The river provides much enjoyment. Enjoy a glass of wine at the water's edge, take a canoe trip or simply feed the ducks. Explore the countryside on a horse drawn wagon (we can arrange - a great experience). Outdoor adventurists, you've come to the right place. Bicycling and walking are excellent on quiet country roads and along the old medieval bridle paths & green lanes. Swimming and kayaking is available along local rivers. Horseback riding is popular, as is rock climbing on local cliffs which pose some interesting technical challenges. Cycling is especially popular with our guests. The winding country roads offer breathtaking views and routes on which you can happily spend an entire day...or five. Look to the bottom of the page for various cycling resources. For wine connoisseurs, there are plenty of vineyards in the region. Click here for information about the wine regions and tastings. We have several outstanding restaurants in the area, including one, l'Etoile, just around the corner in the village. Their lunches are inexpensive and delicious La Distillerie in de Saint Pierre de Maillé , just across the river, hosts a variety of musical events and other manifestations, and is a popular location for weddings. Among the many historic and architectural gems of the region are the great châteaux of the Loire Valley, about an hour’s drive North. These include Chenonceau, Chambord, Azay-le-Rideau and Amboise. Also at Amboise is the Manoir du Clos-Lucé, the final home of Leonardo de Vinci, and which houses a remarkable collection of mechanical models based on his drawings. A few miles from St. Pierre, along the river Creuse, lies the 11th Century Benedictine Monastery of Fontgombault, where the daily services are accompanied by beautiful Gregorian chant. The Abbey at Saint Savin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its remarkable mediaeval frescoes, as is the tiny village church at Antigny, a couple of kilometers further south. The exquisite village of Angles-sur-l’Anglin (adjacent to St. Pierre), dominated by a ruined cliff-top castle belonging to the Bishops of Poitiers, is recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It attracts large numbers of artists. The château at Le Grand Pressigny houses a fine Museum of Prehistory. There is a new museum in Angles-sur-l'Anglin devoted to the Abri du Roc aux Sorciers, a cave beneath the town famed for its unique prehistoric bas relief carvings. For naturalists, particularly bird-watchers, the huge Brenne Regional Park, with its profusion of wildlife, is an attraction, as is the famous Marais Poitvin or “Venis Vert” near La Rochelle, where one can rent a boat to explore the network of ancient canals that permeate the marshes. The town of La Rochelle, famed for its seafood, is well worth a visit. Families and those interested in experiencing the latest in film technology and computer imaging should consider a visit to Futuroscope, the outstanding theme park 50 minutes away near Poitiers, devoted to the moving image. It's an incredible place for kids and adults alike. Arrive early, as it can get very crowded in summer. Admission is cheaper after 6:00pm (good for the evening light show). Futuroscope is closed in winter. La Roche Posay, a nearby spa town since Roman times, is renowned for its healing waters. Visitors may indulge themselves in a profusion of massage and hydrotherapy treatments. The town also boasts a casino, horse racing, and a wide range of sporting activities, including golf and tennis. Musical and other cultural events are common throughout the year, particularly the 3-day Vacances de M. Haydn , together with well-publicized village summer fetes and firework displays. Check at the Roche Posay Tourist Office. Further information and guidance available here. Below are additional links to activities and attractions in the area. Be sure to check them out! Activities in Poitou Charentes Suggestions for Families Food & Drink Loire Valley |
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Destinations
Historical
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