Our gites near La Rochelle

3rd place Landrais best garden award

2012-02-01T07:43:00.004+01:00

In 2011 we signed up for the local best garden competition for the first time and we were very pleasantly surprised to receive 3rd prize, Its a good feeling to know that your efforts are appreciated locally.

local images of Fouras and the beautiful old port of La Rochelle

2012-01-31T12:11:00.003+01:00

Comment for the Pigeonnier 21st to 27th August 2011

2011-08-27T17:26:00.002+02:00

We think the gite is beautiful and we've had a lovely peaceful time here. Louis has been an absolute star and him & Joseph have entertained each other nicely.

It's been a great location for accessing the things we wanted to see and do easily.

Best wishes for the future. It must be hard work, but you are doing a great job. We thought it was really lovely of you to do the aperatifs with everyone.

Best Wishes

Amanda & Craig

& Joseph

Images of St Martin on Ré and evening sunsets at Fouras

2011-08-03T15:23:00.002+02:00

images of the Charente Maritime, France

2011-08-03T15:08:00.004+02:00

The old Pigeonnier near St Agnant & the mairie at St Jean d'angely.

Customer comment for the Pigeonnier

2011-07-30T15:23:00.002+02:00

23rd - 30th July 2011

What a lovely week. Suzie & Nigel have been charming hosts and we particularly enjoyed the evening get-together by the pool on Wednesday. Also the large choice of DVDs was very welcome.

We have eaten out most lunchtimes and seem to have lived on mussels for a week!

A particularly nice restaurant on the promenade at Fouras. The long beach on the Ile de Ré was gorgeous but 16.60 euros for the bridge was a surprise!

Thank you

Richard, Sarah, Abigail & Eliot (ages 13 & 12)

Bishop's Stortford, England

Customer comment for the Pressoir

2011-07-30T15:13:00.004+02:00

23rd - 30th July 2011

Fabulous people + scenery! Wonderful surroundings and accommodation. The kids loved the garden and especially the pool!!! The beach at Châtelaillon Plage (weird spelling) were stunning + the kids enjoyed it a lot! Very helpful with all the leaflets in the house! The beaches at Châtelaillon are stunning, the crèpe place at Rochefort is extremely good, Palmilud swimming park is good for younger kids (near la Rochelle). La Rochelle is beautiful + has plenty of activities!!

We really loved our stay here.

Thanks a lot,

Yvonne, Paul, Ben & Bethany

Customer comment for the Farmhouse

2011-07-30T15:00:00.002+02:00

23rd-30th July 2011

We've had a great holiday in this beautifully restored and decorated Farmhouse. Everything we could have wanted was here - including Louis, a perfect playmate for our boys, who are already planning next year's visit!

We would particularly recommend visiting Fouras for the beach & general atmosphere, and of course, La Rochelle. Suzanne & Nigel were perfect hosts & we enjoyed meeting the other families over drinks by the pool!

All the best for the future Nigel & Suzanne and maybe we'll be back!

Kate, Nigel, Ben & Tom.

It was great fun! The swimming pool is fantastic an the garden is great. I enjoyed my time here thouroughly and would love to come back next year.

Ben age 10

I thought it was brilliant and it got warmer and warmer every day.

Tom age 8

Review for the Pressoir & Pigeonnier June

2011-07-26T07:51:00.002+02:00

Sat 25th June to 9 July 2011

Our Gites at Landrais.

We originally chose these gites at landrais because they were in the countryside but close to the larger towns in the Charente Maritime region of France. Particularly La Rochelle, Rochefort, St Jean D'Angely and Surgeres. The main aim of the trip was to have a holiday in the region where my seventh greatgrandfather was born (St Savinien) and where his family traded as merchants (La Rochelle). Upon closer inspection of the documents I have, many of the smaller communes in the area are also mentioned.

Having booked and sent our deposit we decided to ring and introduce ourselves and ask a couple of questions. Susanne was particularly helpful with the car hire in La Rochelle which greatly helped us to book Train times and the actual car.

We booked the Pigionnier and the Pressoir for ourselves and the other Australian couple we were traveling with. So we could have privacy as well as companionship.

Each Gite was beautifully restored by the owners from ruins which they had bought 8 years ago. The exterior were traditional Charentaise and the insides were beautifully but simply decorated and furnished. The Kitchen was well appointed and there was a washing machine and ironing board as well as the necessary utensils to cook for a family. All well thought out and planned.

The Gites are just outside the sleepy village/town of Landrais, which has a shop, a Bar (Cafe Escargot) and a Traditional French Restaurant called Le Bateau Lavoir. Le Bateau serves a traditional Charentaise menu for a fixed price. In June 2011 this was 29 Euros. Or about 37 Australian Dollars each, it included wine and a beautiful apperatif made from peaches and one from strawberries (Vin Peche and Vin Fraise). Rose and red wine were also served with the meal which consisted of three courses.No one minded if you didn't eat the Snails (escargots) which were in fact rather bland!

Landrais is within walking distance as is the lake in Landrais and another small village near the lake.

The Gites themselves are set in the wheat fields outside of Landrais and there are plenty of Holly hocks for the bees to gather the pollen from. Each gite has an outdoor area to sit in and there is a large swimming pool for the really hot days. As well as a charcoal BBQ if you want to cook outside.

Shopping for groceries in Surgeres is 10 mins away in the Car and was competitively priced.

Around Landrais there are many sleepy villages which have spectacular churches, some dating from the 12th century. They are well worth a drive around.

In the major centre of La Rochelle, one finds a beautiful seaport which leads to the spectacular Isle de Re as well as boat trips out of the bay to to other adjacent islands and forts. The two forts guarding the harbour entrance are spectacular as well.

Along the harbour there are many reasonably priced restaurants and bars, with seafood a speciality.

The car trip to La Rochelle is 35 mins tops and the car parking for the day cost us 2.90 Euros as well as Electric bus to the city centre return.

Near to La Rochelle is the seaside resort of Chataillon Plage, a beautiful seaside town to the South. For those beach lovers a must.

Further South in the town of Rochefort (sans Fromage) is the historic port where the French Royal Navy constructed their fleet to sally forth to engage with the English Royal Navy. Presently they are building a full sized replica of a French Frigate named the Hermonie, which will be launched later in this decade and sailed to the sea. Nearby the dry dock is the rope making factory, a huge building where all the ropes for the naval ships were manufactured. Both well worth a visit.

There are other Historical centres such as Niort, Where king Richard the Lionheart of England was held prisoner at ransom and Cognac where the famous Brandy is made.

So the Gites at La Metairie de Monlieu,are idealy situated to Sally forth to see the sites of the Charente- Maritime region of France, and they are a peaceful retreat from a hectic day of site seeing.

