3 Pretty Cottages at Gites dans les Champs

Gites dans les Champs, a pretty 3 gite complex in Poitou-Charentes, offers spacious accommodation. The gites can be rented as a whole (sleeping maximum 20) or individually (separate listings: La Chouette, L'Hirondelle and Le Roitelet). With a fenced swimming pool and stunning sun terrace, set in three acres of private parkland. A relaxing environment to spend time with family and friends. Ideal for walking, cycling, kayaking and horse riding. Please note we do not allow parties or events. La Chouette and L'Hirondelle are both 4 bedroom gites. La Chouette has a twin bedroom and wet room on the ground floor as well as a twin and two doubles and shower room on the first floor. It also has an open plan lounge/kitchen/diner. A wood-burner has recently been installed in the lounge. L'Hirondelle has a twin and double bedroom on the ground floor as well as a ground floor wet room. On the first floor there is a king and twin bedroom together with a shower room. It too has an open plan lounge/kitchen/diner. Le Roitelet has two bedrooms, one double, one twin on the first floor together with a shower room. It has a separate lounge, with a kitchen/diner. Each gite has it's own garden and barbeque (charcoal) but outside tables can be put together for group al fresco dining. Guests have access to the pool (May to September) and 3 acres of parkland. There are swings, a trampoline, bicycles, table tennis and other games/toys to enhance your stay. There is off-road parking for approximately 8 cars. Our house is on site but away from the guest area. Guests have their privacy but we are available should you have any problems during your stay. There are lots of things to see and do in the area.  These include: Melle is a delightful Romanesque market town about 20km away. It has three interesting churches and the oldest royal silver mines in Europe.  There is a botanical walk around the town with thousands of shrubs and trees which change with each season.  Classical music events are held annually and, as well as a jazz bar, you will find cafes, restaurants and other amenities in Melle. The vibrant market is held on Friday mornings. Chef Boutonne is the home of the Javerzay Chateau which is surrounded by a lake where carp fishing is available.  It is a delightful small town with a lively market on Saturday mornings.  There are also restaurants and bars where you can sit outside and watch the world go by. Cognac, only 45 minutes drive, sits alongside the Charente river and is a delightful town to spend a day in. Take one of the many tours of the cognac distilleries such as Hennessy, Martell or Otard.   In July, Cognac is host to the world famous Cognac Blues Festival. Niort, 50 kms, is the departmental town of the Deux Sevres and lies on the banks of the Sevre Niortaise river. It has an historical dungeon, a covered food market, and lovely old streets with individual and unique shops, and plenty of restaurants within pedestrianised streets. There is often live music beside the river in July and August and the open air area near the tourist information centre is great fun for children. There are also golf courses nearby. Vallee des Singes Monkey Park ((URL HIDDEN) is only 30 minutes away - wander from islet to islet in this parkland setting and observe monkeys roaming free in this beautiful cage free habitat.  Futuroscope ((URL HIDDEN) in Poitiers, about 50 kms away, is a high tech theme park with extreme thrills, images in giant-screen format, breath-taking shows and interactive adventures that will delight your senses, and more.  Fun for all the family. Venise Verte ((URL HIDDEN) at Niort is a beautiful area of canals with boutique cafes and restaurants.  Why not hire a punt with a driver and cruise the waterways.  Aire de Rejallent (20 minutes away) on the Charente is particularly scenic with its little bridges and grassy islands. Here you can swim, BBQ and picnic, ramble on riverside trails and of course the kids will love the play area. During July and August canoes and kayaks are available to hire. The popular restaurant offers alfresco dining with views over the river. Don't forget to bring bread for the resident ducks and swans!  Oradour Sur Glane, is a village in the Limousin region.  The original population was destroyed on 10 June 1944, when 642 of its inhabitants, including women and children, were massacred by a German Waffen SS company.  A new village was built after the war on a nearby site but on the orders of the then French President, Charles De Gaulle, the original village has been maintained as a permanent memorial and museum. Every September, Angouleme fills with racing enthusiasts for the Circuit des Ramparts ((URL HIDDEN) an annual gathering of classic and vintage cars.  Modern safety equipment has replaced the hay bales and wooden fences but otherwise the circuit remains unchanged since the first Circuit des Ramparts race in 1939. Circuit des Ramparts 2017:  15, 16 and 17 September. La Rochelle boasts a bustling harbour, historic centre, and an active cultural scene.  In the central shopping area you will find chic boutiques and street cafes.  A relaxing lunch at a quayside restaurant overlooking the two ancient towers that guard the city is a must for all seafood lovers. The aquarium is a major attraction and is popular with children and adults alike. There is also a beach hidden behind the two towers, so La Rochelle offers the best of both worlds Bordeaux is home to the famous wines of the same name. The city has a large shopping centre, many bars and restaurants and, of course, numerous vineyards and chateaux to visit in the surrounding countryside. We are situated in a rural position and a car is required. We are surrounded by beautiful countryside, but not far from local amenities. The town of Sauze-Vaussais is only 2 km and is an easy cycle ride away. The area is very flat so very good for cyclists. We are only 7 km from the N10. The gites lend themselves well to large groups but can be hired individually. Please note we do now allow parties or events. The pool will be open, subject to weather conditions, June to September.