Le Petit Sapin

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Gite |2 bedrooms |Sleeps 4

Fontenay le Comte in Poitou-Charentes/Vendee

From £270 per week

7 nights minimum stay

Changeover flexible

4 out of 5

1 review | Write a review

Key info  Swimming pool, balcony/terrace, car advised, no pets allowed

About the home

This delightful 2 bed French Gite has been tastefully converted by the owners to provide a comfortable holiday home for families or couples. Its' facilities briefly comprise of; a double bedroom with four poster bed and a twin bedroom with French doors leading out to the garden from both bedrooms. It also has a bathroom with an impressive multi-jet shower, an open plan lounge/diner and a well-equipped kitchenette. Outside there is a small furnished terraced area, BBQ and a shared outdoor heated swimming pool which is set in mature grounds of approx. one acre providing plenty of space for relaxation. The owners live on site. Bicycles are provided and it is close to all amenities.

Situated on the fringe of the village of Fourchard and the Forest of Mervent in the Southern Vendee, it is just 5 miles from the medieval town of Fontenay le Comte. It provides an ideal holiday home for families or couples wishing to explore this beautiful area with activities including fishing, cycling, walking, kayaking, rock-climbing, sailing etc and is within an hours drive of some of the many fabulous beaches along the Vendee Coast such as La Tranche, La Faute and Les Sables D'Olonne.

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Both bedrooms have either pool or garden views.The second bedroom is a twin with 2 substantial and very comfortable beds with the option to push them together to form a double if required.
A multi-jet shower/bathroom.
Well-equipped kitchen/dining area.
Open plan lounge with doors leading out into the pool and gardens.
A fold-up bed is also available for a child/teenager or a travel cot. Linen is provided at no extra cost.
Wi-Fi access is now available.

Further details outdoors:
The extensive garden area is laid mainly to lawn. The swimming pool is used from time to time by the owners and their family, but it is essentially a private pool for the use of guests. The pool cover is semi-permanent. It is a low level cover providing security when not in use and also for heat retention. Access is via a sliding panelled door when the cover is on but can be removed for more comfortable use during the daytime. Half can be slid under the other half, or it can be removed completely. We generally prefer to lift on the legs which then provides shade from both wind and sun as required.

There is also a furnished patio area and outdoor BBQ for al fresco dining and a covered gazebo with lights for either relaxing in the daytime shade or enjoying the evening ambiance.

Further details

Changeover days are Saturdays in July & Aug but can be flexible at other times.
Guests are kindly asked to arrive no earlier than 3pm and vacate before 10am on the day of departure (unless otherwise agreed).
A complimentary welcome pack is provided for guests.
Towels are provided including pool towels.
There is also a very useful folder in the gite packed with tourist information leaflets on the area, including zoos, towns of interest, restaurants, boating/canoeing info, beaches and maps.
The English owners of this property are very friendly and keen for you to make the most of their facilities and surroundings and will be available to provide further information and advice if needed.
Please note: For your safety, all non-swimmers and children must be supervised at all times whilst in the swimming pool area.

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Le Petit Sapin

 

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Private parking

 

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View from garden

 

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The nearby Forest of Mervent

The Poitou-Charentes / Vendee / Vendee region

The Vendee region is about the size of Cornwall, located on the French Atlantic coast, just south of Brittany and Nantes, and north of La Rochelle. Its position, within 2 to 5 hours of the various western ferry ports, makes the area an easy day's journey from Britain and Ireland. The South of the Vendée benefits from the same microclimate as the Northern part of the Charente Maritime, giving the region a level of summer sunshine bettered in France only by the Côte d’Azur.