During the week the Hosts, Susanne and Nigel have informal drinks and nibbles by the pool to greet their Guests. Suzanne produces a delicious cake and Nigel a delicious bottle of Wine.

The Location is ideal for the family with children, couples and any age would feel comfortable here. A car is essential, but there is little traffic and after a day or two you will get used to the different driving rules.

We spent two comfortable weeks at Le Metairie de Monlieu and we will definitely be back. Thank you for you hospitality Susanne and Nigel.

Fin.
Vince & Sandra

Melbourne, Australia

Images of inside the Pigeonnier

2011-04-30T11:36:00.002+02:00

Guest book comment for the Pressoir

2011-04-30T11:29:00.002+02:00

22/04/11 - 30/04/11

Thank you to Nigel & Suzanne for making our break to this area in France so enjoyable, we had a really nice relaxing time. It was great with our little dog Rocky. Lovely to have a splash in the pool. Enjoyed Royan and the little beaches around there, also Chatelaillon plage and Fouras. Our last night was a great end with a visit to La Bateau restaurant in Landrais, well worth a visit, don't eat lunch if you go there for dinner. Bill also loved to get his morning pastries from the bread man that delivered every morning.

Thank you

Bill, Trudie & Rocky

(SA) now UK

PERMIS BATEAU

2010-12-13T17:44:00.003+01:00

Permis Cotier

Since moving here to La Rochelle I had thought many times of taking my Motor boat licence as unlike in the U.K, in France it is compulsory to do a practical course and take a theory exam at the ministry of transport. Of course their was many reasons to put it off, it was expensive to take, I was too busy and the language barrier, my French is not that good and I had read on the internet not to even attempt it unless you were fluent. Anyway after the La Rochelle boat show in September my brother in law and I decided to take the plunge and go for it, I translated and studied the book and the internet, until I had a good grasp of French naval terms and the type of questions that would be asked in the exam.

I found it very interesting as you started learning the meaning of the buoys and recognising them day and night, you have to be able to recognise different boats and their signals and lights, shipping horns, fixed land lights, learn the rules and regulations and hierarchy of manoeuvring at sea, you learn to navigate from a marine map, work with the tides and the weather, rules for the protection of the coastal environment, rules for fishing, communication, Safety and security is paramount.

Once you recognise the different meanings of everything it all becomes common sense but I still can not believe that in the U.K. there is no test? The rules at sea are international all over the world and I noticed some parts of the course are in English, which helped.

I gave myself a couple of months to translate the course in my spare time and study it, we booked in with an English speaking instructor and last week started the course, once we finally arrived at the class 2 hours late! It decided to snow the night before and temperatures plummeted to -5, I have never seen snow like it here before and of course because it is not usual there is no gritting lorries so the roads were treacherous, cars were strewn around the road, in the ditches and the rush hour into La Rochelle became a complete standstill. Not a very good start.

The instructor had never taught non French speaking clients before so being out of season he taught just myself and my brother in-law, It was new to him as well as to us, but he was patient and every thing started to make sense (in French) he of course took longer with us than normal we had 2 days of learning for the test, this was on the Thursday and Friday, we then spent the weekend revising and on the Monday morning arrived at the driving and boat test centre in La Rochelle, It was like waiting inside the dentist waiting room to have a tooth pulled, It brought back all the memories of 35 years ago when I did my car test, the allotted time came and went then half an hour later we filed in handing over documents and passports. Of course the adjudicating officer called for us to put our hands up, as there had never been any Non French speakers do this test at this test centre in his knowledge, very embarrassing

When it started I was quite surprised to find it easy as you had a lot more time to read the question than I thought, this had been my main worry, time spent reading and under standing the question before answering, the actual answering is very easy as its multiple choice you only have to be careful as sometimes there are 2 answers. It then finished and we filed to the back of the room for our results, ‘we had both passed’ the adjudicating officer was nearly as pleased as us, another of the students who had passed shook my brother in laws hand in congratulations as he had struggled with the language more than I, It was a great feeling of relief so we met up with our wife’s in La Rochelle for a celebratory meal on the harbour front before we left them to go out in a boat all afternoon and into the night with the instructor to practise the theory, It was throwing it down with rain but great fun bobbing about in the Atlantic.

All in all a great experience and now looking forward to getting a boat in the future and exploring the coast around here, seeing it from a different perspective.

If any body is interested in taking this course and test, if there is enough persons to make up a class size big enough depending on the season, who are prepared to spend a little extra time practising written French Language then contact me and I will try and organise it.

Festive photo

2010-12-03T09:54:00.006+01:00

We would like to wish all our past & future guests a very 'Happy Christmas' and an even Happier New Year 2011. This photo was taken on 2nd December, we never usually get any snow!!

VELUX 5 OCEANS boat race

2010-10-14T14:44:00.005+02:00

La Rochelle hosts the velux 5 oceans boat race. In this photo is the mayor of La Rochelle (center with glasses) and behind is the president of the race Sir Robin Knox- Johnston and on the right of him are the 6 competitors. The race kicks off on 17th October 2010 from La Rochelle to Cape Town, from Cape Town to Wellington, from Wellington to Salvador then upto Charleston & across the Atlantic back to La Rochelle. The 6 skippers are all single handed, they'll sail 55 000 kms in 9 months.

Day of strikes in France

2010-10-13T21:07:00.004+02:00

Yesterday was a national day of strikes, thousands took to the streets of the small town of Rochefort, Charente Maritime. Le president monsieur Sarkozy is raising the retirement age from 60 to 62yrs.

Grape picking

2010-10-04T12:50:00.006+02:00

Sunday us & all the villagers with children were invited by the Mairie to pick the vines of the commune. After picking the grapes they were crushed (not using feet!) by a machine placed on the back of the trailer by the children, strained & then bottled. While the kids were busy the adults were given a 'gouter' (snack) of pàté on bread & of course a drink of wine.

Customer comment for the Farmhouse

2010-09-05T11:55:00.003+02:00

29th August - 5th September

A lovely relaxing holiday. Fantastic weather & beautiful surroundings. The children loved the pool & playing with Louis in the garden. The house is beautiful, far superior to any we've stayed in in France before!

Thanks

Andrea, Danny, Tabitha & Lucas

We liked the swimming pool and the wendy house and the trampoline. We liked the bedroom and looking through the door so we could see mum & dad's bedroom. A lovely holiday home and we all enjoyed it!

