Poitou-Charentes for families by Richard Dale
This sunny region of France is most famous for its unspoiled countryside, historic villages, markets, restaurants and fantastic seafood, but it also provides a wealth of things to do for families with children of all ages. The area is still developing its tourist infrastructure, so there are new attractions opening up every year as it becomes more and more popular.
Beaches
Much of the region is within reasonable driving distance of plenty of great
beaches and islands. The coastal areas south of La Rochelle and around Royan
are particularly well known. The small seaside town of Fouras (between La
Rochelle and Rochefort) is one of our favourites as there is a castle, plus
a few kid-friendly restaurants right next to the beach and plenty of free
parking nearby. The sea is generally safe for toddlers as there is not much
of a slope, but you need access to a good tide chart - the water can be far
away at low tide!
Tourist Attractions
There are too many to list in a short article, but some of our children’s
favourites are the superb modern zoo at La Palmyre near Royan, Paleosite (a
kind of pre-historic theme park between Saintes and Cognac), the giant
aquarium near the centre of La Rochelle, “Monkey Valley” (between Niort and
Angoulême) and “Sheep Village” (actually fascinating and set in lovely
parkland south-west of Niort). The Poitou donkey sanctuary near
Dampierre-sur-Boutonne is another favourite of our two, who adore animals of
all kinds!
Leisure Activities
Boating, cycling and fishing are three big leisure activities is the area.
The “Venice verte”, a network of canals west of Niort is heaven for those
who like to punt and picnic in tranquil surroundings. The electric boats at
the park next to the river in St. Savinien are an absolute must for any
family with young children. The boats are all hand made and unique. Each
boat will take one adult and at least one child. Kids of nine years and over
can go on their own!
Cycling is hugely popular and a great activity for families, as the topography is mostly low rolling hills and traffic is generally very light indeed in the rural areas. Coarse fishing is also very popular and temporary permits can be purchased very cheaply from any tourist office.
Restaurants
The restaurants in the area are many and varied, but quite a few are very
child friendly and even the more highbrow restaurants such as Le Scorlion in
St. Jean D’Angely or Richard Coutanceau in La Rochelle will accept children
(as long as they’re well dressed and well behaved!) There are some superb
bargains to be had: 7.5€ for the lovely three course gourmet children’s menu
at the stunning Le Moulin de La Baine restaurant, which sits astride the
tranquil Charente river (photo left).
In conclusion, many of our guests have told us that the Poitou-Charentes
region has been their favourite destination ever for a family holiday, which
is why so many come back for a second or third visit!
Your Holiday Matters - approved properties
Four holiday cottages sleeping 5-7 people
Four
child-friendly gites in the Poitou-Charentes, well placed for both sandy
beaches and for exploring the inland regions of Poitou-Charentes.
The properties, well located and on the edge of a small village, have been carefully restored to retain their individual character, and come equipped with all the facilities you need for your relaxing holiday.
We also have a solar-heated swimming-pool and splashpool, table tennis in the barn, and ample room for football.
CLICK HERE for further information, and full detail of prices and availability
Le Petit Manoir,sleeps up to 7, 3 bedrooms,2 bathrooms and private pool
Le Petit Manoir du Tartre is a beautiful Charentaise house, which has been professionally
restored by French craftsmen. In a tiny hamlet, near the Gironde Estuary with
its fantastic array of flora and fauna, Le Petit Manoir is situated in a protected
nature area and has glorious views towards the Gironde, with its own wooded
land and huge barn detached from the house. The area is rich in wildlife and
perfect for cycling and walking. This fantastic holiday home offers you three
bedrooms, three W.C.s and two beautifully tiled shower rooms
plus your own secluded 10.5 m x5m swimming pool complete with Roman steps, safety ledge and
solar shower.
CLICK HERE for further information, and full detail of prices and availability
4 bedroom Farmhouse, sleeps 9, 2 bath/shower rooms, private pool
With superb uninterrupted views over the French countryside, you may find it difficult to tear yourself away from our little peace of heaven. You will find it nestled at the end of a small hamlet of eight houses, a stroll away to the village of Boisme, where you can enjoy a drink in the bar or collect your freshly made bread from the boulangerie.
Though L'Espoir was built almost a century ago, we have tenderly combined modern-day living with its many original features. The house generously accommodates eight people in four spacious bedrooms, with two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen-diner with original Charentaise fireplace, separate dining room, and lounge with wood burner.
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La Renaudrie (Charente Maritime)
La Renaudrie is a nineteenth century 'petite Maison de Maitre', which has recently undergone a luxurious and total restoration in 2006. It is set amongst vineyards and sunflower fields overlooking a valley, which gently slopes towards the Gironde estuary.
The light and airy house can sleep 10 having five double bedrooms, (three en-suite). The dining area, sitting room and new kitchen are combined into one comfortable space. The 11m x 6m L-shaped pool has been designed for family holidays set in a fenced area and equipped with an alarm. The garden has plenty for children to do with a 14' trampoline, a swing/slide/climbing frame and a Wendy House.
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3 gites - each sleeps 2 + 2; sunny swimming pool
Welcome....to our delightful self-catering holiday cottages at La Charronnière in the Vienne countryside. Located in south Vienne on the borders of Deux Sèvres and north Charente, La Charronnière offers all its visitors a welcoming break in one of the most delightful regions in France.
Renowned for its climate, the Poitou-Charentes is an easy trip from the UK with excellent transport links. Our family-friendly, self-catering gîtes, ideal for couples and young families, are situated in tranquil countryside with many attractions and local village events within easy reach.
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Three gites sleeping 2 - 5 people
We
have three gites for holiday rental in a lovely 17th century farmhouse.
Surrounded by extensive gardens and meadows, the comfortable properties sleep from two to five people.
Close to Cognac and the Charente river, surrounded by the attractive Charente countryside, and less than an hour from fine sandy beaches, so ideally placed for a visit to the region.
CLICK HERE for further information, and full detail of prices and availability