Our house in Loulay, France comprises two attatched dwellings. The main residence has four bedrooms, three double rooms and one single. The attached cottage is suitable as a two bedroom house, and is partially renovated with a new roof. The house has main drains and is centrally heated. There is parking at the rear, and an integrated garage. This is on a quiet lane on the edge of the village and only two minutes walk from the centre.
The area is known for it's Sunflowers: 
We are in Loulay, just east of La Rochelle in
the Charente Maritime.
It is a wonderful place - the second sunniest place in France.
As a result, sun, sea and wine are readily at hand.
Our house has four bedrooms and sleeps up to seven people. When the cottage is renovated, there will be accommodation for a further four people.
The public open-air swimming pool is right next door and is great for kids.
| The Charente Maritime is between the Loire and Bordeaux and has some of the most beautiful and sought after beaches in France, with islands such as the Ile de Re. The Ile de Re is 'the Monte Carlo' of the West coast of France and is the place for superstars to 'hang out'. |
This is the "Allees des Jardins" in Loulay and this is our house. The house is eighteenth century, stone built with very thick walls - around 2-3 ft. There is parking at the rear and a garage.The heart of any home is the kitchen:
The cooker is a Lacanche - one of the best French makes and highly regarded in England as well as France. We love it. But we also love the stone walls and the sheer size - the room is almost 20f eet square- the real 'hub' of the house, and lovely for entertaining.
Below is an evening pic.
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This is the living room. It is about the same size as the kitchen- almost 20ft square and has 3 sofas, an antique wood burning stove, coffee table, dining table and the staircase to bedrooms and bathroom... |
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| Bedroom 1 |
Bedroom1 - 2nd aspect |
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| Bedroom 2 |
Bedroom 3 |
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| Bedroom 4 |
Shower/WC - downstairs there is another shower and WC |
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The swimming pool is open all summer I said "come on kids - lets go the beach". They said, "will we miss the pool?" "Yes" I said. "No thanks" they replied. |
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The Mouton Noir - or Black Sheep is owned by our friends Andre and Julie. It is the local bar/resturant and it is the centre of 'village' life in Loulay. |
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Our favourite Boulangerie in Loulay. You will find it easily enough and you will be delighted with the breads and pastries..... |
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The Park in Loulay is perfect for picnics or even just an evening stroll. (The nights are often clear and you can see an impressive number of stars).... There is a lovely stone-built entrance..... |
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Sealyhams are allowed in too.... |
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A nice little brook runs through..... |
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A chldren's play-area...... |
| The centre of Loulay has a church, a post-office, a bank, a hotel/restaurant - (Le Mouton Noir), a chemist, a butcher and a Co-Op etc. All within two, yes, TWO minutes walk. |
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| And fabulous walks are on your doorstep. This gorgeous field of sunflowers was photographed just yards from the house! |
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| The corn grows tall in the Charente. |
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Here are some photos of these events:
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| This beach is only 40 mins..... |
So many wonderful beaches... |
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| Le 'M Road' - a great local band..... |
A lovely evening Soiree.... |
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| The Moulin des Saules .... | A gastronomic experience... |
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| Cognac is a fabulous historic town | Lovely shops and museums..... |
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| Market Day in St Jean D'Angely |
A thriving market you must see... |
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| The historic Abbey is on the Santiago trail |
A major pilgrim route... |
Here are some testimonials:
| Wow what a great weekend. Thank god they've all gone to the pool and I can relax. I'm just looking to see if I can find some good Scrabble words....... Mum x |
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Ha, Bread. At the markets you get huge fat loafs, and some big bread too! Thanks for a lovely time.... Julie and Tim xxx |
| I think Ralph looks better in glasses - don't you? Thanks for a great time Ali. Neil xxx |
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Guys - you couldn't bring that bed and that mirror and that Wardrobe I bought at the Brocante back to the UK for me? - And the kichen sink while you're at it! Love Jude xxx |
| Hey people! Don't go without us. And thanks for a great time..... Ralph and Ruby...... xxxxxxxxxxx xxxx xxx x |
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Above, from left to right: Marais Poitevin, Chateau de Dampierre, Ile de Re, Fouras, Saint Savinien, La Rochelle, Surgeres, Saint Palais, Aquarium, Saintes, La Palmyre, St Jean d'Angely.
The Local Area
In Loulay you will find all your daily needs - boulangerie, grocer, bank, post, pharmacy and restaurant/bar. Free live bands every Friday night in the summer in the village square. A 2 minute walk to the centre.
The medieval market town of St. Jean d'Angély is brimming with character with its leafy squares, timber houses and cobbled streets. The 15th Century clock tower and abbey towers impose on the skyline and the colourful twice-weekly market selling superb regional produce is an assault on your senses. Enjoy a fresh coffee at one of the pavement cafés and soak up the atmosphere.
Restaurants and bars cater for all tastes. Swim indoors at the Atlanty's aqua centre with 50m waterslide. Canoes or kayaks can be hired at the nearby lake. For the less energetic, a round of crazy golf might prove a better alternative. For older children with a need for speed, Go Karting offers fast track fun.ot.angely.net
At nearby Dampierre-sur-Boutonne you will find our local château! A 16th century Renaissance treasure surrounded by running water in a wooded setting. Wander through the tranquil, green rose gardens or lose yourself in the small maze.www.chateaux-france.com/dampierresurboutonne
The Chizé forest is the first French certified animal reserve where you can safely see roe deer, wild boar, wolves and many other European animals in their natural habitat in the cool forest. Mini farm, play area and café.www.zoodyssee.org
Surgères is an unassuming market town with a beautiful Château nestled in green parkland. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays stall holders set up their wares at the crack of dawn, and Surgères comes to vibrant and very French life. Try the superb locally produced butter on your crusty baguette washed down with some good inexpensive vin!