Thanks

Tabitha & Lucas

Customer comments

2010-09-04T11:57:00.004+02:00

28th August-4th September

We have had a lovely week staying in Le Pressoir. The highlight was certainly Chatelaillon Plage- a beautiful public beach. We rented bikes and rode across to Ile de Re- definitely worth a day trip or even half a day. Saintes was very nice aswell. If you are interested there is a very well done paleo-site in Sainte-Cesaire (Neanderthal history).
Our daughter (3) enjoyed the wendy house and trampoline very much.
Nigel & Suzanne have been wonderful and very welcoming! Thank you very much, it has been a pleasure.
The Simons family
Calgary, Canada

________________________________________________________________________________

28th August - 4th September 2010

Dear Suzanne and Nigel,
Thankyou very much for this beautiful accomodation. It is a very lovely and relaxing place.
We explored the whole area, which is very interesting.
Best wishes and all the best for the future,
Kirsten, Michael and Corrina
From Wunburg (Germany)

Customer comment for the Pressoir

2010-08-28T10:51:00.002+02:00

14th August-28th August

We have enjoyed our stay in "Le Pressoir". Thank you to Nigel and Suzanne for their hospitality (and also their assistance when we needed a visit to the Doctor in le Thou).
We have visited most of the usual places - Ile de Ré, Rochefort, La Rochelle, Royan, La Palmyre to nae a few.
We enjoyed two good meals out in Surgères in "Le Grand Café", which was also good because it's only a short drive away. "La Roma" pizzeria in Surgères also looked good but it was full on Friday night so we were unable to go.
We visited the zoo at la Palmyre which was excellent but very busy in August.
The aquarium in La Rochelle was also extremely busy but worth a visit in low season.
Megan's highlights were definitely the pool and the wendy house!
Many thanks & best wishes

The Varley family

Customer comment for the Pigeonnier

2010-08-28T10:41:00.003+02:00

221st-28th August 2010

We all enjoyed our week in your beautifully appointed Pigeonnier apartment which we found suited us perfectly and was very well thought out. Our daughter Rachel particularly enjoyed having her own mezzanine bedroom.
The play area and pool are also ideal for families and Rachel made some good friends while she was here.
We have visited France many times and this is our third trip to the Charente Maritime. Whilst we know the Royan to la Palmyre area very well we enjoyed being a little further north for this week which gave us the opportunity to visit new areas. We particularly enjoyed our trip to the Ile de Ré which was definitely worth the cost of the toll bridge.
Thanks for lovely week.

Karen, Peter & Rachel
Northamptonshire, England.

Gateau salés, smoked salmon & olive

2010-08-27T18:01:00.003+02:00

This recipe of Gateau salé is ideal eaten with an Aperatif or sliced as a starter with a sauce.

Ingredients: 200g of flour, 3 eggs, 1dl of milk, 1dl of oil, 1 sachet of yeast (10g), 200g of smoked saumon, 100g of green olives, 20g of butter for greasing the mould, salt and pepper. Grated cheese (optional)

Cut the salmon and olives in cubes, flour them.
Reheat the oven th. 6 (180°). Butter the mould.
Sift the flour & yeast into a mixing bowl and add the beaten eggs with salt and pepper. Add oil and the milk.
Pour the preparation into the mould (add grated cheese if using) and cook for around 45 minutes. Check the loaf is cooked inside and leave to rest for 5 minutes before taking out of the mould, slice when cooled.

Customer comment for the "Pigeonnier"

2010-08-17T11:00:00.002+02:00

17th August 2010

We are delighted to have discovered your "grand design" here at Monlieu. Thankyou very much for your welcome and hospitality. We have enjoyed exploring the area from the beaches to the countryside and returning of an evening to our wee corner of France at the Pigeonnier.
We'll be back!
Bonne continuation!
Gail, Alan, Lucy
Perthshire, Scotland

Customer comment for the "Pressoir"

2010-08-14T13:24:00.003+02:00

31st July - 14th August

This is our second stay in Le Pressoir and it's been equally as wonnderful as this time last year. Staying this time for two weeks has allowed us to thoroughly relax yet still enjoy this beautiful region of France. Highlights: Ile de Re, Venise Verte, Saintes, the beach of Chatelaillon and of course the lovely town of la Rochelle. Nigel and Suzanne have been fabulous hosts once again and Hannah would like to thank Ellie for bike rides, bat & ball and the wii!
Hope to be back soon.

Simon, Karen & Hannah
Holmfirth

Customer comment

2010-08-07T13:37:00.002+02:00

31st July - 7th August

Thank you Nigel and Suzanne for the most wonderful week in your farmhouse. We've loved the comfort and space of the house and gardens together with it's fantastic location!
Fouras plage with it's "infinity" sea pool was a big favourite but we also loved Marennes plage.
Tha market at Rochefort was great and as ever, we loved wandering the streets of la Rochelle.
The children have had a splendid week and really enjoyed making new friends and playing in the garden. We will definitely be back!
Cass, Paul, Phoebe and freya x
Tunbridge Wells

Customer comment

2010-08-07T13:11:00.003+02:00

7th August 2010

I enjoyed playing with louis on the trampoline and we play popcorn is the best.
Elliott xxx

This was our first visit to France and we chose such a beautiful place. It's so peaceful and quiet. We have had some great days out visiting islands, beaches and forts. Le Pigeonier was very comfortable for the 4 of us. The pool was great ut Elliot enjoyed playing with Louis on the trampoline the most. It's a great place for adults and kids. It would be great to come bac in a couple of years to see you again. You've all made us most welcome.
Thanks for a fantastic week
Stuart, Katarina, Elliott and Vanda
Southampton

Review for the Farmhouse

2010-07-31T14:21:00.002+02:00

Merci à vous pour ce magnifique séjour. Continuez à tenir ce lieu magique en parfait état, c'est incroyable! Merci aussi à Louis pour son amabilité avec Andréa. Bon courage à vous tous... et merci beaucoup.
Best Regards
Boris

Shade for the pool area

2010-07-27T11:00:00.005+02:00

This year we have been updating our pool area, earlier we added the margelles (edging tiles) around the pool, outdoor shower and we also put a large sun shade at one end of the pool, so you can get some shade from the hot summer sun.

Bastille Day Celebrations in Landrais

2010-07-25T09:06:00.004+02:00

Bastille Day on the 14th July is celebrated all over France usually with festivals & fireworks. In our little village of Landrais in the afternoon they have games for the children. In the evening the mairie organises a 4 course meal this usually consists of roasting a suckling pig or a choice of Charentaise escargot (snails) or sardines with a good local band playing. Then when it is dark the children are given lanterns & everybody goes through the village to the field where there is a firework display followed by a disco outside the mairie, all with a fantastic atmosphere.

Surf school on Ile d'oleron

2010-07-19T16:41:00.004+02:00

Today we learnt to surf on the island of Oléron at the Grand village plage. We arrived at 9.30am & the lesson was for 2hrs for 26euros each & the monitors are bilingual.

