One acre of mature gardens where you can depending on the season take your pick of figs, damsons, nectarines, grapes, apples, pears, walnuts and more. Bougainvillea, oleander, lavender, lilac and mock orange are amongst the many shrubs that border the gardens. Not forgetting the huge lime tree which in French is Le Tilleul.

We live in an area where the roads are quiet so cycling and walking are a delight. You should be able to spot Hoopoes, Golden Orioles, Woodpeckers, Buzzards and Herons. In the summer evenings look out for the glowworms, owls and red squirrels ...and the many villages you can explore for yourself. Driving on quiet roads, cycling along side the fields of sunflowers and sweetcorn where the only disturbance is the wildlife. Stop for a ‘plat de jour' and just enjoy…

Melle is our nearest town, a delightful Romanesque market town only 3 miles away. Three interesting churches including St. Hilaire (photo below left). Oldest royal silver mines in Europe. Botanical walk around the town with thousands of shrubs and trees. Classical music events held annually. Jazz bar, cafes, restaurants. Market on Friday morning. Excellent horse riding stables.

Chef Boutonne home of the Javersay Chateau (photo below right) with a lovely lake. Market on Saturday morning. Restaurants and bars.

Niort the town lies on the banks of the Sevre Niortaise river. Historical dungeon, covered food market, shops and restaurant within pedestrianised streets. Live music beside the river July and August. Golf course.

Cognac: visit the houses of Hennessey and Otard on the banks of the Charente river or take the small train around the Remy Martin estate. Brilliant blues event held in July with well known artists.
Angouleme: once the regions capital. Architectural and historic hilltop town surrounded by ramparts. Watch the classic car event racing around the town in September. Cartoon festival held in February.
Poitiers: cobbled stone paths lead you from the beautiful park to the magnificent churches. Market on Saturday morning, splendid shops, bars and cafes and live music.
La Rochelle: features a beautiful harbour (photo below right), as well as walks along the river and through the park. There is a magnificent aquarium. You can find free bike hire for two hours and viist the largest yachting marina on the Atlantic coast. Plus seafood, seafood, seafood!
Marais Poitevin: also known as the 'Venise Verte' includes 600kms of canals and rivers. Pretty houses and villages populate this major natural beauty spot. Visit the labyrinth of canals where you can hire a boat or bicycle.
Futuroscope: magnificent theme park based on technology near Poitiers. A visual journey to different destinations!