Customer comments for the Pigeonnier

le 4 Novembre 2009

Avons passé un agreable séjour malgré la pluie. Regoin et propietaire sympatique, peut être une autre fois.
Frédèric, Valérie & Manon


le 8/11/09

Nous avons passé un agréable week-end. Le pigeonnier est dècoré avec gout.
Merci à ce couple d'Anglais qui a su bien nous accueillir dans un coin de notre France.
A une prochaine fois,
Isabelle, Cyril & Manon
Bordeaux

Rastafarian Donkey's

Here in the Poitou Charente we have a local Donkey locally known as 'Baudet du Poitou', about 30 mins from here near Dampierre s/ Boutonne (further inland) there is a large farm which have started a breeding programme. In 1977 there was only 44 of these 'Baudet' in the whole of the world. Now, because of these special breeding programmes there are around 1000 and the numbers are steadily growing. This year the L'Asinerie du baudet du Poitou had around 10 babies and you can go into the field and stroke them. Initally these donkey's were bred with Poitou shire horse to make a large & very strong Mule used in the second world war.

Customer comment for the "Pigeonnier"

23-31 octobre 2009

Nous avons passé un agréable séjour dans le Pigeonnier. C'est un endroit magnifique, authentique et très reposant.
Merci pour votre accueil.

Corianne, Matteo et Tess d'Ajaccio

October 29th and it's 22°C

Today was a lovely & warm sunny day so we cycled over the bridge from La Rochelle to Ile de Ré. En route to St Martin we stopped to have a picnic on a deserted beach. When we arrived at St Martin Louis decided to have a go on the Donkey's that wear trousers! Yes it is true donkey's really do wear trousers, it arrived from them working in the salt fields and the trousers protect their legs from the mosquitos.

Local images in the Charente Maritime.

Here are some photos taken from around our local area.

This is the beautiful Mairie at Soubise.

Comment taken from the Pressoir comments book

5-10-09 to 19-10-09

My wife & I have been visiting 'La Metairie' for several years now and have seen all of the hard work that Nigel & Suzie have invested to make this a truly wonderful place to stay.
We have enjoyed 'le Pigeonnier', the 'Farmhouse' & this time 'le Pressoir' all of these gites have been very comfortable, very clean and well maintained, they all have everything that you need and more for a relaxing holiday, especially with the addition of the swimming pool.
The peaceful setting being surrounded by open countryside make it the perfect base to explore the Charente Maritime.
Over the year's we have visited many places & still find new ones every visit. La Rochelle is a must, it has a wonderful atmosphere & there always seems to be something going on. The islands are beautiful, Ile de Ré for its narrow streets & lovely ports. Oleron with it's spectacular beaches accessed through wooded areas. For more beaches there is Chatelaillon and Fouras reached in less than 30 minutes. At Fouras explore the town & visit 'point fumeé'. Visit Rochefort for a great market (saturday morning) and shops, see also the 'Hermione' sailing ship being built there. On the outskirts of Chatelaillon you must visit the 'trotting races' held at certain times of the year.
Then there is the historical town of 'saintes' for its Roman ruins and Ampitheatre, the list is endless!
We have enjoyed every visit here thanks to the wonderful hospitality of Nigel, Suzie and the children.
the 2GB's

Customer comment for the Farmhouse

19th Sept - 30th Oct 09

A wonderful two week stay at the farmhouse felt like a home away from home. Dylan (3) & Olive (1) loved the trampoline, wendy house and outdoor space (oh and the bunny), and the accomodation was perfect. We enjoyed exploring. The highlights for our young family had to be Chatelaillon - aquatic centre & beach. Ile de Ré - especially St.Martin antique shops, Fouras & La Rochelle were lovely. The market at Rochefort was a wonderful insight into the simple way of life which we miss so much in England. The pool was cold, but great fun and we could'nt complain as it is September afterall. La Bateau Lavoir was excellent, although be warned - make sure you are HUNGRY as there is so much food. Our family have had a true family holiday, two weeks with not a moment when we had nothing to do.
I will recommend to anyone coming to this part of France. Nigel & Suzanne have been lovely and more than just helpful.
Chris, Rachel, Dylan & Olive.
ps. If the bread van has coffee eclairs, try them.....!!