Chalons Poultry,Parthenais Beef,Eels and,of course,Charentais Melons.
Regional Wines include the crisp Whites from the Loire and Haut Poitou,and the local Vendee Pisotte.Sparkling Wines include Vouvray and Saumur,dry or medium.Reds range from lighter Loire Wines to the classic Bordeauxs.The local aperitif is the Pineau des Charentes,a fortified drink being a blend of grape juice and Cognac, best drunk chilled.
The Owners live on site in the end House and are available to offer help, suggest visits,book meals and to make your stay as enjoyable and carefree as possible.There is a comprehensive Information Pack in the Gite,with details of local restaurants,shops,tourist attractions and walks.A Welcome Pack is included in the Gite on arrival.During July and August,there is a daily delivery service of freshly baked Baguettes,Croissants,Pain au Chocolat.The Gites are fronted by a small chemin(country lane)which is infrequently used except for the daily La Poste.
La Roche & Les GlycinesWith their own private outside terraces,these gites can also be booked at discounted rates with Les Petites Pierres for larger groups.