Customer comment

2010-07-17T13:24:00.003+02:00

3rd - 17th July

We have had a lovely holiday in the farmhouse and feel to have been here forever! We feel to have experienced a real honour of french life especially Bastille day celebrated in Landrais and an evening meal in Surgeres evening market.
Highlights:
1) Grown-ups
-Ile de Re cycling day trip
-Saint Jean d'Angely market and wandering
-Saintes ampitheatre and arch and trip on the Charente
-Bastille day in Landrais
-La Rochelle night life especially street performersa
2) Kids
-Pool
-French TV
-Pool
-Louis
-Pool
-Rabbit
-Pool
-Guinea pig!
Best wishes to Suzanne & Nigel

The Murrays
Edinburgh

Customer comment

2010-07-17T12:24:00.003+02:00

July 3rd - 17th

Lovely stay here. It's clear that so much effort has gone into these gites to make everyone's stay as comfortable as possible. Love the area and will certainly return.

Best wishes

The Tiernan family

Going for a dip

2010-07-11T09:16:00.002+02:00

It's 34° in the shade by the pool and the temperature in the pool reads 26° perfect for cooling off on these hot summer days.

Customer comment for the Farmhouse

2010-07-03T11:48:00.003+02:00

3rd June 2010

Like previous guests we have had a wonderful stay at the farmhouse. Such a beautiful house and so well styled! Thankyou Nigel and Suzanne for your hospitality and helpful suggestions. Could we add Brouage to the list of "must do's". Stunning little visit to make. It has been wonderful to explore the area and to come back to the welcome pool each day.
Thankyou

From Derek, Dee, Elysabeth and Ali.
Cambridge UK & Hong Kong!

Customer comment for the "Pressoir"

2010-06-25T10:40:00.004+02:00

June 11th to June 25th

We have had a super holiday. It is beautiful and restful here. Nigel and Suzanne are extremely helpful and pleasant. There is lots to do and see. We liked the beaches at Fouras and the visit Ile d'Aix is worth it. Make a day of it . We had only 3 hours. The Hotel Napoleon there was excellent. The restaurant at Landrais is an experience and not to be missed. We visited some fêtes in the villages which were good fun too. All in all one to remember.

Judi & Dick - Brecon, Wales

Corderie Royale in Rochefort, Charente Maritime

2010-06-22T11:10:00.005+02:00

Rochefort was built in the 17th century, Louis XIV wanted somewhere to build his war ships so he ordered his then prime minister Colbert to construct a town from where to build his ships. The Corderie Royale (Royal Ropeworks) is seventeenth century classical architecture and is 374m long. It was used to make the longest ropes for the great warships. Also you'll find here the Royal Naval shipyard, with 11 construction yards & 4 dry docks.

Customer comment

2010-06-05T11:43:00.004+02:00

5th June 2010

We have had a lovely week's holiday despite the " variable" weather. Nigel and Suzanne have done a great job here, and we love the fresh but vintage feel of the place. The aquarium is very good for rainy days and the cafe there had great food. We also went to "Palmilud" swimming pool with slides etc in Perigny on another rainy day, and we've enjoyed when the sun finally came out as we were running out of rainy day activities! Fouras was a lovely little town. Le "commerce" was a bright, friendly restaurant with great food. The "Plage du Sud" has shady areas if the sun is too strong. We also loved Ile d'Oleron and enjoyed strolling around the "Couleurs Cabanes" where local artists and jewellery makers sell their work. All together, a great holiday and our children loved it too (especially the wendy house and strangely having a shoe rack in their wardrobe... )
Thank you!

Claire, Stef, Anni (3) & Remy (1)
Glasgow

Customer comment

2010-06-05T11:38:00.004+02:00

5th June 2010

Thanks for a great base to our holiday. The weather finally came up trumps mid-week! We have done loads and eaten great food as usual especially in the restaurant in the village which was an experience and a 1/2 !
Thank you very much.

Julie, Andy & Louise
Malvern, Worcestershire

Reviews

2010-05-29T14:55:00.002+02:00

29 may 2010

We have had a wonderful 2 weeks in the Pigeonnier. Thank you very much for making us feel so welcome. You have a beautiful home in a beautiful location!
Highlights of our stay have been Ile de Ré and Seb loved the aquarium at la Rochelle - ideal for a rainy day!
We wish you all the best.

Richard & Nikki & Seb

______________________________________________________

May 22nd - 29th 2010

Writing this just before we set off back to the airport.
What can we say about the Charente Maritime that hasn't already been said!
Suzanne & Nigel are very welcoming and our little gite became a wonderful home from home.
We had some lovely days out - would recommend a trip to the zoo in la Palmyre for those with small children or indeed anyone who has a small person hidden within them!
Île de ré is just beautiful - although avoid stopping for lunch in Sainte-Marie as there is nothing there except a wonderful coast line.
If it's the beach with good restaurants then Chatelaillon- Plage is the place for you.
Until next time,
Au revoir from the Bells.

Jason, Caroline & Charlotte
Manchester

Images of the Pressoir

2010-05-22T15:26:00.005+02:00

Customer comment for the Pressoir

2010-05-22T14:50:00.003+02:00

14th May to 21st May 2010

The ideal place for peace, quiet & relaxation. Gite is in a nice spot away from the hustle & bustle. Supermarkets everywhere and quite easy to find. We would recommend this place to family & friends. La Rochelle port harbour is a lovely place to visit & to eat, well worth a visit. Well we have enjoyed our stay.
Many thanks to Suzanne & Nigel, it was a pleasure.
Gary & Karen
Southampton

Review for the "Pigeonnier"

2010-05-01T10:40:00.003+02:00

01/05/ 2010

What a wonderful place to stay. We enjoyed every moment of our time in your charming little cottage. As builders we can appreciate all the time and effort it took to rebuild this place from the rubble. And as gîte owners, we can see the effort you went to in order to make your cottage so delightful. We had everything we needed at our fingertips.
But most of all, we loved spending time with you and your family. Hope you can visit us in Africa someday and that you enjoy our condo.
With all best wishes.

Kay & Terry

Reviews for the Pigeonnier

2010-04-07T10:17:00.005+02:00

le 27 mars 2010

Nous avons passé un excellent séjour dans votre gite. Votre gite est charmant et nous vous remercions pour votre accueil chaleureux.
Arrivés sous le soleil, nous repartons sous la pluie vers la Belgique (mais ce ou & l'habitude!)
Merci pour tout et à une prochaine fois peut-être.

Benedicte et Jean-Francois

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7th April 2010

We have had a lovely few nights in the Pigeonnier. It is so beautifully furnished and a lovely place to stay. The surrounding area is lovely & we would recommend 'Andres' in La Rochelle for sea food.
Thank you for making us so very welcome - we shall certainly be back!
Love

Georgie & Dan

Twin bedroom in the Pressoir

2010-04-06T11:58:00.004+02:00

This is our new twin bedroom for the Pressoir, now the Pressoir is 2 bedroomed one double & one twin & sleeps upto 4 people comfortably.

