May take pets - please enquire Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Le Petit Maine, is a small, rural hamlet situated in “sunny southwest France” on the Charente/Dordogne border close to the very pretty medieval town of Aubeterre. Here you will find our traditional Charentaise farmhouse and 2 gites, Le Petit Paris and La Petite Alsace, set amongst 5 acres of French countryside. Whilst holidaying here, you can relax in the privacy of your gite’s own patio facilities or the swimming pool, play areas and sheltered dining area where guests can enjoy an evening meal served by Le Petit Maine's hosts. Wherever you choose to relax at Le Petit Maine, you will enjoy magnificent uninterrupted southerly views. The countryside, culture and cuisine of this area invites those seeking rest and relaxation, at the same time there are activities available that would appeal to the most energetic of adults and children. Spend time enjoying local markets, winetasting, cycling, canoeing and swimming at the riverbeach of Aubeterre and Brossac lake or visit nearby Angouleme, Bordeaux and Cognac. Le Petit Maine's prime location also allows visitors to reach the seaside areas of Royan and caves of the Dordogne.
The well & gites at Le Petit Maine
La Petite Alsace seating area
Le Petit Maine Gites
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/35178
The Poitou-Charentes / Vendee / Charente region
Le Petit Maine is ideally located in the Charente which is documented to be at the centre of a micro-climate offering the second sunniest part of France with mild winters and a generally temperate climate.
Whether you choose to enjoy cuisine and fine wines or participate in the French custom of cycling, canoeing or bathing by the rivers and lakes, we hope you have the time to explore the places of interest which are easily accessed from Le Petit Maine.
Angouleme, Cognac, Bordeaux and Bergerac are all close by and famous for wine routes, architecture and French ambience. For something different, visit Angouleme's annual vintage car rally, Cognac's world famous annual jazz & blues festival, Chalais's international showjumping competition, Aubeterre's monolithic church or 'Le tour de France' if in the area.
A beautiful drive through the vineyards of Cognac takes you to Royan, our closest seaside resort with a bustling harbour and large clean beach, neighbouring the larger resort of La Rochelle. Across the nearby Dordogne border you can find the Caves of Lascaux with Europe's best known prehistoric cave-art or closer is the beautiful town of Brantome with an abundance of restaurants & a large grassy area by the river for picnics.
Around the area, local villages and towns host markets and fetes throughout summer where a tradition to be enjoyed are the 'evening producteurs markets'. Culinary specialities of the region include Foie gras which is made by a nearby nationally-renowned producteur along with many other types of pate and terrine to try, including wild boar (Sanglier). On the road to Aubeterre you can also find a Walnut Oil producteur, who welcomes sampling. A Sunday tradition of the sale oysters from high street stalls can be enjoyed for a remarkably reasonable price. All seasonal fruits and veg are plentiful at the local markets. Our local, liquid, speciality is Pineau de Charente – a blend of grape juice and young, fierce Cognac, drunk as an aperitif, ice-cold, and then a bit later with food. Vineyards offering tastings are well signposted around the region. There are also 2 local small independent breweries, offering interesting flavoured beers.
Aubeterre sur Dronne area
Le Petit Maine's closest town Montmoreau is a 5 minute drive where all facilities such as supermarket, market and restaurants can be found.
Chalais -10km - is a larger town with a busy traditional Monday market selling all French crafts & regional food specialities that you would hope to find. For a special evening meal visit the renowned Chateau with dungeon restaurant.
15km away is our closest picturesque town Aubeterre. Officially classed as one of France’s prettiest 100 villages and one of the most photographed in France. Balconied medieval houses line the narrow streets of Aubeterre, which lies on the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Stunning, underground 5th - 12th Century Eglise Monolithique (Michelin starred) hewn out of the rock under the castle, other churches, chateau, lots of restaurants and bars. Other activities are; Sunday market with traditional oyster sellers, Fishing, Floodlit tennis courts, Golf, Puppet theatre for children & Horse-riding from large stables near river beach. During the summer months there is traditional French music in the main square in the evenings. Festivals and firework displays are also held throughout the summer. We highly recommend an afternoon spent on the river beach, swimming or bathing. Canoe hire is available here, where you can leave your car and be taken upstream by minibus for a paddle back with occasional stops for swimming and picnics. Or soak up the atmosphere of the café/bar culture in the pretty town square.
