Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Lovely self-catering holiday cottage of honey-coloured Charente stone, in walled grounds offering complete peace, privacy & relaxation as well as safe, spacious play areas for children. Anam Cara is something special: offering ancient character with modern comforts, in idyllic surroundings, at an affordable price. Child friendly. Safe , private pool. Perfect for couples or families with children.Situated near to an ancient church in a delightfully pretty village in one of the sunniest regions of France.
YOU CAN WALK to a friendly bar/restaurant in the village 5 mins to shops, supermarkets, cinema, cafes, markets, bars and restaurants. 5 mins to the Charente river and Rejallant - a free watermill leisure base/bar/restaurant, swimming area. Inclusive prices. Cheap budget flights and ferries.
ANAM CARA(Celtic "soul friend") is a place to restore & refresh the spirit. A chance for a real change of pace. Whether you want to be active in town, or in stunning countryside, or whether you prefer peace & relaxation at home, Anam Cara & the Ruffecois area offers you a warm welcome & everything you could need for a memorable and rejuvenating holiday in one of the sunniest parts of France. At Anam Cara, walk in at the beginning of your holiday, float out at the end.
IT'S EASY TO GET HERE by rail, cheap budget flights & discounted ferries. Ideally situated for enjoying the sun & warmth, the beautiful scenery, lively activities, Romanesque architecture & cultural heritage of Ruffecois, as well as trips to the high-tech Futuroscope theme park, superb nature & wildlife parks, medieval towns, Poitiers, Confolens, La Rochelle, Limoges & Cognac country. Just ask & we'll send a 100 photos photogallery & feedback from guests. See full details on our website. Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details. Available 30 Aug to 6 Sept. £395. Just a few 2008 weeks left. NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2009.
Anam Cara is a private holiday cottage - it is not a gite or part of a gite complex. You have private and exclusive use of all facilities.
Would you like to see more photos of Anam Cara and the whole area? Ask for our 2 photogalleries
Anam Cara Charente Holiday Cottage with vines and sunflowers
Anam Cara Charente Holiday Cottage Comfy living room with French windows and exposed Charente stone
Anam Cara Charente Holiday Cottage Mature walled gardens with space to relax and play
Grapes growing outside your door
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/27072
The Poitou-Charentes / Vendee / Charente region
Let us know what you like to do and we will email you information sheets to help you plan your holiday. The area is full of of attractions for both adults and young people. With an early Spring and a late Autumn you can enjoy the Poitou Charente climate, and outdoor living, from March to October.
EASY ACCESS AND NOT TOO FAR AWAY: AS YOU ARE 5 minutes from the N10, (and the main Paris to Bordeaux fast train route) access further afield is quick and easy to: The fascinating town of Poitiers and the Futuroscope theme park, The Vallee Des Singes (monkey park), Angouleme with its ancient streets and National Comics and Images Centre or the Chateau de la Rochefoucauld (with its nearby chocolaterie.)
"We thought the castle at La Rochefoucauld and the small town absolutely delightful.There is a restaurant/cafe opposite the castle, where you can sit on the terrace overlooking the river and the castle. It was very peaceful and the meal was lovely. S.J. Family Aug 2006"
OR GO EAST to the porcelain centre in Limoges and the International Folk Music Festival of Confolens; west (1.5 hours drive)to the beaches of La Rochelle; north-west to the "Green Venice" of Marais Poitevin or the Pescalis Fising Centre; south-west to Cognac(for tours and brandy tasting) or the superb Roman amphitheatre and town of Saintes. Or take the TGV (fast train) from Ruffec to Bordeaux or Paris(just 2 hrs) for the day.
WE CAN SEND YOU INFORMATION SHEETS ON:
Travel Information (How to get here inexpensively by air, sea, road and rail), Nearby cafes and bars, Nearby Chateaux, Places to visit, Boats & Boat Trips, Boulangeries & Patisseries, Restaurants, Wine, Cognac & Pineau, Lakes of the High Charente, Nature & Wildlife Parks, Supermarkets, Activities for Children, Villages to visit, Ruffec town, Days out to Angouleme, La Rochelle, Cognac, Aubterre, Jarnac, Saintes, Poitiers, Confolens , Bathing Places, Chocolate-making, Farm Visits, Gardens, the Marais Poitevin, Museums, Fishing, the Poitou Donkey Centre - and anything else you would like to know.
