77km from Bordeaux · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Hendaye, Aquitaine---- The setting ----
A hamlet within Saint Ouen La Thene, a small, rural village surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields. We are 200 meters away from a local viewing area with stunning panoramic views of the local countryside. Set within gently undulating countryside, so great for cycling and walking.
Traffic through the village is rare. The odd tractor and that's it!
---- The site ----
One acre walled permaculture smallholding with great views, and featuring a barn, 2 hangars, shaded areas, a pond, a large vegetable patch and free-ranging poultry including ducks, chickens, guinea fowl and quail. The local area is resplendent with sunflower fields and vineyards in the summer months. A feast for the eyes!
There is a gate to the property for added security.
--- The activities ----
If you like foraging, the surrounding area has many roadside cherry, fig, peach and walnut trees.
We are 2 minutes walk away from a historic 'lavoir' where the local farmers' wives used to congregate to do wash their clothes. It is still in use and is fed by a local stream. The water is clear and fresh.
There is a local viewing point (3 minutes walk) which features stunning views of the local countryside.
The surrounding countryside is gently undulating, so great for cycling and walking.
The Tour de France often comes to the area.
The town of Saintes, on the river Charente, is a popular tourist destination and within a 40-minute drive. It features wonderful riverside eateries and markets. A great setting to chill on a warm summer's day.
The town of Aulnay (20 mins drive) features a lively artisan's market every Sunday morning. The market is surrounded by cafes and restaurants - a great spot to people watch!
If you crave a taste of city life during your stay, the historic city of Angouleme is but 40 minutes away and offers a thriving shopping district, historical landmarks and a buzzing night life.
Both the beautiful city of Bordeaux and the picturesque Dordogne region are within 'day tripping' distance (2 and 1.5 hrs drive respectively).
The market at Rouillac (20 minutes drive) takes place on the 27th of every month and is both vast and fascinating! You name it, they sell it. Not to be missed!
There is a local bar / small shop in Bresdon (10 minutes walk), open during the summer months, where the local farmers hang out and drink wine. They sell most of the 'basics' such as milk, eggs, bread, sweets, biscuits, soft drinks and, of course, wine.
We're about an hour away from Royan, a picturesque seaside resort with stunning white, sandy beaches. Great for day trips.
The town of Cognac is close (30 mins) and is famous for, well, you guessed it, cognac! Most of the large distilleries offer guided tours. There are also many local small-scale cognac producers in the area, some also offering tours and most sell their wares (cognac and the local sweet wine Pineau de Charente).
There is a restaurant / bar called FC Pougemin in nearby Louzignac (10 mins drive) that holds a very popular 'fish and chip night' every Friday. The owners are Belgian so the beer selection is vast and there are often live acts. It's very popular with local expats and summer visitors. On balmy summer evenings tables are outside in their courtyard and in winter they move into a large, cozy barn. FC Pougemin's Facebook page includes their live act listings.
For those wanting a more formal evening meal, there is a very good restaurant in La Pinelle 'La Table du Chef Corvez' (7 minutes drive) which offers very reasonably priced food, including some french classics. Their web site includes an example menu.
There is also a permanent 'brocante' (antique flea market) in La Pinelle which you can browse by appointment.
Various fairs, brocantes, festivals and markets take place in local villages during the summer months. The wine festival in Beauvais (5 mins drive) is a highlight for us and generally takes place at the end of May!
---- Local information ----
The nearest small town is 15 minutes drive away (Matha) and features 3 supermarkets, 2 petrol stations, cafes, bars, a pharmacy, garden centre, DIY store, bars, banks and most other 'basics'.
The smaller village of Beauvais sur Matha (5 minutes drive) features a post office, pharmacy, doctor, boulangerie and bank.