Local images near La Rochelle

2010-03-28T12:07:00.005+02:00

Fort Boyard is clearly visible just off the coast at Fouras and Ile d'oleron.

Customer comment for the Pigeonnier

2010-03-07T10:24:00.003+01:00

7th March 2010
Thank you Nigel & Suzanne!
We've had a very relaxing week in this part of France. Lovely weather despite "Le Tempete" last weekend!
We loved the islands Oléron and Ré and enjoyed exploring the little villages nearby.
Comfortable, clean accomodation.
Pete & Sue

Images of La Rochelle new years day

2010-01-01T21:52:00.010+01:00

Christmas Message

2009-12-19T15:18:00.003+01:00

Seasons Greetings
Nigel, Suzie & Family would like to wish everybody a Very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Even though we still have guests staying sometimes throughout the winter, project Metarie does not stop. We have started working on the new bedroom for the Pressoir; this will give the budget conscious affordable 2 bedroom accommodation. The swimming pool was a great hit this last season so we have started working on the surroundings; we hope to add a shower, an arbor for shade and solar heating before the next season opening of the pool. We have already added a few extras to all the gites and soon full WIFI coverage will be added so you’ll be able to keep in contact and work from here if that’s what you require.
Remember La Rochelle and the Islands are still open in the winter and spring and if you want to get away for a long or short break Ryanair do some great deals, recently a couple came out for about £5 each return! You will need jumpers and coats now but we still have the big bright blue skies and see the sun most of the time.
La Rochelle holds many events and exhibitions throughout the year, see the tourist information from our website, but to highlight a few not to miss is Bastille day (fireworks galore everywhere) and Francopholies (music galore in the streets) both in July, Spectacular sound and light show and boat show in September, Sailing races, Jet Ski racing, Motor car rally’s, fetes, fairs, car boots, antique fairs, Historical patrimonial weekend when most museums are free, markets, shopping, the list goes on, La Rochelle is a very vibrant city with lots going on for every body.
If you are a party, group or organisation and would like to arrange a themed holiday here we can help you organise your stay and preferred activity, locally we have horse riding, sailing courses or sail boat hire for as long as you like (with a trained yachtsmen), Motor boat course with a certificate when finished, Canoeing freshwater and on the sea (you can canoe out to fort Boyard), test your aptitude for heights at vertigo parc high in the trees on a rope, a weekend gambling in the many Casinos or a day at the races in Chàtelaillon. Whatever, we are here to help.
We do have enough accommodation for up to 14 guests now so why not bring the family or friends you’ll be in different buildings but together on the same site.
Anyway we look forward to meeting all our guests in the new year of 2010.
Bon fête et Bonne Année à tous.

The La Rochelle Aquarium

2009-11-23T08:54:00.007+01:00

It was a cold & windy November Sunday afternoon so we decided to go to the Aquarium in La Rochelle, it was good because there weren't too many people there & we managed to get to see most of the fish. It is well worth a visit as there is a huge variety to look at from, delicate little sea horses to the piranhas set in the tropical rain forest. The main attraction is the large shark tank & they swim over your heads!!!

It takes about 3 hours to see all the fish and then afterwards we had a drink in the café and then onto the Aquarium shop.

During the high season & school holidays it tends to get really busy, so the best time to go is lunchtimes or in the evening as it is open until 11 pm.

Watersports at Aytré in La Rochelle

2009-11-15T20:22:00.004+01:00

A perfect day yesterday for watersports on Aytré beach on the outskirts of La Rochelle. All the kite surfers & wind surfers were making the most of the sunny & windy November afternoon.

Images of the Pigeonnier

2009-11-13T17:01:00.004+01:00

The Pigeonnier is an open plan gite that can sleep upto 4 people maximum.

Customer comments for the Pigeonnier

2009-11-08T11:10:00.002+01:00

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

2009-11-04T11:26:00.005+01:00

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"

2009-10-31T13:46:00.002+01:00

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

2009-10-29T19:50:00.006+01:00

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.

2009-10-26T17:27:00.005+01:00

Here are some photos taken from around our local area.

This is the beautiful Mairie at Soubise.

Comment taken from the Pressoir comments book

2009-10-19T13:10:00.002+02:00

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

2009-10-03T16:08:00.002+02:00

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.....!!

Customer comment for the Pigeonnier

2009-10-02T10:30:00.002+02:00

17th September - 2nd October 09

Visited several places in the area, plus 3x longer trips. One to Oradour-sur-glane & 2 to our friends near Montendre.
Patrimoine weekend visited Chateau la Roche-Courbon.
Rochefort well worth a visit to see the frigate 'Hermione' in construction & also the maritime museum.
We treated this holiday as a 'lazy' one rather than the usual frantic ones of the past.
The bicycles are well worth using as there are several quiet lanes in the area.
Woke every morning to blue skies & sunshine, which made a change from the dreary grey sky from the uk.
Nigel & Suzanne are excellent hosts, there if they were needed & full of information.
Will miss Timmy the cat, he made himself right at home with us. Will recommend the gites to friends upon our return,
Thanks

John, Cathy & Neilson
North Lincolnshire

Photos of the Grande Pavois & firework display

2009-10-01T12:14:00.006+02:00

Grande Pavois boat show & firework display

2009-10-01T10:32:00.009+02:00

On Saturday afternoon we took ourselves off to La Rochelle to visit the fantastic 'Grande Pavois' floating boat show, there are thousands of exhibitors selling their wares from childrens dinghies, training Yachts upto £4 million catarmarins, every type of sailing and moterboat was on display, Speedboats, fishing, leisure craft for daily or to live off, sailing and moterboat lessons, boat accessories etc. Some good deals were to be had this year as the price of some were noticeably reduced.
Their was also a good display of beach equipment surf boards, Kite surfs, wind surfs, etc; and all manner of canoes, they have certainly changed since I did canoeing in my younger days, now you can get canoes with a sail or with peddles which pushes the canoe along and even with a small moter powered by a solar panal!
A great day out with thousands of visitors enjoying the sunshine.
Then early evening everybody moved around the old port facing the channel as old and new boats paraded up and down the channel, The champion of France and a disabled wave boarder gave us a display, keeping us all in anticipation for the sound and light spectacular which as the sky turned red and the sun dipped down below the horizon more and more people turned out until the crowds were 10 to 15 deep. The story teller and music started in a melancholy tone as old fashioned sailing boats came along the channel, as they floated past the night then burst into light and music as the castle walls changed colours from the glow of lights and fireworks all in time to the loud music, The air was filled with light and smoke for a good 30 minutes as the music from all eras blasted out from the speakers until the last magnificent crescendo exploded into the sky making the night feel like day.
Its an amazing show and well worth seeing.

