Local Information for the Holiday Gites, Poitou Charentes, France
Les Hiboux holiday cottages are situated in the hamlet of Crézières, part of the commune of Chef Boutonne in the Deux Sèvres and the Poitou Charentes and thus makes it an ideal location for those wanting a peaceful getaway in one of our holiday farmhouse gites. Having said that, it is only 5 km from the market town of Chef Boutonne. The historic towns of Melle and St Jean d’Angely are both equally accessible by car.
The Commune of Crézières and Les Hiboux Holiday Farmhouse Cottages
The commune recently won first prize in the departmental villages and towns in bloom competition, retaining the title in 2012 and 2013.
The ‘village’ is bisected by a small stream ‘La Doue’ and is joined by ‘Le Rhy’ which then flows down through St Martin d’Entraigues where it joins the River Boutonne. At one point the river is ‘forced’ underground at Le Puits Pouzat known as ‘Les Rivières de Crézières, Fond Glonin’ where one can see a well and old communal lavoirs. Crézières’s cemetery dating from 1779 can be seen on the hillside in the valley of the stream. The church of St Gregoire was sadly destroyed during the French revolution and now only the ruins of the tower remain located on private property. The current 19th century chapel has no name, was restored in 2010 and is often the location for local exhibitions, to which one can easily walk from our farmhouse cottages.
Administration of Crézières and its Bicycle Route & Walk around Our Holiday Gites
In past times there was a railway line from St Saviol to St Jean d’Angély. To collect travellers, the driver had to be ‘flagged down’, a system that no longer exists but the site of the old tracks make excellent cycle paths through the fields, vineyards and forests of the area. During this period the commune was planted with 60 hectares of vines then classified as Cognac.
In the Spring of 2010 the 11km circular tour (which can be started from our gites) in the surrounding area of Crézières, ‘La Coulee de La Doue’, was made public which takes in local lavoirs, wells and picnic areas. Additionally there is a 4 km walk through bridle ways and hedgerows (starting from the holiday cottages) allowing holiday makers to enjoy the charm of the local Poitou Charentes region.
Market Towns near our Holiday Farmhouse & Cottages in the Poitou Charentes
The holiday gites are located near the market town of Chef Boutonne in the Poitou Charentes region of France, with sufficient shops to cater for one’s general needs and has several doctors and dentists who speak English, for any medical emergencies. For both self catering holiday enthusiasts and wine lovers alike, there is a specialist vinter selling his wares in the town. Bars, cafés and restaurants all overlook the town square.
In addition to the 2 supermarkets, there are bustling weekly markets selling fresh local produce both in Chef Boutonne and at the nearby towns of Melle and Lezay. While in the town of Melle, one can visit the historic silver mines where coins were minted for the king for centuries. All of which are within 20 km of the self catering accommodation.
While in Melle why not pop in and visit the vintage motorbike museum situated beside the post office, take a walk around the le chemin de la découverte, arboretum, pop in to one of the many churches on the way or just sip a cup of coffee in the market square?
Les Hiboux Rental Accommodation & the Poitou Charentes Holiday Region
The Poitou Charentes region has many delights. Its varied landscape is steeped in history and tradition, and the region has a warm and exceptionally sunny climate. Holiday makers can explore picturesque hilltop villages and medieval towns, Romanesque churches and cathedrals, ancient abbeys, châteaux, museums and art galleries.
Chateau Javarzay, in Chef Boutonne, is a beautiful little Chateau which houses the Musee de La Coiffe. There is also one of the traditional “Lavoirs” and the picturesque source of the River Boutonne, close by.
The Eglise St Hilaire, up on the hill near the centre of the town has weekly services, as do most of the other local churches.
The meandering rivers of the Charente region are surrounded by beautiful countryside, sunflower fields, vineyards and old buildings made out of the golden Charentaise stone with red tiled roofs framed against the blue skyline.
