Things to do
At the house …
Sometimes it’s nice to have a relaxing day hanging out at the house and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of L’Échappée Douce.
Reading – Take a book and a rug to the meadow over the lane or enjoy a coffee with your literature outside in the walled garden.
Play a game – there are all sorts of board games, jigsaws and playing cards in the Games Room as well as a full size pool table. How about a family tournament?
Watch some TV – If you fancy a bit of downtime with the television, you are well looked after here. We have all the UK channels and a good selection of DVDs too – ideal if the weather is not being kind.
On the doorstep …
The meadow opposite L’Échappée Douce comes with the house, so feel free to use it as you wish for picnics, impromptu sports games or watching the sunset with a glass of rosé … you get the idea. We have footballs, a cricket set, a boules set and kites – all ready for you to help yourself.
We’re perfectly positioned for walks (both long and short) which start literally on the doorstep. There’s a lovely circular walk through the vineyards and the forest from the house or take the back route down to Néré and treat yourself to a drink at the bar when you get there.
We do appear to have the National collection of bikes at L’Échappée Douce. This comes from being a family of keen cyclists and having children who don’t seem to stop growing! There are lots of cycle routes in the area and we have a selection of maps to help you on your way.
Within an hour’s drive …
Brocantes – The French love a rummage at a boot sale or antiques fair. There are often ‘brocantes’ held in local villages, which are advertised by signs along the roadside.
Visit a donkey sanctuary – An interesting, gentle outing that’s only a short drive away. The tour guides are very friendly and knowledgable and the donkeys are gorgeous.
A day at the zoo – If you have a young children, you’ll be familiar with the fact that a visit to the zoo is an essential part of every holiday. Zoodysée is a particularly lovely zoo, housing only European animals – and don’t let this fact put you off. The animals are kept in natural surroundings and looked after carefully but not intrusively and the zoo is located in a large are of woodland so there’s plenty of grounds to get lost in.
Market day at Saint-Jean-d’Angély – Saturday morning is market day in Saint-Jean-d’Angély and it’s the perfect time to visit this pretty town. Wander through the market stalls and maybe enjoy some lunch while you’re there.
Visit a pretty château – These are chateaux straight out of a fairy tale where the grounds are as beautiful as the buildings themselves and there are peaceful walks in the gardens.
Fish for trout – No skill required, much fun to be had and we’ve always come home with plenty of trout for dinner. M et Mme André will also gut your fish for you, so there’s none of that unpleasantness when you get home!
Visit a nearby town – Wander through the historic town of Saintes with its narrow, cobbled streets or take a drive out to Angoulême, the comic strip capital of Europe. Cognac has been awarded the ‘ville d’art et d’histoire’ cultural label because of its heritage and architecture, but the region is also the stronghold of the biggest names in cognac all of whom offer fascinating tours, where you can walk through the vineyards, visit the warehouses and discover the secrets of how brandy is made.
A bit more than an hour’s drive …
Enjoy a day at the seaside – Châtelaillon-Plage is a family friendly beach resort with a two-and-a-half kilometre long golden beach – perfect for walks in the cooler months or for fun in the sun when the weather is warm.
Travel along a disused railway track (powered by your own steam!) – Le Vélorail de Saintonge is a great fun, unusual outdoor activity for families or a group of friends. You’re given a small rail car that is powered by cycling and you follow the track through fields and forests, with spectacular views across the countryside.
Explore a maize maze and then pop next door to see the monkeys – There’s something for everyone between these neighbouring attractions, from the challenge of navigating yourself through the maze to enjoying getting up close and personal with an incredible collection of primates.
Visit the pretty village of Mornac sur Seudre – This pretty village lies on the old salt route between Bordeaux and La Rochelle and is an enchanting cluster of whitewashed houses fringed with hollyhocks. It’s a haven for local artists and there’s also a Romanesque church and the fishing harbour, now a centre for the oyster trade. You can hire a kayak to go out on the water, or simply take it easy.
Discover the beautiful green landscape of Marais Poitevin – This area is known as the ‘Green Venice’ and is a magical marshland crisscrossed with about 40km of waterways and small streams. The area is astonishingly green and is begging for you to explore, either by foot, bike or horse. There are also pedalo boats to hire which will take you through green tunnels of trees. Total peace and great fun.
Visit the tallest underground church in Europe – Aubeterre sur Dronne is officially recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France and boasts galleries, an imposing chateau and also the tallest underground church in Europe. The village is bustling with artists, who welcome you into their workshops, and is a great place for window shopping while strolling through the cobbled alleyways.
Take in the seaside resort of Royan – Royan has been a favourite holiday spot for visitors since 1875. It has five sandy bays – most of them south facing – and so can justly claim to provide a beach to suit everybody. Add in the bonus of 2,600 hours of sunshine a year and you’re already onto a winner.
A full day out
L’Île de Ré – Known as the French Hamptons, l’Île de Ré is loved for its unspoilt charm with a dash of French chic thrown in. For this reason it’s popular with the stylish set, although their presence doesn’t compromise the laid-back mood. The island is scattered with picture-postcard villages so hopping from one to another is a great way to see the island. And the besy way to get around is definitely by bicycle – there are numerous places over the island where they can be hired.. And it’s pretty flat too – phew! There are also beaches, plenty of water sports, gorgeous places to eat, fabulous shopping, delicious ice cream and let’s not forget the famous donkeys in trousers ….
La Rochelle – La Rochelle is a perfect day out for wandering and discovery. The old port is one of the most photographed harbours on the Atlantic coast – and it’s easy to see why. There’s 1000 years of history in this coastal town so there’s plenty to see and learn. And it’s very foot-friendly too with the key sites – ancient and modern – clustered round the picturesque harbour. Many of the town’s streets are pedestrianised, so exploring the many boutiques and cafés is a pleasure. If you’re fascinated by life beneath the waves, don’t miss La Rochelle’s Aquarium, home to 12,000 marine animals. And even if fish are not your thing, it’s worth a visit for the rooftop restaurant with unrivalled views over the town centre – seriously delicious food and great value too.
Coolongalook Parc Aventure – There are a number of supervised forest adventure trails in the region but Coolongalook Parc Aventure remains our favourite. Here you get to test your nerve and perfect your skill at swinging, climbing and balancing through the tree tops – ideal for children (and adults!) who need to burn off some excess energy. There’s courses for adults and children from the age of 4. A great day out to get the adrenalin flowing!
Oradour-sur-Glane – On 10 June 1944, the village of Oradour-sur-Glane in Nazi-occupied France was destroyed and 642 of its inhabitants were massacred. After the war, a new village was built nearby, but French president Charles de Gaulle ordered the original village to be maintained as a permanent memorial and museum. You can’t help but be moved by what remains there – not just houses, shops and cafés, but cars, tractors, prams and sewing machines … so many sewing machines. There is a Memorial Centre which, through films, testimonials and exhibits, tells the story of Oradour set within the context of Nazism and the war in general. You will leave the site stunned.
Futuroscope – Futuroscope is France’s largest leisure park and is situated on the outskirts of Poitiers. Its attractions are based on the senses and in particular, the sense of vision. And as only a handful of attractions have height restrictions, the whole family can share in the experience – and the holiday memories.