Customer comment for the Pressoir

2009-10-01T10:22:00.002+02:00

22/9/09 - 1/10/09

We have had a superb time here an excellent base to explore La Rochelle, Rochefort and the islands. We have been to the zoo and Aquarium, the museum of commerce & Pierre Lotis House. We enjoyed the Grande Pavois (the floating boat show) and the excellent firework display. We have enjoyed good food at the Bateau Lavoir in Landrais, Andres at La Rochelle and le Belem at St Martin on Ile de Ré to name but a few. We had fun on our return trip on the transporter, especially as it was just us and the guard!
All in all we have had a most enjoyable stay.
Donna & Paul
Cornwall

Customer comment for the Pressoir

2009-09-22T10:51:00.000+02:00

15.09.09 - 22.09.09

What a fantastic launch - pad 'Le Pressoir' proved to be for us to discover this fabulous region. We visited Rochefort and it's Corderie & Hermoiné (do take a look at this engineering wonder).
The Iles of Oléron & Ré are just superb. How the other half live! The Chateau in Oléron and St Martin on Ré are excellent. You must try Moules Grande mere & les Huitres (oysters) even if you think you don't like them.
As many previous visitors we went to le Bateau Lavior in Landrais & had a superb meal - you must go for the experience. We went to the Remy Martin tour in Cognac - it was excellent - you have to go to meet Louis!
Finally no visit here would be complete without at least one trip to La Rochelle. It is a paradise for boat lovers the world over & there is so much else to see there too.
Thank you Nigel & Suzanne for excellent accomodation & advice on where to go - we crammed so much into a short time, even two trips to the beach!!
Bonne chance
Steve & Helene
Southport

Customer comment for the "Farmhouse"

2009-09-19T11:36:00.003+02:00

12/09/2009 - 19/09/2009

A lovely, relaxing holiday. Loved the farmhouse, very cosy & well equipped. Avy (our 3 year old daughter) had a wonderful time & now wants a trampoline of her own!
Lots of lovely places around to visit, but must admit to just enjoying the peace & quiet in the farmhouse.
Thanks to Nigel & Suzanne for a wonderful stay.

Kellie, Rob & Avy.

Customer comment for the Pressoir

2009-09-15T11:48:00.003+02:00

6/10/09 - 15/9/09

A thoroughly enjoyable stay with Nigel & Suzie. So impressed with the accomodation and their hospitality.
The beaches are wonderful and we enjoyed the September sun at La Rochelle, Fouras and Ile de Ré.
We also visited Cognac, a lovely town and was impressed with the Hennersey Distillery.
We also visited Royan, La Tremblade, Rochefort (no cheese!!) enjoying the shops, markets and restaurants for a lazy lunch!
A visit to the 'Bateau Lavoir' restaurant was a culinary delight - though advise that you fast for the day prior to eating there as the food is plentiful to say the least. Be prepared for the traditional French cooking!!
Back to blighty we must go, however we hope to be back!!
Thank you Nigel & Suzie and good luck for the future here!
Kevin & Sally
Rutlanders

Customer comment for the "Pressoir"

2009-09-01T10:49:00.005+02:00

27/08/09 - 01/09/09

A very enjoyable stay in very tastefully restored gîte! We have had a great time visiting Fouras & Châtelaillon beaches which are good for the children. La Rochelle for the retail fix! With too many good restaurants to single one out although we have enjoyed our meals here just enjoying the surroundings and pool until late.
The Île de Ré is a must see trip. Both St Martin de Ré and La Flotte are beautiful, all areas here exceptionnally good facilities and very cheap parking!!
We will certainly be recommending "Le Pressoir" etc... to our friends.

The Powells, Cambridge.

Cycling on Ile de Re

2009-08-31T10:33:00.003+02:00

Yesterday we parked our car just at the foot of the Ile de Ré bridge, on the belverdere carpark. Took our bikes and cycled over the 3 kms bridge, as the bridge has a toll of 16.50 euros in the summer, you pay nothing if you walk or cycle. In the car park there is a bike rental so you can hire bikes if you don't take your own. On the island there are loads of cycle tracks purposly built, so your not on the busy roads, from the bridge it took us less than half an hour to get to La Flotte which is a very pretty little fishing port, with lots of fantastic fish restaurants, bistros, boutiques and if you go just to the back of the port there is a shop selling one of the best ice creams we have ever tasted! On the way back we took the coastal path and passed the Abbey and the old forte, then onto the beach for a rest & swim in the sea before the last accent back onto the mainland.

Customer Comment for the "Pressoir"

2009-08-27T11:49:00.002+02:00

17 /08/2009

What a nice few days near the coast. During our short visit we saw the main places: La Rochelle and the busy aquarium. Beautiful seaside city. Another day to Île de Ré by bike. Thanks to Nigel for the tip on renting the bikes just before the toll. La Flotte was gorgeous with the best ice cream ever! The last day was spent at the " Côte sauvage". Wonderful! Louis was a great playmate for the boys.
Thanks again.

Diane, Peter, Tazman & Kadin
Calgory, Canada.

Cycle race, Poitou-Charentes

2009-08-25T13:56:00.004+02:00

25th August 09

Today at 12.40 we have had the 'Tour Cycliste International du Poitou-Charentes' pass by our house & through our little village of Landrais. This is the first leg of the race it goes from Châtelaillon-Aigre. Whilst standing and waiting for them to come we stood talking to our neighbours, M et Mme Moutard who has lived here (and even in our house) all his life, he told us how he remembered how 40' odd years ago the 'Tour de France' passed through.

Custumer comment for the Farmhouse

2009-08-22T09:26:00.005+02:00

8th- 22nd August 2009

A fantastic two week holiday, very relaxing. We really enjoyed the beaches especially at Châtelaillon and Fouras.
Shopping in La Rochelle was brilliant and enjoyed a lovely meal over looking the towers on the harbour. Kids really enjoyed the pool!
A lovely gïte and peaceful surroundings made for a perfect holiday.
The horse racing at Chatelaillon was interesting, shame about our poor betting skills!

Fiona, Rob, James, Jack and Connar

Customer comment for the Pigeonnier taken from the guest book.

2009-08-19T10:54:00.002+02:00

17-08 to 19-08 2009

Many thanks for your excellent place! We regret to have stayed here only for two days. We should have planned the whole France trip for your nice farm!!!
Hope to meet you once again in your nice "Pigeonnier".