Brossac - about 15 kms distance- is a picturesque hilltop town with a small museum of local Roman and early Gallo-Roman finds from the surrounding area. There is a lovely lakeside beach with snack bar, cafés and picnic areas. Canoeing, sailing dinghies and pedaloes are available for hire. Brossac lake beach also has a restaurant overlooking the beach and is a wonderful setting for lunchtimes or evenings.
Angouleme - 40km - the major regional centre for the Charente, with wonderful Beaux Arts galleries, National Comic-Book museum, medieval rampart walk, Cathedral and fine shopping; TGV station for Paris (2hrs 30 mins). It has many festivals during the year and street music can be enjoyed on Thursday evenings during the summer where local bands set up throughout the streets. There is a buzzing café/restaurant culture in the pedestrian shopping area and there are also parks and a large river beach area. .
How to get there
Conveniently located to major road & rail networks & several airports for easy access to Le Petit maine.
By air: Bergerac airport, 60km, served by www.ryanair.com& www.flybe.com Bordeaux airport, 90km, served by www.easyjet.com; www.bmibaby.com; www.ryanair.com; www.flybe.com; www.britishairways.com; www.airfrance.com; wwwflyaerlingus.com La Rochelle airport, 175kms, served by www.flybe.com; www.jet2.com Limoges airport, 180km served by www.ryanair.com& www.flybe.com Car Hire is available from all airports.
By ferry/road: Nearest port, St Malo 4.5-5 hours drive. Northern French ports 7-8 hours drive. Via Angouleme, direct main road to Montmoreau, futher directions will be forwarded on booking.
By Rail: Eurostar from London to Paris. The TGV train service is 2.5 hours Paris to Angouleme (met by local train to Montmoreau-St-Cybard). Local train 1.5 hours Bordeaux to Montmoreau-St-Cybard.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Bergerac: 60 km
Railway:
Montmoreau: 7.5 km
Ferry:
St Malo
Activities near Aubeterre sur Dronne
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Waterpark Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire, Staffed Property
General:
Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Games room, Satellite TV
Balcony / Terrace, Shared outdoor pool (unheated), Shared garden, BBQ, Swing set
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Le Petit Maine has 2 Gites to choose from to suit your needs.
Le Petit Paris (2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 2- 5/7) Originally a barn attached to our Charentaise farmhouse, now newly converted to a gite, Le Petit Paris has 2 bedrooms, sleeping 2-5 (+2 extra on a sofabed and cot) Charmingly, it has retained its character with beautiful exposed beams whilst being newly decorated and furnished with modern comforts. Downstairs: Light and spacious with an open plan living room with large patio doors to private patio area and stairs to an upstairs bedroom. English satalite TV , video & CD player. Open plan kitchen and dining area. New, modern kitchen, well equipped with gas cooker, fridge and microwave. Bedroom 1: a large room with a double bed. A shower room with separate toilet is also situated downstairs. Upstairs: Bedroom 2 is a large characterful room with old oak beams with 3 single beds and room for more! Outside: Large private patio with garden furniture, BBQ, private parking facilities and views to the open countryside. Beyond the patio is the large garden area, pool, play areas and sheltered area for evening meals.
La Petite Alsace (2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 2-4/5) La Petite Alsace is a traditional French farmworker’s cottage which has 2 bedrooms, sleeping 2-4 (+1 extra on a sofabed & cot), full of character with old oak beams and a large Charentaise fireplace where on cooler evenings you can enjoy the ambience of a wood fire. Downstairs: A character beamed open plan living room and dining area with large wood burning fireplace, patio door leading to large private patio area & stairs to upstairs bedroom. English satalite TV , video & CD player.
Large well equipped kitchen with gas cooker, fridge & microwave, separated by character stable wall to dining area. The downstairs also has 1 bedroom with a double bed & the bathroom with shower & toilet. The second bedroom is upstairs and has characterful oak beams, 2 single beds and space for a cot. Outside: Large private patio area with garden furniture, BBQ, parking facilities & views to the open countryside. Beyond the patio is the large garden area, pool, play areas & sheltered area for evening meals.
