Although this unspoilt part of south-west France, in the Poitou
Charentes, is an ideal location for relaxation,
there are still plenty of local
attractions to be found for all the family.
River and Other Outdoor Holiday
Activities
around Les Hiboux self catering
gites
A great day out can be enjoyed at the Vallée
des Singes (Valley of the Monkeys). Worth visiting
are the National
Zoodysee Park in the Forest
of Chizé,
Mouton Village and the Chateau
des Enigmes.
There is also a local goat
farm that specialises in rare breeds and small
tours can be organised with the owners. Kayak
and canoe
trips are available locally on the picturesque Boutonne and
Charente rivers. The Marais
Poitevin, a marshland area of great natural beauty,
boasts a labyrinth of waterways that can be explored by punt
or canoe.
Theme Parks in the Les Hiboux
Holiday Cottage Environ
 Futuroscope,
an exciting day out for older children, is situated
near the cultural and historic town of Poitiers.
Puy
du Fou, the medieval theme park in the
Vendee,
offers an entertaining day out. While Terra
Botanica offers botanical interest for
all the family in a theme park near Angers.
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The Atlantic Coast and Beaches
in Holiday Home Vacinity
A variety of sandy beaches can be found on the islands of Ré,
Oléron
and Aix,
and at the seaside resorts of Royan
and Châtelaillon.
The ancient walled seaport at La
Rochelle has the largest marina on the Atlantic
coast, with many bars and restaurants, and a superb aquarium.
Cycling in the Poitou Charentes Countryside & holiday gites
The Poitou
Charentes region has something to offer most cyclists.
One can take a cycling tour through beautiful traditional French
villages or make a quick trip to the boulangerie for your patisserie
needs. The countryside is gentle, creating a patchwork of fields
from bright sunflowers to rows of vines interspersed with classic
châteaux. The Charente,
Vienne
and Sèvres
rivers run through the region making the
area ideal for a riverside bike ride with visits to local bistros,
restaurants and cafés for traditional food and French atmosphere.
The Poitou
Charentes is the second ‘sunniest’ region in France
with very low rainfall and aimiable climate and thus you can
enjoy cycling without having to worry about bad weather! At
our holiday gites we have a selection of bicycles for client
use but should you find these insufficient we can recommend
'Bike
Hire Direct' for free delivery and collection of
extra bikes along with all the safety equipment, which can be
organised in advance of your holiday.
Historic Towns to visit in the
area surrounding Les Hiboux Holiday Rentals
Visit the beautiful and historic towns of Saintes,
Jarnac,
and Cognac
on the River
Charente, and the medieval town of St.
Jean d'Angély, with its old cobbled streets
and a superb indoor swimming complex with slides (Atlantys).
While in the area of Saintes
why not visit the 18th century Chateau
de La Roche Courbon with it's spectacular gardens,
parks, caves and history. Recent ecological advances have
lead to the opening an ecomusee
in the Cognac area. Time can be spent here enjoying the age
old traditions of fermentation of cognac and the making of
the local aperitif 'Pineau des Charentes'. Angoulême
is a must for those with an artistic flair as it is the centre
for
comics and cartoons. In September it also hosts
the
'Circuit des Ramparts' race, for motoring enthusiasts,
through the old hilly streets.
For those interested in more recent history, there is the
Second World War Memorial at Oradour-sur-Glane,
for a poignant day out within a 90 minute car journey towards Limoges
and it's famous porcelain. Whilst in the Limousin
region why not spend some time visiting the museum of miniature villages,
planes trains and fugurines all in 1/32 scale.
Sample the local wine and produce for which the region is
famous: Pineau des Charentes (a popular chilled apéritif),
the deliciously sweet Charentaise melon, oysters and mussels
from the Marennes Oleron, fois gras, escargots and a variety
of goats' cheeses.
Les
Hiboux is the perfect spot from which to explore
the many family and historical attractions,
or simply enjoy the pleasures of walking, cycling and taking
a picnic. There is so much here for everyone.
Enjoy a memorable holiday!
Les Hiboux farmhouse & Self Catering
Gites Holiday Activities |
