Further details:
The gîte at Limorlin provides luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in a tranquil setting with rural views and is located near the Charente and Seugne Rivers (both great for fishing and for river cruises) and the spectacular and wide Atlantic beaches. Newly opened in 2007, the gîte is part of a 17th century farmhouse estate set in the tranquillity of the countryside in one of the sunniest regions of France. From your terrace on the south side of the gîte, you’ll enjoy an uninterrupted view of the countryside, with the 12th Century Donjon (castle tower) of the historic town of Pons on the horizon.
Whether you decide to linger by the pool or just relax on the terrace, or by the open log fire in late autumn/winter, Limorlin is the perfect place to unwind all year round. If you are looking for a self-catering holiday rental for adults only, with no children to spoil the quiet and calm, this is your ideal choice.
Walking, cycling and horse-riding:
Whether by foot, bike, or on horseback, the Charente-Maritime is a paradise for hiking and riding.
Make the most of the organised footpaths along the ocean’s edge, across the marshes, in the heart of the countryside and the vineyards, surrounded by a rich and varied heritage – all in all, a world of unique landscapes.
There are 850 km long-distance footpaths and 2,700 km of local footpaths, sign-posted and maintained to allow you to discover the secrets of the area at your own rhythm. The maps for ten of the local routes are in the gîte, with circuits from 7 to 15 km to discover.
There are also 1200 km of maintained and signposted bridal paths, from 20 to 40 km long, including variants for both riders and carriages.
The Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route that many pilgrims used during the Middle Ages passes through Pons. Traditional halts nearby include the Pilgrim's Hospice in Pons, the church of Aulnay and the church of Saint-Eutrope in Saintes.
Places to visit and things to do nearby:
- Forts, chateaux, abbeys and other historic buildings
- Pretty villages and historic towns such as Pons, Saintes, Cognac, Talmont, Mornac, Jonzac, Royan, Rochefort, La Rochelle, Angoulême, Saint Emilion, etc
- Sample Cognac and Pineau des Charentes (and history) in a Cognac House
- River cruises on the Charente or Seugne, or hire your own electric boat, pedalo or kayak
- Sea cruises from Royan, La Tremblade, Fouras or La Rochelle - modern motor boats offering short and long cruises, or old sailing boats offering day-long cruises
- Explore the many antique and bric-a-brac shops, markets and fairs
- Les Jardins du Monde at Royan, Aquarium at La Rochelle, Zoo at La Palmyre, Paleosite near Saintes, Lascaux and other caves in Perigord, Futuroscope near Poitiers and 14 nature centres in the area
- Thermal baths at Jonzac - both 'les Antilles de Jonzac' for fun and underground baths for thermal cures
- Try hot-air ballooning or take a helicopter tour of the region
- and much more...
Golf:
There are 3 great 18-hole golf courses nearby. These three courses combine varied technical aspects with something to please players of all levels, delightful surroundings, views over the sea, forested sections, unspoilt countryside and outstanding facilities:
Louis-Rouyer Guillet - Saintes Golf Course (18 holes, 4,790 metres, par 68, plus practice green, warm-up green and approach green with 2 bunkers). A gently rolling wooded course, which provides spectacular views of Saintes and includes the remains of a Roman aqueduct.
Golf du Cognac (18 holes, 6,122 metres, par 72, also a 4-hole practice course, plus putting green and driving range). Undulating fairways with views of vineyards and the river; some water hazards.
Golf de Royan (18 holes, 5,970 metres, par 73, also a 6-hole practice course, 920 metres, par 20, plus practice ground with driving range and putting green). An exciting course with narrow fairways undulating through tall pines in the heart of the 'Forêt de la Coubre', with some great views of the sea. 'One of the best courses in France'.
Other Activities:
Forts, chateaux, abbeys, historic towns and pretty villages, Cognac houses, river and sea cruises, nature reserves, thermal baths, etc.