Just ask for INFORMATION SHEETS and a PHOTOGALLERY. Want to know more? Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details.
Ruffec / Villegats area
ANAM CARA is near the ancient pilgrim's route of St Jaques de Compostelle (also known as Santiago de Compostela, or the route of St James)
A VERY SHORT DRIVE or bike ride takes you to indoor and outdoor pools, river bathing, horseriding, canoes, kayacs, picnic areas, a bathing lake with beach, a variety of interesting cafes, bars and excellent restaurants.
A favourite is the REJALLANT a free leisure base by the meandering Charente river. Based around a restored water mill. Fish, safe swimming, swans, picnic and barbecue area, small beach, canoes, kayaks, evening concerts, children's playground, bar and restaurant - just 5 minutes away from Anam Cara. Or if you want to stay in the village, just walk up the road to the bar-restaurant at the Hotel Charentais.
JUST UP THE ROAD AT VILLEFAGNAN, "Les Trois Fontaines" a large bathing and fishing lake, with beach, set in beautiful natural surroundings of parkland and flowers.
OR YOU CAN GO: fishing, explore the forests of Ruffec, buy fresh farm produce at local markets, visit the cinema, clubs, outdoor concerts, artists' workshops, taste the incomparable food and wine at "Gourmet Days".
OR TAKE A LOOK AT the Chateau of Verteuil, the panoramic views at Barro, the medieval church of Ruffec, the silver mines of Melle, the 12th century abbey at St Amant de Boixe, the protected medieval village of Tusson with spectacular gardens and a museum of rural life, the aquatic labyrinth at St Fraigne, restored mills at Condac and Villefagnan, the frescoes in the Chapel of Courcome, the International Dance Festival at Mansle (don't miss the fuchsia gardens), the restored chateau of Bayer , the beautiful Nanteuil village with arboretum - or just explore: You will find beautiful places, local fetes and festivals and real French life.
Ruffec town, five minutes away, has three large supermarkets, a family cinema, twice weekly fresh food markets selling organic produce, clubs, interesting old bars, fabulous restaurants, friendly pavement cafes, internet access, indoor swimming pool, festivals, tourist information office ... Want to know more? Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details.
Futuroscope Theme Park Futuristic, multimedia, high-tech theme park which attracts visitors from all over Europe. Just outside Poitiers www.futuroscope.com
Parc Animalier de la Colline Enchantee 11 hectare animal park with wallabies, llamas, ostriches, emus, stags, deer, yak, antelopes, bison, dromedaries, and farm animals. www.colline-enchantee.com
Confolens World Music & Dance Festival In August every year Confolens hosts this international festival - ten day event with troupes of musicians and dancers from all corners of the globe. After the organised stage shows, small groups of artistes can be found on the terraces and bars of the town until the small hours www.festivaldeconfolens.com
La Vallee des Singes in a 15 hectare park, 350 monkeys, chimpanzees, apes, gorillas roam (almost) freely. Children can mix with the animals and join in feeding sessions. www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr
Zoodysee Wonderful animal park set in a beautiful natural environment in the Forest of Chize, with over 500 animals to see. www.zoodysee.org/
Oradour Sur Glane The famous "martyr Village" subject to a terrible Nazi massacre in Worl War Two. Rebuilt village with museum, artefacts, memories, exhibitions. www.oradour.org/
Feeriland A world in miniature: a Lilliput land containing hundreds of miniature models; Caesar's army approaching a medieval village; the Wild West; a Gaelic Village; the Renaissance in miniature; animated scale models. At Veyrac, ten minutes from Limoges, near Oradour sur Glane. feeriland.free.fr/GB/GB001.htm