Antezantis a little known spot on the river Boutonne, shaded by tall trees and perfect for children. Ideal setting for picnics. The snack bar provides light lunches and ices. There is also a boules pitch and children's play area.
Days out
La Rochelle is not to be missed! Head here for serious retail therapy, credit cards at the ready (husbands optional!) Discover chic boutiques amongst arcaded streets in this cosmopolitan, bustling city. Enjoy the finest fresh seafood overlooking the historic old port or take a boat trip to one of the islands. When the heat is on head to the Aquariumwww.aquarium-larochelle.comto cool off. This water wonderland is a deservedly very popular attraction. Magical, mystical and ultra modern, but go early! When you've exhausted the shops and the children, take time out to relax at the small beach. The park and mini zoo with black swans and peacocks are just a stone's throw away. Sip a coffee or chilled beer at ' La Brasserie de la Plage' whilst overlooking the sea. Parfait!
Beaches
The beaches here are spotless, sandy and safe. If the beach is your thing then the Atlantic coast is well equipped to satisfy with shallow gentle shores. There is a wealth of golden beaches many uncrowded even in high season. Our favourites include Châtelaillon-Plage and Fouras, famous for its oyster beds. Both have restaurants along the front ( and on the beach) offering fresh seafood. Royan has a spectacular beach stretching 2 km where you can sail and windsurf. At St Palais the beaches are more secluded.
Cognac
Steeped in history on the banks of the Charente, Cognac revolves around cognac, the double-distilled spirit that is the driving force of this prosperous town's economy. Discover the celebrated 'eau de vie' by taking a guided tour of one of the famous Cognac houses where you can sample the finest oak aged blends. Included in the Hennessey tour is a boat trip across the river and Remy Martin includes a train ride for children. Allow 2 hours for tours.www.ville-cognac.fr
St Savinien
Children will adore taking the helm of one of the miniature electric boats. Adults secretly enjoy this too! Afternoons only April-September. A must do!
Marais Poitevin
Crisscrossed by an elaborate system of canals, the 'Venise Verte' or 'Green Venice' is a National Park and a haven for wildlife and marsh birds. Take a boat trip (guided or not) from Coulon and experience the tranquility of this natural maze.www.marais-poitevin.com
Saintes
Plenty of culture for the beach weary. Built on the banks of the Charente and rich in architecture this Gallo- Roman town is home to numerous museums and the impressive amphitheatre dating from 40 A.D. The Arch of Germanicus was once the town's gateway and still dominates the riverside views. Shop, lunch or take a calming boat trip along the river.
The Islands
Beautiful yet unpretentious. Brimming with charm, Ile de Ré is picture postcard where the beaches are sandy soft and the island's salt marshes deliver the 'Fleur de Sel' or 'white gold' as it is known locally. A culinary find for any discerning cook. St. Martin, the largest town is a lively hub for food, nightlife and shopping. Artisan ice creams are hard to resist.
Ile d'Oleronalso offers exceptional beaches on the 'Côte Sauvage'where you can picnic amongst the pine forests and sand dunes or just browse the shops in the narrow lanes.
Both islands are accessible by car or boat but we never tire of the journey across the 3km bridge. Cycling is also an excellent way to explore these self-contained islands.
La Palmyre Zoo
Get up close and personal with the giraffes (and other zoo animals). This is no ordinary zoo and will not disappoint. An award winning breeding zoo with 1600 animals, set in 14 hectares. Polar bears, elephants - all the usuals plus a reptile house, tropical greenhouse and seal show. Stunning beaches on the doorstep make this a full day out.www.zoo-palmyre.fr
Bordeaux
Now officially a World Heritage site, Bordeaux is rich in architecture and a cultural and historic centre with shops to rival any major city. An internationally renowned wine capital, the wine growing regions of Margaux, Pommerol, St. Emilion and Pauillac in the surrounding area produce some of the finest red wines in the world.www.bordeaux-tourisme.com
Futuroscope
An extraordinary theme park based upon multimedia, cinematographic and audio-visual techniques of the future. It has several 3D cinemas along with other attractions and shows, some of which are the only examples in the world. Packed with thrills, images in giant-screen format and mind-blowing shows that will amaze you, play on your senses and involve you in the action, as you escape into new worlds of fun.www.futuroscope.com
View Larger Map
Directions
By Car
Approximate journey time to the gites
St. Malo 4 hours
Le Havre 5 hours
Caen 5 hours 30
Cherbourg 6 hours
Calais 7 hours
By Plane
La Rochelle45 minutes
Poitiers1 hour
Bordeaux1 hour 30
Angouleme1 hour 30
Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes
By Boat
Car hire
Marais Poitevin
Château de Dampierre
La Rochelle
Ile de Ré
Saint Savinien
Fouras
Aquarium
Saint Palais
Surgères
La Palmyre
St Jean d'Angély
Saintes
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