Places to visit

Popular tourists destinations

Chaunay

The local town of Chaunay is quiet and traditional. If you are looking to experience the French way of life then look no further. The locals offer not only their warm hospitality but a glimpse into a simpler lifestyle. Street art is dotted around this town for you to find and enjoy.

Futuroscope

Situated just North of Poitiers, Futoroscope is one of the most visited tourist attractions in France. This is not one of your normal theme parks as it is based on 3D and some 4D rides, with only a few having height restrictions, so is suitable for all of the family. You will need a whole day to take full advantage of all the 'rides', and you should not miss the evening show which is a laser and pyrotechnic show set over the lakes. For more details visit en.futuroscope.com

La Vallee des Singes (The valley of the Monkeys)

Visit this park to get up close to over 450 primates, with all but the gorillas and the largest monkeys being able to roam free. Set in grounds of 16 hectares you are able to walk around viewing the numerous species in close proximatey and hopefully get some great photos. There are areas in which you can picnic and there are set times when you can watch the gorillas being fed. This park is just a 20 minute drive from us.

Chauvigny

20 miles to the east of Poitiers is the town of Chauvigny which features two interesting Romanesque churches and the Chateau of the Bishops of Poitiers. From the ruins of this chateau, perched high above the town, you will be able to see the spectical of some of the largest birds in the world perform just above your head in a show called Geants du Ciel (Giants of the Sky). Watch Condors, Eagles, White Storks, Eagles and other birds swoop down from the sky and from the stone walls of the chateau. Whist in Chauvigny you might want to try out the Velorail, which is a bike that runs on the rails of the tracks that were used to transport men and stone from the old quarries. The trail is 17km long and takes a couple of hours. You can make a free reservation to hire one of the vehicles.

Verteuil-sur-Charente

Verteuil-sur-Charente is a beautiful place to visit when looking for the ideal location to relax. It offers picturesque architecture with stunning views across the river. If you are looking for the perfect family photo opportunity then you are in for a treat. For the more adventurous, the possibility of kayaking down the river is only a paddle away.

Angles-sur-l'Anglin

You may want to include a visit to this picturesque medieval village whilst visiting Chauvigny. Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, visitors love to roam the cobbled streets and pop into the little boutiques. The spectacular ruins of a castle dominates the sky line above the river that runs through the town.

Poitiers

The city of Poitiers is the capital of the Poitou Charante region and is full of architectural splendors with a vast array of restaurants and shops. Eglise - Notre Dame la Grande is a masterpiece of Romanesque churches and the facade depicts scenes from the bible. Adjacent to the church visitors have a choice of three coloured lines on the pavement that lead you on a tour of the city. There are helpful signposts along the way that point out any interesting buildings etc.

Angouleme

Thirty minutes south on the N10 brings you to Angouleme which is a great place to visit for restaurants and shops. In September there is a weekend of vintage car racing that takes place around the ramparts of the city.

DefiPlanet

A different type of adventure park that is aimed at children and encourages them to become super heroes that can save the planet. There is a magic forest and a host of animals from various parts of the world. For further details visit en.defiplanet.com

Le Musee du Vieux Cormenier

Discover the history of a rural family at the turn of the 1900's right up to the first world war. You are taken through various scenes by a scarecrow, and shown what life was like on a farm at that time. The naration is available in English, and the tour is undercover, so is an ideal attraction to visit on the rare occasion that we have rain in the Vienne. This attraction is only 20 minutes drive from our gites.

Oradour sur Glane

In June 1944 the German SS murdered 642 villagers in the town of Oradour sur Glane. The village has been left untouched by the French in order to honour those that were slaughtered and to remind everybody of the horrors carried out by the Nazis. It is a haunting visit which includes a film and photos within the museum which tells the story of what happened. For further details visit www.oradour.info

Porcelaine museum - Limoges

Limoges is known throughout the world for its porcelaine, and a visit to National Porcelaine Museum Adrien Dubouche is well worth visiting to view in excess of 5000 pieces. For further details visit musee-adriendubouche.fr

Water slides at Vivonne

The Drop in water jump park just off the N10 at vivonne features a number of water slides from fairly tame to those that resemble ski jumps that allow you to be hurtled through the air before landing in the pool. Please check the website for opening times as it does not open every day, dropinwaterjump.fr

Cognac

This town is famous for producing the best brandy in the world. Brands such as Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin amongst others all have visitor centres that allow you to see how they make the unique spirit. However, there is more to the town than just Brandy houses, as it has a good selecton of shops and restaurants.