Les Petits Coins - Things to do and see

 

Facilities at Les Petits Coins include:-

  • 10 x 5m Heated salt-water swimming pool with child security fence           

  • Bicycles available to borrow

  • Lots of space for ball games and general play

  • Boules court at rear of property                                                                

  • Dvd & Video library with English films

  • Table tennis, badminton & volley ball

 

Apart from just relaxing at Les Petits Coins ( and it is very peaceful ) there are lots of things to do and see in the area: 

Beaches - The nearest beaches are about 35 minutes up the coast at Meschers - these are small coves with safe, sandy beaches. Five minutes further on are the enormous beaches of St.Georges de Didonne and Royan, both with full safety patrols, lots of space & some watersports. 

Swimming - The town of Jonzac has a newly built thermal spring water park, with a large indoor leisure pool connecting to an outside pool and sunbathing area, also a hydro spa, gym and restaurant. (click on link and select centre aquatique)  http://lesantillesdejonzac.com

Cycling - Borrow our bikes and explore the local area or, if you’re fit, cycle a bit further and  wander the lanes along the flat-lands of the estuary where there is a myriad of flora & fauna. (Or, if you’re as fit as  us, take the bikes in the car & cycle from the flat bits!)

Walking - Great walks from the door, or borrow our ramblers maps and explore the local tracks and footpaths. 

Golf - Good courses at Saintes, Royan http://www.golfderoyan.com, Cognac, Bordeaux.

Fishing - There is good sea and river fishing nearby. Permits for river fishing are available locally. 

Tennis - Mirambeau has several good tennis courts. 

Wildlife - This area is a bird-watchers paradise with unusual birds in abundance as well as hedgerows and verges full of wild flowers long disappeared from Britain. 

PLACES TO VISIT :- 

COGNAC - Several well-known cognac houses are open to the public & give guided tours around their distilleries. The town of Cognac itself also merits a trip !

ST. EMILLION -  A picturesque town, the home of “good” red wine. There are guided tours of a different chateau each day during the summer, by “road-train”.

BLAYE  - An old garrison town, well worth a visit.

BOURG - An interesting little town  a bit further up the estuary from Blaye. Capital of the “Cotes de Bourg” appellation. 

SAINTES - Roman city on the Charente river, complete with amphitheatre and Roman remains.  Beautiful  abbey and churches as well as some good shops. 

ROYAN - Lovely beaches, interesting yacht harbour. It has an interesting cathedral built by the Americans to replace the one bombed  during WW2. Good indoor food market. A “smart” seaside town. 

TALMONT - A very pretty estuary village with an interesting ancient church. This is everyone’s favourite spot! 

LA PALMYRE - Renowned for its zoo, reputed to be the finest in Europe (a great day out for adults as well as children) http://zoo-palmyre.fr  The beaches in this area are magnificent, mainly nature reserves and very wild. Also, visit the “Phare de Coubre” (lighthouse) and, if you’re fit, climb it’s 300 steps for a breathtaking view. 

MARENNES - This is the home of the oyster and mussel “industry” - a fascinating area especially if you like seafood.

ILE D’OLERON - Cross to this island on a magnificent bridge. The island has beautiful beaches & an interesting citadel. 

BORDEAUX - An impressive city with good shopping and possibly the world’s most important wine centre. A new tram-line takes you into the city from the outskirts, avoiding the traffic! http://bordeaux-tourisme.com

The list of things to do and interesting places to visit is endless...............and at the end of each day, return to Semoussac, cool off in the pool and then relax in the garden with a bottle of  local wine while soaking up the warm sunshine and the tranquil atmosphere.                                                                                             Paradise!