Ruffec Town Hall & Information Guidede tour of the town, tourist information, photos and events calendar. www.mairie-ruffec.fr/EN/index.asp
Charente Guide Tourist guide to Charente events, festivals, carnivals, concerts, exhibitions and guided tours. www.charenteguide.com
Snake Island L'ile aux Serpents is a fascinating world of snakes, iguanas, varans, alligators, lizards, turtles and mangees living in a natural environment including caves, water and flora. The vivarium is open all year and you can have close contact if you wish. At La Trimouille, east of Montmorillon and not too far from Les Geants du Ciel at Chauvigny. www.ileauxserpents.com
Giants of the Sky Les Geants du Ciel is at the stunning medieval city of Chauvigny. Eagles and other birds of prey, white storks, African marabous, Australian kookaburras, parrots and other birds from all over the globe perform spectacular and colourful demonstrations of their skills in flight. www.geantsduciel.com
Charente Museum Guide Information and virtual guides to museums in Poitou-Charentes. Includes: archaeology, ethnology, Arts and Natural History museums throughout the region. Events calendar showing exhibitions. www.alienor.org
Puy Du Fou The famous theme park - battles, knights, castles! www.puydufou.com
La Rochelle Aquarium An unforgettable encounter with the undersea world. With sea creatures and features around you and above your head, you enter the marine world of sharks, fish, barrier reefs, etc. www.aquarium-larochelle.com/english/
Aventure Parc Adventure park for acrobatics, climbing, 4 circuits of 63 games, tarzan leaps, rope bridges and aerial ropeways. Mainly for over 8's www.aventure-parc.fr
Pescalis Superb fishing opportunities at Pescalis. Created in 2000, in an area of 150 hectares, Pescalis is the first international nature & fishing centre in Europe. Here, birds, frogs and toads, insects and fish cohabit the luxuriant wetlands in peaceful tranquillity.Pescalis invites you to discover the natural surroundings where our catch-and release policy benefits all. www.pescalis.com
Chateau de la Rochefoucauld A great day out is to visit the pretty town of La Rochefoucauld with its famous chateau. Fascinating tours in a beautiful place. www.chateau-la-rochefoucauld.com/_eng/histoire/histoire.asp
NAUTILUS Swimming and Ice-Skating Park Nautilis is a mixed family sports and leisure centre offering water sports and an ice-skating rink. There are two pools available to all ; indoor leisure pools (toboggan, jets, spas) and rooms for natural water and cardiac therapy. Outdoors there is the River Charente, wave pool, pentagliss as well as an inflatable structure of 17m. http://www.agglo-angouleme.fr/index-module-orki-page-view-id-48-niveau-2.html
Want to know more? Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details.
How to get there
Anam Cara: GETTING HERE IS EASY! We don't just take your booking - we will provide any information, advice and assistance you need to help you plan your holiday and find your most convenient and cheap travel, whether this is discounted ferries, cheap budget airlines or climate-friendly rail travel. NEW! Ryanair flights from London Stanstead to Angouleme. Ryanair flights from Birmingham to Poitiers.
Whether you’re travelling by road, rail or air, travelling to Anam Cara can be both inexpensive and a pleasant journey.The cheapest methods of travel are:
• SHORT FERRY CROSSING on Speedferries(Dover- Boulogne) • CHEAP FLIGHTS TO Poitiers, Angouleme, Limoges, La Rochelle,Bordeaux If you prefer a longer ferry crossing and a shorter drive, take a crossing to Caen or St Malo.