The sandy beaches of this part of the Vendée are considered amongst the best in Europe. Indeed, the beaches of the Vendée are the primary source of its fame and the reason why the coast has long been a popular destination with the French. Mainly sandy and only gently sloping, the beaches are a particular hit with children of all ages. The beaches and sea are kept scrupulously clean and many stretches are patrolled by lifeguards during the summer. However, a cooling contrast to the coast are the peaceful forests and countryside (the "bocage") of the Vendée which provide ideal venues for nature lovers who delight in the region’s thousands of marked footpaths and signposted cycle routes that run along the coastal mudflats and marshes that attract varied species of birds. One can even bask in the extensive nude beach located just south of La Faute sur Mer on the Pointe d’Arcay. Fishing is also a popular sport in the Vendée, whether in the ocean or at one of the region's many rivers and lakes which you will find nearby.

Whatever you choose to do, staying in this wonderful part of France, you can expect good weather, excellent countryside, wonderful food and lots of things to do.

The Fontenay le Comte area

Nearby Activities and Attractions:
Fontenay le Comte
The medieval town of Fontenay le Comte, which is noted for its architectural heritage, is just 5 miles away and well worth a visit. Fontenay offers a wide range of cultural activities (museums, a cinema, theatre and a new arts centre), a wide range of shopping, an excellent selection of restaurants and a superb Saturday market.

The Forest of Mervent
Provides over 12000 acres of mixed woodland which attracts walkers, ramblers, bird watchers, nature lovers, horse-riders, cyclists, rock-climbers and others. The forest is also home to a water sports complex at Mervent where you can hire canoes, sail boats, kayaks, pedaloes or simply go bathing in one of the many delightful leisure areas around the lakes. A small zoo and amusement park can also be found here, (Parc de Pierre Brune - see "Adventure & Fun Parks" below). On a hot day a picnic in the cool of the woods followed by a gentle stroll is a delight.

Le Grand Parc de Puy du Fou
Arguably the best family day out in France! Set in a huge landscaped park, the shows of the Puy du Fou combine the skills of actors, horsemen, falconers and stuntmen together with stunning sets to portray history in a way that could not be less stuffy. The Puy du Fou also stages evening shows (the "Cinescene") on Friday & Saturday evenings throughout the summer. Booking is essential via their website or tourist information. See www.puydufou.com Distance: 50kms.

Adventure & Fun Parks
The Parc de Pierre Brune is located in the forest of Mervent on a 25 acre site just 3kms away. Attractions include trampolines, a range of gigantic inflatables in the "bouncy castle" mould and bumper boats. There is something for children of all ages (and adults are allowed to play too...). The Indian Forest is a newer attraction for the Vendée. Spread over two sites, the Indian forest has facilities for age 2 to adult, including eight courses of "high ropes" (elevated obstacle courses that are allegedly quite safe), giant inflatables, maxi-bungee (a trampoline / elastic rope affair that throws people 22m into the air - again, allegedly perfectly safe, though perhaps not ideal after a heavy lunch) and paint-balling. Children will thoroughly enjoy themselves gadding about 35 feet above the ground and it must be said that the adults we have seen had just as much fun too! Visit their website at www.indian-forest-atlantique.com. There is a new 'parcabout' at the 'Donjon des Cimes' where children (and adults too) can trampoline and do acrobats in the tree tops, without a harness or any sort of attachment, all above the medieval town. There is also a mini structure just for the 2 - 4 year olds. (Fastened shoes are a must). A fantastic day out for all the family. See www.parcabout-fontenay.fr.

La Rochelle & Ille de Ré
Located approx. 35 miles away is the port of La Rochelle, a superb, historic and beautiful city, busy with yachts and pleasure vessels and many excellent quayside restaurants. The handsome 17th century city centre has extensive shopping facilities and for children, the large, modern aquarium (certainly the largest in France and said to be the largest in Europe) is not to be missed. Just offshore, the Ille de Ré (reached by bridge from the mainland) has fantastic beaches, cycle ways and picnic spots.

Zoos and Wildlife Parks
There are a number of zoos and wildlife parks in the Vendée and neighbouring Charente Maritime, the best of which are the zoo at Les Sables d'Olonne on the Vendée coast and the Palmyre zoo near Royan in the Charente Maritime.

