Make a holiday rental gite or villa in Vienne, France your home away from home

Vienne is a department of western France, in the Poitou Charentes region. It is an ancient region which has looks both to the past and the future, which somehow works in perfect harmony. The huge number of classified monuments and the Futuroscope European Image Park which have made the department famous sit side by side, making a Vienne holidays unique. The department claims its name from the River Vienne, which runs straight through the centre. The town of Vienne in the Rhone-Alps is the home to the famous Jazz a Vienne event, not the department of Vienne, France!

Things to do on holiday in Vienne, France

The high-tech theme park Futuroscope has really breathed new life into the area, and has made Vienne holiday villas a huge success. Situated six miles from the departmental capital, Poitiers, Futuroscope has thrilling, intriguing and surprisingly educational rides which turn critics the moment they arrive. It is a great day trip from any of the Vienne holiday villas for families and bug kids alike, and actually educates visitors about the region too. At night, the huge laser and firework displays light up the sky.

Adorning the countryside are a huge number of inspiring historical monuments, pointing to the military and noble legacy of the department. Pretty Romanesque churches and dramatic chateaus make for great expeditions from any of the Vienne self catering gites available.

The Vienne River is a huge attraction for tourists. River fishing in Vienne focuses on the River Vienne, especially in the Montmorillon area. Kayaking on various stretches of the river is hugely popular too, and the countryside surrounding the banks are ideal for both walking and horse riding holidays.

Places to holiday in Vienne, France

Poitiers is a hill top town with a picturesque pedestrianised centre, surrounded buy carefully manicured gardens and the elegant Notre Dame la Grande standing proudly at its centre.

Chauvigny is home to the nicest church in the area, the formidable Eglise St Pierre, and the five medieval castle ruins which surround the town.

Weather in Vienne, France

Summers are warm in Vienne, with average temperatures in July and August hovering around 21?C. Even winter temperatures stay around 8?C, even in the coldest months.

Flights to Vienne, France

Limoges (LIG) and Poitiers (PIS) Airports service the area making a holiday villa in Vienne incredibly easy to reach. RyanAir provide cheap flights direct from the UK, or the TGV service runs from Paris to Poitiers.