DISCOUNTS ON FERRY TRAVEL When you book accommodation at Anam Cara our associates at La Chenaie Vacances Ltd , English speaking, can offer substantial discounts on cross channel ferry crossings. They can be contacted on 00 33 (0)2 31 69 98 54 or by e mail at anthony.cluskey@wanadoo.fr Or try any of these:
RYANAIR flies to Poitiers, La Rochelle and Limoges www.ryanair.com NEW! Flights to Angouleme EASYJET flies to Paris, Limoges www.easyjet.com FLYBE flies to Bordeaux, Paris, La Rochelle, Limoges www.flybe.com BMIBaby flies to Bordeaux www.bmibaby.com
FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS AT www.moneysavingexpert.com/flightchecker/ www.whichbudget.com
CAR HIRE You can pre-book and pick up a hire car from any of the major companies at all the airports or train stations. Car hire is also available in Ruffec itself. Discounted car hire from: www.mycarhire-france.co.uk www.auto-europe.co.uk www.argusrentals.com
DISTANCES BY ROAD FROM FERRY PORTS (from AA Routefinder)
PORT MILES TIME Caen 259m 4hrs 8min St Malo 247m 4hrs 21min Calais 403m 6hrs 28min Boulogne 381m 6hrs 8 min
DISTANCES BY ROAD FROM AIRPORTS
AIRPORT MILES TIME Angouleme 29m 25 min Poitiers 30m 35min Get routeplanning directions from: Limoges 63m 1hr 24min www.viamichelin.com Bordeaux 98m 1hr 35min Paris 249m 3hrs51min www.theaa.com
TRAVEL BY RAIL + CAR HIRE Worried about carbon emissions? Eurostar and Rail Europe will bring you all the way to the Charente. Routes are either via Paris or Lille, with connecting trains to the Charente. (London - Lille requires just a change of train in Paris; London - Paris requires a change of station.) Ruffec is on the SNCF Paris to Spain main line and there is a TGV (fast train) link with Paris daily. As there are more daily trains to both Poitiers and Angouleme, it is best to choose one of these destinations and then drive the final short distance from there. Rail Europe: www.raileurope.com Eurostar: www.eurostar.com
Want to know more? Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
POITIERS, ANGOULEME (Also Limoges, Bordeaux, La Ro: 48 km
Railway:
RUFFEC(4km) Poitiers(40km)Angouleme(35km): 4 km
Ferry:
CAEN/ST MALO: 397 km
Activities near Ruffec
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 Good nightlife Cycling holidays
Sofabeds (1), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: ANAM CARA (Celtic "soul friend") is a place to restore & refresh the spirit. A chance for a real change of pace. Whether you want to be active in town, or in stunning countryside, or whether you prefer peace & relaxation at home, Anam Cara & the Ruffecois area offers you a warm welcome & everything you could need for a memorable and rejuvenating holiday in one of the sunniest parts of France.
WELL-EQUIPPED AND WELL-FURNISHED ACCOMMODATION combines ancient character with modern comforts.
All household linen is provided & your bed is made up before you arrive.
A LARGE, CHANDELIERED LIVING ROOM, with exposed Charente stone walls, beamed alcoves & fireplace with cosy woodburning stove, looks via French windows onto a restful balcony overlooking grapevines & mature gated gardens. Comfy furniture with Damascene throws. TV for DVDs, Radio, CD System, Board Games,. Lots of interesting books in French and English(including "Anam Cara" by John O'Donohue) , children's games, small library of cassettes, CDs and DVDs.
WELL-EQUIPPED KITCHEN (including toaster, coffee maker, microwave, new cooker, new fridge-freezer etc) overlooks the patio dining area. The kitchen receives lots of morning to early evening sunshine.
2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS. Comfortable, light and airy bedrooms, both with sitting space and views of the orchard and an ancient church. Additional double sofabed in the lounge. Cot available.
PRETTY TILED BATHROOM with shower, washbasin and separate WC adjoins the main bedroom .
Want to know more? Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details. Would you like to see more photos of Anam Cara and the whole area? Ask for our 2 photogalleries
Further details outdoors: THERE'S PLENTY DO DO AT HOME . You have a very large lawned garden with a grapevined suntrap patio dining area, as well as areas of shade under fig, beech, peach, cherry, magnolia & medlar trees. Children have space to explore & play safely & there is a covered sandpit for younger children.
You can play badminton & other games, laze in the hammock listening to birdsong , or cool off in the private above-ground pool. Anam Cara is NOT part of a gite complex: You have private & exclusive use of all facilities.
