Open all year round, this delightful cottage is located in the ancient part of Civray, opposite the river and within a 5 minute walk to the historic town centre. Here you will find a range of shops, boulangeries, bars and restaurants and the River charent that flows through the centre where Kayaks can be hired. There is also a charming cinema and new leisure centre with two heated pools and sauna. a short drive will take you into the beautiful French countryside, with superb walks. Poitiers with its café culture, theatres and shops is just 35 minutes drive away and from there you can take a fast TGV train to Paris (1 1/4 hours) or Bordeaux (30 minutes). The science/media park at futuroscope is the biggest attraction after Disneyland Paris. For those fond of the sea, La Rochelle is just 1 hour 20 minutes away by car. There is a twice-weekly market in Civray, great for browsing and buying, not to mention the brocantes that frequently take place over the summer months.This house is beautifully decorated throughout and fully equipped, with a super, charming garden, ideal for those balmy summer evenings. Just pour a drink, light the BBQ and relax! Children over 6 accepted.

Moving to France 10 years ago, Civray is one of the prettiest towns. A cat lover, this house is in a no-through road, with no passing traffic but just a stone's throw from the river opposite for which fishing permits are available locally. Do wander into the local villages; Blanzay has its own fromagerie with tastings on a Saturday morning, or trip into one of the caves for wine-tasting. Folfers will find courses near to Poitiers and for the more adventurous, kayaks can be hired locally too. There is no better way than to see the countryside than on a good walk or from a horse. Wildlife abounds and it is not unusual to see wild boar, deer and numerous birds of prey around and about.

The streets used to echo to the sound of the feet of the Knights Templar, the Commanderie for whom is just a short walk away. It is just a five minute walk into Civray itself, so easy to pick up that loaf of bread in the morning! Don't forget to visit the markets too, the general market being on a Tuesday early morning to midday and the artisan food market on a Friday; don't forget you will only get fruit and veg. that is in season here! For rainy days (which are few and far between) there is a private cinema showing films in French and English, not to mention the brand new leisure centre with indoor and outdoor heated pools (outdoor is seasonal). The local Church, one of the oldest in France hosts concerts and choral works throughout the year.