Timur, Natalia, Sofia & Jaroslav
from Ukraine

Customer Comment for the "Pigeonnier"

2009-08-17T10:51:00.003+02:00

August 10th - 17th 2009

Thank you so much for a wonderful week. The weather has been amazing and you have all been so friendly, helpful and full of information - perfect hosts!
We've been out every day, loads to do. Our favourites include strolling around La Rochelle (great atmosphere in the evening), the beautiful Île de Ré (St Martin + Flotte) and the aquarium in La Rochelle.
Le Pigeonnier has been a real treat yet a comfortable home from home.

Thank you for everything.

Megan + Greg

Louth, Lincolnshire

Fantastic beaches in the Charente Maritime

2009-08-12T20:59:00.004+02:00

12th August 09

Not a cloud in the sky today so we decided to visit the beautiful long sandy beaches on the 'côte sauvage' (savage coast), it lives up to it's name, as when you go into the sea you have to be very careful as it has very strong undercurrents. You'll find lifeguards patrolling this coastline & there's also a few kite surfers riding the waves.

Walk to Fort Enet

2009-08-09T10:50:00.017+02:00

The locally famous Forte Boyard guards the channel between Ile d'Oleron and Ile d'Aix, on all points of the mainland and Islands around the estuary of the Charente river fortes have been built to guard the entrance, because Napolean needed to build ships without the English sailing in and destroying them before they were completed.

One of the channels between Fouras on the mainland and Ile d'Aix is guarded by another less known Fort surrounded by the sea called Forte Enet, on very low tides is accessable by foot and there is a guided tour available of the inside which is very interesting and great views around. Money is being spent to renovate it for the public, but it is a long way off being finished. To our surprise there was a little white car parked inside, somebody lives in just a small part of it!

Comment for the Farmhouse for this weeks guests

2009-08-08T10:14:00.002+02:00

1 - 8 August 2009

The week's flown by - a sure sign of a good time! We loved the pace of life & starting each day with a leisurely breakfast after the bread van had visited! (although I did also enjoy some early morning walks into Landrais - very quiet - lots of birds & I also saw a deer & a hare!)
The Ile de Ré was good - the boys enjoyed climbing the lighthouse at the point des Baleines & we enjoyed a meal beside the harbour at St Martin. The 3 towers at La Rochelle gave us more climbing, but we also enjoyed pottering in the park there. Lots of lovely beaches - & of course, a cool dip in the swimming pool on those hot days was a real treat!
Thanks to you all for a great gite, lovely surroundings & that welcome bottle of wine on arrival.
Maybe we'll be back some day.........

Denise, Ian, Jacob (8) & Sean (4)
East Leake, Loughborough

Comment for the Farmhouse from this weeks guests.

2009-08-08T10:13:00.000+02:00

Comment taken from the guest book for the Pigeonnier

2009-08-08T10:04:00.002+02:00

August 1st - 8th 2009

We came with every intention fo seeing all the sites, but spent a considerable amount of time relaxing at the Pigeonnier and the pool with Louis, Timmy and our lovely fellow guests. Thank you for a fabulous week!
We did enjoy wandering the streets of La Rochelle & climbing the towers. We can also recommend the Roman sites at Saintes and the beaches north of Royan.
At least we have left plenty to do on a return visit!
Clare, Rob, Ella & Alice (Oxford)

We would like to say thank you for a lovely time here. We have made good friends. It's been very nice to meet you.
Ella age 6

Customer comment for the Pigeonnier

2009-08-03T11:15:00.003+02:00

July 24th- August 1st 2009
We have a family of three boys and they had made great friends during the week, especially with Louis. Nigel and Suzanne were great hosts, friendly, helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed our week.
The Pigeonnier was very well equipped especially for the boys cot, trampoline and pool. The availability of the bikes, umbrella and beach equipment really made a difference to our enjoyment.
The morning bread van and local super market in Surgeres are very good. The local pizza van is very good and spoke good english.
We had a day at Coulon (Venise Verte) and then Damvix and Marans. All are very picturesque. At Marans we hired a motorboat for an hour (19euros), but you can hire a gondola. Our boys (6 and 5yrs) really enjoyed the lake at Saint Savinion. We hired small electric boats which they could steer on the small lake with an adult.
The beaches we enjoyed the most are about an hour away. Le Platin just up the coast from Royan near the Côté Sauvage and La Palmyre zoo. Both the beach, coast line and zoo are meant to be excellant.
We visited the aquarium in La Rochelle which is excellant 13 euros/ adult and 10 euros for children >6 yrs. The sand on the beach at Châtelaillon and Fouras are excellant. We did not like the estuary and underfoot, the french were used to this. The sandiest beaches are down the coast.
The weather has been good all week 25°C.
Thanks Nigel and Suzanne when we come back this area again we would try and stay with you again!
Thanks for a great holiday week.
Andrew, Jane, Thomas, Olivr and Harry
from Newsport, Wales.

Customer comment for the Farmhouse

2009-08-01T10:57:00.003+02:00

25th July- 1st August 2009

We have really enjoyed our stay here. The warm welcome from Suzie and Nigel was fantastic. The Farmhouse is spacious and very comfortable and the pool area is fantastic! Thank you to Rosie, Ellie & Louis too for making the holiday so special for Elise & Sander.
The week has flown by too quickly! We have lots of great memories to take home with us.
Despite spending hours by the pool, sunning, swimming and relaxing, we managed to explore the area and visited beautiful La Rochelle, quaint Fouras (recommend the "grand plage") and Saintes, which was fantastic especially the Ampitheatre. Surgeres was also lovely and we enjoyed the horse riding and bike riding in the surrounding area. Good luck with all your future plans and ambitions.
We will be back.
Sarah, Willem, Elise and Sander

Customer comment for the Farmhouse

2009-07-25T11:07:00.004+02:00

19th- 25th July 2009

We have had a lovely stay here this week. The Farmhouse was perfect for us and in gorgeous surroundings. The girls enjoyed their horse riding and our various days out were all different too.
The pool too was "refreshing" on the hot days!
Thank you Louis for entertaning the girls.
Good luck with all your future plans.
Thank you.
Amanda, Noj, Phoebe and Poppy
Paris

Customer comment for the Pressoir.

2009-07-25T10:19:00.004+02:00

25/07/2009

Spent some time at Châtelaillon Plage- excellent for a lazy day in the sunshine. Highlights of our holiday were St Martin on Ile de Ré- drinking coffee in the harbour and watching the (well heeled) world go by. Nothing beat fridays meal at the "Bateau Lavoir" in Landrais- it was quite an experience- excellent food, personal service and terrific value- the owner is a great character! Thanks to Suzanne & Nigel for booking it. Finally a day in La Rochelle is always a winner. There's so much to do, I think we'll be back next year.

