Thursday, 1 October 2009
Grande Pavois boat show & firework display
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.
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
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
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
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Customer comment for the Pressoir
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
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
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Customer comment for the "Farmhouse"
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.
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.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Customer comment for the Pressoir
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
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
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Customer comment for the "Pressoir"
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.
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.
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