Kingfisher Lake

There is plenty to explore within the grounds of our property if you are not into sight-seeing, there is a prairie with trees the kids can climb, there is our little forest at the bottom end of the prairie with the river Thouret forming the border of our land. There is a 3/4 mile (1.2Km) pathway right around the perimeter of the property suitable for walking, jogging or cycling.

There is an abundance of wildlife including deer, wild boar, rabbits, hare's, red squirrels, foxes and coypu. Many different types of birds, including birds of prey. Walking and cycling routes and various picnic areas are close by.

If you do want to venture out we may be located in the heart of the "Bocage" which means "rural farmland crossed by hedgerows & trees" but there is plenty of things to do in the surrounding Poitou Charentes region. The village of Chiché is 3km away, with a small convenience store, boulangerie and a restaurant. There is even a mobile Pizza oven comes to the village on Wednesday evenings if you don't feel like cooking. There are a few of other good restaurants within 7km drive and two bustling market towns of Bressuire and Parthenay 12km and 20km respectively. Both have a number of large supermarkets and plenty of bars & restaurants plus excellent indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a bowling alley.

Being just below the Loire Valley we are south of many vineyards, Samaur or Montreuil-Bellay being a short drive away and slightly east of the beautiful Atlantic coastline with an easy drive out to the beautiful towns like La Rochelle, or the stunning beaches of Châtelaillon-Plage, Ile de Ré or Les Sable d'Olonne. Being as this is France you are never far from several Chateaux including one which houses modern art installations.

The picturesque town of Coulon in the Marais Poitevin (France's "Green Venice") is 25 minutes away by car, where you can sit by the river and watch the world go by or hire a boat and punt around the canals yourself or hire a guide who will do all the hard work for you and tell you the history.

If that's not enough there are the major towns and cities like Cholet, Niort, Nantes and Poitiers all within 1 hour 10 minute drive and for big days out with the kids there are big attractions like Puy du Fou and Futuroscope.

Pescalis - A large lake complex, with restaurant, fishing museum and fresh water aquarium

Nombril du Monde - The Belly Button of the World no less!

Mouton Village - A Rare Sheep / Petting Farm

Lac du Cébron - Lake and wildlife complex, swimming pool and ornithology centre

Two of the top three Beau Villages in the Deux-Sevres region are within 20 minutes from us, St Loup (voted No.1) and Mauleon (voted No.3)

Numerous local markets selling fresh local produce - location depends on what day of the week it is, details are provided in the visitors folder in the gite

There are plenty of restaurants around to suit every budget

If there is anything in particular that you are looking for please feel free to ask us......