In the evening, help yourself to some parsley, rosemary, basil, thyme, chives, garlic, onions or tomatoes to add to your meal, turn on the garden lights & relax in the warmth as you dine outdoors under the stars.
A short walk takes you to the village bar-restaurant, tennis courts, the village vineyard or glorious sunny woods, fields & country lanes. Easy access to sunflower fields, vineyards, Futuroscope theme park, lively towns, unmatched chateaux, bathing lakes, mills, boating, swimming, superb restaurants, friendly bars, picturesque & interesting villages & a region of rich cultural heritage.
Want to know more? Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details. Would you like to see more photos of Anam Cara and the whole area? Ask for our 2 photogalleries
Further details
Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details.
Conditions
25% deposit secures your booking.
Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details.
Would you like to see more photos of Anam Cara and the whole area? Please contact us an ask for our 2 photogalleries
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Low season
3 Jan 09
14 Mar 09
200£200
0-
0-
1 Week
14 Mar 09
11 Apr 09
230£230
0-
0-
1 Week
11 Apr 09
18 Apr 09
280£280
0-
0-
1 Week
18 Apr 09
2 May 09
250£250
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
2 May 09
23 May 09
280£280
0-
0-
1 Week
23 May 09
30 May 09
315£315
0-
0-
1 Week
30 May 09
6 Jun 09
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
6 Jun 09
27 Jun 09
385£385
0-
0-
1 Week
27 Jun 09
18 Jul 09
455£455
0-
0-
1 Week
Peak Season
18 Jul 09
29 Aug 09
515£515
0-
0-
1 Week
High Season
29 Aug 09
5 Sep 09
455£455
0-
0-
1 Week
5 Sep 09
12 Sep 09
375£375
0-
0-
1 Week
12 Sep 09
26 Sep 09
355£355
0-
0-
1 Week
26 Sep 09
10 Oct 09
280£280
0-
0-
1 Week
131
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Rates given are FROM rates (the lowest rate for any week in that period.)
Low season rates range from £175 to £200
Mid-season rates range from £230 to £280
High season rates from £280.to £455
Peak season rates range from £495 to £515
Contact us for LATE DEALS. Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details.
In the main season, bookings are normally Saturday to Saturday.
10% of your booking fee will be sent to our chosen charity of the year (this year Medicins sans Frontieres and the Medical Foundation)
Guestbook
"Confolen festival & parade - a terrific way to end our fortnight. All in all a very memorable & enjoyable holiday, which we will remember fondly. Thanks for all your help, warm regards " - Sara & Mike K. July 2006
"We have viewed loads of websites and properties and Anam Cara stands out to us as an idyllic place for us, and with plenty of things for our children who are aged from 4 – 12 years." - S.G - Dumfries - Aug 2005
"We had a wonderful time at ‘Anam Cara’. Everything was very efficiently arranged The house was lovely & the garden very beautiful. It was our most relaxing family holiday. We very much hope to revisit ‘Anam Cara’ in 2008. Thank you for letting us stay in your lovely cottage. " - James Family August 2006
"“We had a fantastic time in France. The weather ranged from 25 - 36 degrees throughout the two weeks. The house was lovely. It was in a lovely setting and you have thought very well about what would make an enjoyable holiday for all. Thanks again for everything " - Holland Family . June 2006
"We had a wonderful time, its such a pretty little place. Great day out at Futuroscope, loved it! The house was neat & well kept, funiture good too. Lots of really nice little touches that we ejoyed, from the games to the postcards. Thanks again for " - Ben and Jo. W. June 2006
" We very much enjoyed our time at Anam Cara so big thanks. I wouldn't have any problem recommending the house or area to others. The children particularly enjoyed the lake at Villefagnan as well as the swimming pool, which they virtually lived in! " - Warren Family August 2006
Want to see more Guests Feedback? Just click on "Visit the owner's website" at the bottom right of the page, under Contact Details.
Availability
See below for next 6 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
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/27072
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