rosecottageinfrance

AROUND AND ABOUT THE COTTAGE

The cottage is surrounded by the peaceful countryside of the Poitou-Charente with its many footpaths, cycle- and bridleways. Bikes for adults and most ages of children are available for guests use. The quiet lanes see very little traffic and are very safe for older children to cycle by themselves.

CIVRAY AND ITS ENVIRONS
The River Charente flows sedately through this historic market town. Civray itself has a large outdoor swimming pool situated on an island in the river.
The Romanesque church and other historic buildings make the narrow streets very pleasant to wander through. The shops and market are full of delicious local produce and the availability of wonderful seafood, make self-catering a pleasure; but, for the occasional day off from cooking!! there is a good choice of restaurants in the locality.

Horse riding, fishing and canooing are all available nearby. Birdwatching in the area is amazing, with species that are rare or absent from the UK being common around here. Buzzards, Kites, Montagu and Hen Harriers are 'regulars' and we even have Golden Orioles in our wood in summer. A telescope and binocculars are available for birdwatching or for viewing the clear night skies; the Milky Way and shooting stars can be seen nearly every night.

A 5 minute drive from the cottage is the lake of St Macoux with a life-guarded beach and waterslide. Our village tennis courts and bouledrome together with a childrens playground are situated down by the riverside. Twice a year, huge firework displays and a pageant are held on the riverbank - last years was probably the most amazing firework display that I have ever seen!

A LITTLE FURTHER AWAY

A nearby attraction is La Vallée des Singes, where a large variety of apes can be seen without bars or cages ( they are separated from their human cousins by water!) All the apes are either rescued and rehabillitated or are part of a breeding programme to guard against extinction.
Futuroscope (a 3D and Virtual Reality theme park) is about 40 minutes away.
The evocative 2nd World War Martyr village of Oradour sur Glane and the beautiful Venise Verte are just a slightly longer drive.
There are various chateaux and abbeys in the area which are open to the public - one of which encourages the visiting children to dress-up in period costumes.
Various coastal resorts and villages are within reach for a day trip, as are the wine growing areas of Bordeaux.

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