Beaches of the Vendée
La Faute, La Tranche and Longeville are the closest beaches to our gite at 35 miles away. Like many of the beaches along the Vendee coastline they have European Blue Flag accreditation for general cleanliness and water quality. Wind surfing and body boarding are very popular during the summer season, whilst in spring and autumn, board surfers are well served. The best area for surfing lies between the beaches of La Tranche and Longeville. There are plenty of surf shops and surf schools in the area.

And last but not least.....Food and Wine
With its long coastline, it is no surprise that seafood features strongly in the cuisine of the Vendée. Oysters and mussels are raised in vast numbers along the coast and are available just about everywhere at astoundingly good value. Wine has been produced in the southern Vendée since Roman times and is also home to a number of microbreweries that are producing some outstanding (and powerful) beers. It is impossible nowadays to come to the Vendee without taking home a sample of the local wine. The Pissotte Vineyard in nearby Mervent, although small in comparison (54 acres) has been producing Xavier Coirier Pissotte Wines since 1895. The "La petite groie" (white) and "The Melusine" (red) are a light and not too aggressive wine which will leave a good long after-taste. The vineyard is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays. With such a wide selection of excellent food and wines on offer, eating in the Vendée can be as much a part of a holiday for some as the beach. There is a selection of bars and lakeside restaurants conveniently close by. All tastes and budgets are catered for. We will be very happy to provide recommendations and make reservations.There is a boulangerie which also provides groceries for basic needs in the village and you will find full shopping facilities including a large supermarket in nearby Fontenay le Comte (8kms) or 10mins by car. We do have an early morning delivery of bread, croissants etc which can be ordered the previous evening. Bon Appetit!

How to get there

Le Petit Sapin What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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By air: Fly to either La Rochelle (50 kms) or Nantes (approx. 1 hours drive away).
Car hire is readily available at both airports or transfers can be arranged in advance.

By Sea: Sail to either St Malo or Caen (Brittany Ferries form Portsmouth). Approx. 315 kms and 416 kms respectively. Excellent roads for both routes. Alternatively, travel from Poole or Portsmouth to Cherbourg.

We can also arrange overnight stops/accommodation - please ask for details on booking.

Please ask us about our special discounted rates on all cross channel ferries/tunnel, car hire, airport car parking and holiday insurance.

Activities near Fontenay le Comte

Reviews

Review: 1 to 1 of 1

30 Aug 2011

“A great find” I was almost put off this place as it seemed too good to be true but having spent an entirely happy week in August, I am happy to confirm that it is even better than I had dared to hope. The house... more

Review: 1 to 1 of 1

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Rental prices

Prices for group size 4
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Spring/Summer 2012	31 Mar 12	19 May 12	360£ 360	0-	0-	1 Week
Spring/Summer 2012	19 May 12	30 Jun 12	360£ 360	0-	0-	1 Week
Summer 2012	30 Jun 12	1 Sep 12	520£ 520	0-	0-	1 Week
Late Summer 2012	1 Sep 12	30 Sep 12	360£ 360	0-	0-	1 Week
Autumn 2012	30 Sep 12	21 Oct 12	270£ 270	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Above prices are for the property rental only based on a maximum of four adults & one child/teenager or infant (max. 5). Sorry no under occupancy reductions.

Any external facilities may be subject to local charges and availability.

Electricity and water utilities are included in the price. There are no additional charges for this property

A non-refundable deposit of £200 is payable upon booking.

Remainder to be paid 10 weeks before departure date together with a refundable security deposit of £150.00

We accept Cheques and most Debit & Credit Cards.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Contact the manager

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

4 years listed You are contacting Joanne Coulson Roma Travel (property manager) Landline +44 01476 566626 Mobile n/a Payment accepted Credit cards accepted Languages spoken The property manager is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This gite has received 1 review from previous guests.

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