Further details outdoors: Once a farm, Le Petit Maine Gites are set in its own grounds of lawned areas, fruit trees and 5 acres of level land, lending itself to uninterrupted views of fields of sunflowers, wheat or maize. The 10m x 5m pool is shared by both gites, allowing families to mix and play together. Owing to the vast area of our grounds, the play areas of badminton, football, boules, swings, sandpit and slide are conveniently located in the grassy, garden area without being intrusive to the private patio facilities of each gite where garden furniture and BBQs are located. The sheltered area by the pool transforms into a 'Bistro' where as an alternative to self catering, we can offer our guests a fixed price set evening menu, which is freshly prepared and home cooked with regional ingredients. The menu changes daily and is available 6 evenings per week. Choose dining as a family or benefit from knowing your children are settled and safe in their beds.
Further details
Complimentary 'Welcome pack' and gift on arrival, inclusive of regional wine and necessities for 1st day breakfast! Evening meals available in our sheltered 'Bistro' area. Utility and games library room with washing machine, ironing facilities, books, maps, indoor and outdoor games, CDs and videos to use in own gite. Linen and towels are included (please provide own pool towels). Cots, safety gates, highchairs and other baby equipment is available by request at no extra charge. Cooling fans are provided. Information packs with regional guides provided in gites. Owners on site to assist if required.
Conditions
2009 offers available...please contact us. Changeover day is Saturday. Arrival after 3pm. Departure 10am to allow for cleaning of the gite. This can be flexible out of peak season, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Please inform us if you would like us to prepare a meal for you in the 'Bistro' on your arrival.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Prices for group size 5
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Le Petit Paris
22 May 10
31 May 10
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
Le Petit Paris
31 May 10
3 Jul 10
500£500
0-
0-
1 Week
Le Petit Paris
3 Jul 10
28 Aug 10
700£700
0-
0-
1 Week
Le Petit Paris
28 Aug 10
2 Oct 10
500£500
0-
0-
1 Week
Le Petit Paris
2 Oct 10
16 Oct 10
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
43
Prices for group size 4
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
La Petite Alsace
22 May 10
31 May 10
300£300
0-
0-
1 Week
La Petite Alsace
31 May 10
3 Jul 10
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
La Petite Alsace
3 Jul 10
28 Aug 10
600£600
0-
0-
1 Week
La Petite Alsace
28 Aug 10
2 Oct 10
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
La Petite Alsace
2 Oct 10
16 Oct 10
300£300
0-
0-
1 Week
43
Prices for group size 2
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
La Petite Alsace
22 May 10
3 Jul 10
300£300
0-
0-
1 Week
La Petite Alsace
3 Jul 10
28 Aug 10
600£600
0-
0-
1 Week
La Petite Alsace
28 Aug 10
16 Oct 10
300£300
0-
0-
1 Week
23
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Le Petit Paris has a sofabed in the living room which can accommodate more guests at £100/week per person therefore comfortably sleeping 7.
Cots are available by request at no extra charge.
Prices can be negotiated for smaller groups in low season and alternative arrival and departure dates can be arranged.
Please contact us for late availability offers.
N.B... We have kept our rates at 2008 prices with special offers for couples in the quieter periods.
Bookings can be made by phone or via e-mail. A £100 deposit per week of your booking is required to confirm. Full payment must be made 12 weeks before arrival date or on booking if made 'last minute'. The deposit to secure your booking & covers excess heating charges, damage or breakages & will be returned if the property is found to be in an acceptable condition on departure.
Guestbook for Le Petit Maine Gites
Very comfortable, well equipped and beautifully decorated gite in a very pretty hamlet with a truly 'French feel'... Mr & Mrs Jacques (September 2006).
Wonderful area of France, ideally located to visit all the places of interest we had intended & more! Nice to have the owners around if we needed tips/ advice but also, plenty of privacy to enjoy our holiday... C. Coole (Aug 2007).
We stayed in Le Petit Paris which was much more spacious than the photos show & our friends with their children stayed in La Petite Alsace which was ideal for our families to mix & children to play together in the vast grounds & large pool. What a superb holiday & the hosts even took us winetasting!. The Houghton & Whincup families (May 2008)
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Send Enquiry
To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/35178
Contact details for the advertiser of home 35178
Name:
Kerry Mortimer
Tel:
+44 (0)1723 870373
Mobile:
+44 (0)7939121534
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
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