One of four holiday cottages that line a courtyard, Les Moineaux provides the comfort of modern day renovation in an old barn at La Ferme des Tourterelles. The white walls provide the fresh and light feel whilst the old oak beams are visible on the first floor provide old worlde charme.
The bedrooms are set up for four people and the pricing is provided accordingly. The second bedroom with twin beds is large enough to provide an extra single bed - price on application so that it can accommodate 5 people.
In front of the cottage is a terrace with wooden garden furniture and parasol. Privacy is offered by the surrounding flower beds and trellis supporting climbing plants such as roses, clematis and evergreen honeysuckle.
The large grounds and pool mean that you can either retreat and restore yourself in the quiet rural surrounds or if you so desire, interact with any other family or group staying in the other cottages.
La Ferme des Tourterelles is conveniently placed on the edge of the Champagne producing region of the Aube, giving you the opportunity to drive through the undulating country lined with vineyards and to stop for a tour and tasting of the various champagne producers. The grounds of La Ferme des Tourterelles, face the forests of the Parc Naturel Regional de la Forêt d'Orient that gives host to a variety of wildlife; birds, bats, deer (rutting season and the noise of the stags is amazing), wild boar just to name a few! Only ten minutes drive is the first of three large lakes providing the opportunity for many different water sports. One of the lakes has been reserved for nature only and is the largest lake in europe with no human habitation. A great opportunity for walking and cycling.
If you are interested in soaking up the atmosphere porvided by old medieval buildings, a visit to Troyes is a must and only ten minutes away is Bar-sur-Aube, a small working rural town with much charm. Troyes hosts the largest factory outlets in europe so great for shopping particularly during the sales.
Children young and old, love Nigloland (funny name but slang for hedgehog!); the third largest amusement park in France which is only five minutes away hidden in a valley and forests. It is not your typical concrete jungle that costs a fortune to entertain your family. There are rides large and small, situated at the side of paths that wind through the forest, lawns and flower beds. You can take a picnic or dine/snack reasonably at the different restaurants or fast food outlets. We have had families who have used us as a base to visit Disney land and Park Asterix.
Further details
The cottages have been classified as 4 keys(4star) by Clévacances in conjunction with the Tourist Board. To secure your reservation, a contract produced by Clevacances requires your signature and a deposit of 25-30%.
Please note that you are required to have travel insurance or if you live on the continent, a home insurance policy that provides cover when you stay in holiday accommodation. (By civil law in France you are wholly responsible for any damage, accidental or otherwise, caused to holiday property)
Further details indoors
Les Moineaux sleeps four and comprise two large en-suite bedrooms. The contemporary bathrooms comprise a bath, with shower, handbasin and toilet as well as hairdryer. The main bedroom has a king size bed and satellite TV. The second bedroom with two single beds can accommodate a third bed if requested. Crisp white cotton sheets are provided along with towels. There is a large open plan living area with adjoining fully-fitted kitchen, dining area and lounge equipped with satellite TV, DVD and internet access.
We do have some toys for the children to play with, as well an an old school desk for two small children from the Eclance school should you want that put into your cottage for you. Just let us know.
Further details outdoors
The large outdoor heated pool is available for use from mid-May to mid-September. It is surrounded by a wall that provides privacy and shelter as well as security for young children running around in the garden. Adults are responsible for their children when they use the pool. The pool face south making the most of the sunshine and when you are tired of swimming, sunbathing, snoozing or reading that novel, just wander around and soak up the panorama around you of the hills, fields and forests.
There is a petanque/boules court and there are two sets of boules available for you play under the shade of trees. There is a table tennis table with bats and balls on a terrace that provides lighting in the evenings.
A BBQ terrace is situated beside the large limestone barn with a chimenea so that for late into the evening you get the refracted heat from the barn along with the cheery and warm atmosphere from the buring wood (regardless if it is not cool enough to warrant lighting the fire!). The tables and chairs can be moved from this area to under the trees if you prefer to eat in during the day in the shade of the trees.
For quiet contemplation, your own space or a lovely place to have an apratif at the end of the day watching the sun set over the fields and forests, there are two terraces at the end of the garden.