Le Grand Saule Chambre d’Hote, set in its own private, sunny and tranquil grounds, nestles below the 11th century tower of Moncontour. Situated on the edge of the village of Moncontour, but within walking distance of all amenities including water sports lake. The local area offers walking, cycling, fishing, horse riding, golf, history, architecture and culture. It is also set amongst beautiful fields of sunflowers, melons and vineyards – a truly remarkable and sensory experience.
Le Grand Saule a spacious and comfortable house of history and character, is set in one of the sunniest areas of France. The village of Moncontour, is a pretty, historical village on the border of Vienne and Deux Sevres. It offers numerous forest and riverside walks where you can find deer and birds of prey. The area offers fishing, walking, cycling, horse riding, golf and go-karting. Arrive in spring and the swallows will lead you to your destination. Or you may be lucky enough to spot a heron or two along your route, usually stealing a fish or two from the fishermen.
The region is steeped in Roman art and architecture and chateaux. Roman sites of Sanxay, Naintre and Gens all within an hours drive. The route des Roi Anglais meanders from the coast down to the Loire Valley. You will find it hard to enter a village or town and not find a chateau or two, the nearest and most beautiful being that of Chateau Oiron, which holds regular events during the summer time. Within an hours drive you can find Saumur, Chinon and Tours along the Loire Valley and also the beautiful chateaux of Amboise, Villandry and Usse are all well worth a visit. At Amboise you can find the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. Closer to home the beautiful Romanesque church of St Jouin des Marnes can be found just ten minutes drive. And not forgetting once more the town of Oiron where the church actually contains a stuffed crocodile thought to have mystical powers!
If you are looking for visits to suit the children then you can not go wrong with the Vallee des Singes (ape valley) at Romagne; and Le Geants du Ciel (birds of prey) at Chauvigny, where you will also find a castle and medieval town. Troglodyte caves at Rochemenier and Doue la Fontaine; and we must not forget Poitiers famous theme park Futuroscope which is just 45 minutes drive.
The area is mid point between the northern channel ports and the south of France, making it an ideal stopping off point for a rest on your journey south, or to finish off your holiday by passing through on the way north; or maybe you are house hunting. Maybe you have a camper van/mobile home – why not stop off and relax in our provide grounds – we can provide electricity connection and water.
Of course if you choose to fly, then Poitiers airport is just 45 minutes drive away, and if you fancy a long, relaxing, romantic weekend then we may be able to arrange for transport to and from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION:
Le Grand Saule Chambre d'Hote/ Bed and Breakfast has history and character, with high ceilings and the original beams and beautiful tall shuttered windows. The spacious and comfortable lounge provides both satellite and French television and stereo, and for those winter evenings, relax in front of our beautiful, cosy log burning fire. Of course in the rare event of rain we have a library of English books, DVDs and videos.
Or relax in our beautiful sun filled, mature garden amongst the herbs and roses, or in the rear of the garden, under the ancient willow tree, where the garden backs onto the meandering river Dive. Here you can find an original, medieval ball from a catapult used during a siege of the tower; or you may find a woodpecker or two, birds of prey, song birds, lizards, pine martens and butterflies. One recent guest, a twitcher, remarked that he had spotted a least two birds that he had never seen before, just in two days!
Accommodation offered is an elegant and spacious family room for five with a double bed and a single bed, with the opportunity of a further two single beds or cot (cot or high chair available), it is ensuite with a power shower, sink and WC. We also offer a double room ensuite with elegant antique roll top bath and separate shower and WC. Both rooms overlook the very beautiful, sunny garden. Satellite television and tea and coffee making facilities are provided and all rooms have electric heating. Hairdryer and irons available and laundry facilities available by negotiation.
Continental breakfast, which is provided in the price, consists of orange juice, baguettes and croissants, or toast, a selection of cereals, yoghurts or fruit and tea or coffee, porridge may be available for those colder months. Breakfast is served in the sunny lounge/dining area which looks out onto the patio, or can be taken on the patio amongst the roses and herbs.
Le Grand Saule is set in its own sunny, private grounds and has secure parking facilities. We can store cycling, hiking and fishing gear, as well as a caravan by arrangement. We also have bikes available for hire.
Official Hotel Information
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