Activities: Discover the Marais by boat from numerous embarcation points (Arcais, Coulon, La Garette, Damvix), or hire a bicycle (Arcais, St Hilaire la Palud) and follow the specially designated routes. Fantastic area for bird watching with a bird sanctuary at St Hilaire la Palud. Numerous golf courses within easy reach, and fishing for inland and off shore enthusiasts. Seaside sports and activies within very easy reach including sailing, kite surfing and surfing (Ile d'Oleron and Ile de Re). Plenty of nearby indoor / outdoor swimming pools with slides and chutes to keep the kids amused.
Places of interest: History is ever present in Poitou Charentes. From prehistoric times to the present day, each period has left its mark. Experience Romanesque architecture at its best (eglise Saint-Pierre at Aulnay-de-Saintonge, eglise Saint-Hilaire at Melle). Enjoy sightseeing in towns of art and architecture, and towns of historical interest (Parthenay, Saintes, Poitiers, Talmont, Cognac, Brouage).
Restaurants and shopping: La Rochelle is full of great places to eat, and seafood is obviously a speciality. The shopping here is also fantastic, from small independent boutiques to larger department stores, all catering to a very style conscious crowd.
The Ile de Re is becoming a more and more trendy place to visit, attracting the celebrities that used to haunt St Tropez, and yet still managing to stay a lovely place. The restaurants at St Martin de Re and La Flotte are exceptional, and great places for watching the world go by. Shopping at St Martin is very good and surprisingly reasonable.
There is an excellent restaurant / creperie / bar right on the edge of our village, just a 10 minute walk away. Run by very friendly Belgians, La Ferme Flamande is open every lunchtime and Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Great plat du jours for 10 euros, and a wonderful selection of crepes. Other good local restaurants in Surgeres, Arcais, Coulon.
Learn more about this holiday rental at the owner's website:
