Sunny, walled communal courtyard area with fountain. A great "get together" space, but with separate areas for own use, each having a gazebo, garden table and chairs and BBQ. A separate large, secluded and gated garden surrounded by fruit trees.

Use of above ground pool (7.5 metres x 4.6 metres. Depth 1.25 metres). There are swings for the children and plenty of space for play.

For when the sun gets a bit too hot a gazebo is provided, with a table and chairs for sitting in the shade. This garden has full sun from early morning right through to sunset. A lovely place to enjoy a "get-away-from-it-all-day" just watching and listening to the many birds. We also have a second Quiet garden with seating and shade provided by a walnut tree.

Plan d'eau de Lambon: here you can take the kids for a day out at a lake where they can swim, play in the park and enjoy a picnic. There are many beautiful walks and bike rides locally as well as numerous golf courses and rivers and lakes for fishing.

Confolens: a very picturesque town straddling the river Vienne, with it's medieval bridge and winding streets. Why not take a picnic and sit on the river banks or eat in one of the restaurants overlooking the river. Further along their is the small medieval village of St. Germain de Confolens. Visit the castle ruins high on the hill with fantastic views of the surrounding area.

Cognac: famous for it's distilleries, which you can tour and see how the amber coloured spirit is made. Try a sample and maybe buy some from the shop to take home. We can recommend the Remy Martin distillery as being well worth a visit (see their old truck below), but there are many others we have not yet tried and tested - but we're working on it!

La Rochelle: (photo below right), yachting port where many famous yacht races start or finish. It has historic twin castle towers at the entrance to the harbour and marina. There are many restaurants and pavement cafes where you can enjoy a meal or a drink and watch the world go by. A trip to the aquarium is sure to be of interest at any age. It is one of the best we have seen. Further down the coast is the seaside town of Royan with it's sweep of golden sands. The coast around the area is very rugged and there are many rocky coves to explore.

Niort: a very large town and the administrative capital of the department deux-s e vres. The town lies on the banks of the S e vres Niortaise river. Many and varied restaurants where you can enjoy a 3 course lunch for only 10 euros. Pedestrianised, winding streets with lots of interesting shops.

Marais Poitevin: also known as Venise Verte (green Venice) with 600kms of canals and rivers. Here you can take a slow punt down the river.

Futuroscope: a futuristic theme park based on 3d technology will keep you interested for hours. At night the finale is a fantastic laser light show and fireworks. A full and exhausting, but happy day out.

Limoges: famous for the fine porcelain pottery of the same name. Quaint streets and shops.