Simon, Karen & Hannah
Holmfirth , W. Yorkshire

Customer comment for the Farmhouse

2009-07-19T11:04:00.005+02:00

5/07/09 - 19/07/09
Lynn, Stephen, Abby (6) and Maddy (3)

We had the best holiday ever. Loved the pool. Bastille day in Landrais, a real highlight. Loved La Rochelle and all it had to offer. Lots of fun at Châtelaillon pool and beach. Would only recommend local restaurant if your kids are bit older and braver than ours. Loved la Côte Sauvage too. Hope to be back and thanks for all the DVDs. We loved our holiday.
All the best to Nigel and Suzanne and Family.

Moirs, Edinburgh

Francofolies in La Rochelle 10th- 14th July

2009-07-14T15:02:00.003+02:00

This week La Rochelle has been buzzing with live bands playing in the streets & street entertainers on every corner, what an amazing atmosphere! It's the annual Francofolies music festival, there is the main stage with the famous bands playing, you need a ticket to enter usually around 30 euros per ticket. There are several other stages set up that you don't have to pay for dotted around the city center.

Pigeonnier customer review from our first honeymoon couple

2009-07-10T09:28:00.003+02:00

July 1st -> 10th

This was our first time in this part of france. You have a very beautiful place here. The "Pigeonnier" was very romantic. Our honeymoon turned out better than we had hoped. You are fantastic hosts!
Thank you.

Caleb & Jenica
Canada

Customer review taken from the comment book in the Farmhouse

2009-07-05T10:51:00.002+02:00

13th June - 6th July 2009

Just wish to say we had a superb time while staying at this beautiful farmhouse!
Must say, Nigel & Suzanne are very pleasent hosts & an all round wonderful family. Our 3 boys did not complain once! A testament to a great time here, loved the pool, a great way to spend the hot afternoons.
A special mention to Louis, a top young man! Our kids enjoyed their time with him, 3 fab weeks sightseeing and just hanging out at the farmhouse.
Thank you!
and the very best wishes for the future,
Martin, Christine, Niall, Cillian & Gavin
Skerries, Dublin

Images of Le pressoir

2009-07-04T10:57:00.004+02:00

This is the private outside eating area for Le Pressoir.

Customer comment for the Pigeonnier

2009-06-30T14:51:00.004+02:00

27th - 30th June 2009
A fantastic place, superb hosts and the weather to match!
You should be very proud of what you have achieved - good luck with the future plans and try to avoid digging holes in the midday sun!
All the best
Andrew, Hayley, Georgia & Jack
Ireland

Photo's of 'Le Pressoir'

2009-06-30T14:19:00.004+02:00

Le Pressoir new for 2009 is now ready for our Guests, here are some internal photo's.

Review for the Pigeonnier

2009-06-27T09:38:00.002+02:00

20th to 27th June 2009
A first time in France and could'nt of wished for a better experience! Nigel and Suzanne were first class hosts.
Even the weather was perfect and am sure the first of many visits.
Rob & Liz
Northumberland

Bathroom in the Pressoir

2009-06-24T21:41:00.002+02:00

This is the new shower room in the Pressoir.

Photos of the pool

2009-06-22T18:01:00.004+02:00

Here are some images of the pool.

Just in case you were wondering we do have sun loungers, It's too big to fit it all in the photo!

Customer review for the "Pigeonnier".

2009-06-20T10:03:00.002+02:00

13-20th June 2009

Le Pigeonnier has been a fabulous place to stay on our first visit to the area. Nigel & Suzie have been great hosts and the cottage does them great credit; great location, caters for every need and fabulous weather too! We have had barbecues every night!
We hope to return soon, after bump has become baby n° 1!!

Jane & Rich
from London

customer comment for the Farmhouse

2009-06-13T11:20:00.003+02:00

6-6-09 to 13-6-09

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful farmhouse, so stylishly furnished and spotlessly clean.
Nigel and Suzanne have been wonderful hosts, with lots of helpful local information. We can also recommend the beach at Fouras and the wonderful relaxed atmosphere at Ile de Ré. For days when the weather is less than perfect, the zoo at Palmyre and the Aquarium at La Rochelle provide great distractions.
Olivia (almost 2) will be demanding a trampoline and full equipped wendy house on her return to grey old England. We hope to return one day soon.
Thanks alot!

Rick & Emma, Olivia
Worcestershire

The local Poitou-Charente donkey:

2009-06-06T17:11:00.004+02:00

Customer reviews for the farmhouse :

2009-06-06T16:55:00.004+02:00

23/05/2009 - 30/05/2009

We loved the setting of the house and the total peace and quiet. Excellent beaches at Châtelaillon and Fouras. Lovely to walk around St. Martin on Île de Ré and la Rochelle.
Loved the hospitality here and the new addition - the swimming pool! An excellent place to return to.

Liz, Mark, Abi and Daniel. North Yorkshire

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30/05/2009 - 06/06/2009

What a splendid week, plenty to do & see, but for us a total chill-out. Île de Ré was beautiful and the food devine especially for the seafood lovers.
Nigel and Suzanne are the perfect hosts, thank you both for your hospitality.

Karen & Bob. Devon

Testing the water

2009-05-29T08:02:00.004+02:00

At last the pool has the liner fitted and it has taken 3 days and nights to fill with water.

Updates on the swimming pool

2009-05-22T11:36:00.005+02:00

We have at last finished all the cementing around the pool, in french it is called 'La Plage' the beach. Here are some before & after photo's.

Le Pressoir,

2009-04-23T12:22:00.005+02:00

We are currently finishing off tiling the floor to our new gite 'le Pressoir'. We are opening it at the end of May 09, here are some photo's of the bedroom & hallway.

Swimming pool 2009

2009-04-21T07:41:00.003+02:00

The steps in the shallow end have been installed and the floor of the pool has been smoothed out. We've ordered the liner and now we are just waiting for it to be made, hopefully it should be ready by mid May. Next all the pipe work & electrics has to be connected in the pool house.

Sunday afternoon at Chatelaillon Races

2009-03-25T17:26:00.004+01:00

Chatelaillon has a small race track and they have around 18 meetings each year. Theres a restaurant and a bar that sells snacks etc. Here they call the jockeys 'trotteurs' it's not the same as in the UK, they sit behind the horse on a small one man cart and if the horse canters it is disqualified it has to run in a certain way. It's well worth a visit and the next meetings are;

Sunday 12th April 2009,

Friday 1st May,

Monday 1st June,

Monday 22nd June,

Tuesday 14th July,

Monday 10th August,

Tuesday 18th August,

Wednesday 19th August,

New swimming pool for 2009

2009-03-20T20:15:00.003+01:00

Today the walls on the swimming pool have finished being built using 'cash blocs' (made from polystyrene for extra insulation) and filled with steel & concrete, the skimmers, lights and jets have been installed. Tomorrow work on the stairs will be started.