Places to visit

Within easy reach of Les Jincheres there are numerous interesting places to visit: Ranging from the high tech Futuroscope at Poitiers to superb Romanesque churches. From the Atlantic beaches of La Tranche and Les Sables D'Olonne to the chic atmosphere of La Rochelle. For information about the Deux Sevres visit the department website.

One of the natural attractions of the area is the Marais Poitevin known to the French as Venise Vert (Green Venice) because at some point each summer the interlinking canals and waterways turn green with algae. This is a weird and wonderful landscape punctuated by pretty towns like Coulon and Arcais, farms and houses of the most picturesque quality. Some are still only accessible by boat. This is a lovely place to picnic, hire a boat for four or five hours and take your picnic with you to escape into a quiet landscape where you can watch the wildlife and enjoy the special light peculiar to the Marais.

Another natural paradise is the Forest of Mervent, ideal for walking or cycling. Here you will find plenty of quiet spots for picnics and watching wildlife but the Forest also boasts the Parc Pierre Brune where you and the children can play on huge bouncy castles, slides, cakewalks and trampolines. Also in the Forest of Mervent is the pretty town of Vouvant . A small gem with an interesting church and tower and a good place for a lunch stopover. There are often day long festivals of theatre and dance in Vouvant as well as regular exhibitions in the church. The Parc Animalier de Pagnolle is on the edge of the Forest and provides a great visit for children. There are more than 1,000 birds and animals from all over the world to see here. Another zoo is close to Royan on the coast - a little further but worth the effort - especially for vulture feeding time!

La Rochelle is one of the loveliest seaside towns in France. It is full of wonderful architecture (in particular the town hall), good restaurants, excellent shops and a fantastic market. Take a cold bag and buy some of the stunning seafood to bring home or barbecue on the beach. Visit one of the many interesting museums or go underwater at the aquarium. Wander around the harbours, parks or bustling streets or take yourselves off to a sandy beach for a paddle, sunbath or swim. The Ile de Rey is nearby, reached by a magnificent, curving toll bridge. The island is criss crossed by cycle tracks and is an ideal place for a day out cycling.

Historic and prehistoric sites are all within easy reach of Les Jincheres. The whole region was a significant part of the medieval pilgrim routes through France from Northern Europe to the shrine of St Jacques at Compostela in Northwest Spain (St James to the British or Santiago to the Spanish). The heritage of these pilgrim routes can be seen in fine churches both in the surrounding countryside and in towns like Poitiers. Look out for carved or painted scallop shells - these are the sign of the pilgrim and indicate that a town or village was along the pilgrim route.

Puy Du Fou: This park offers a great medieval day out for the whole family with superb falconry displays, jousting tournaments, son et lumiere and other evening entertainments. During the falconry displays more than six bird handlers at a time control their various raptors to thrill the crowd. As an added attraction, before and after the display, you can go and meet the performers at close quarters. The flower garden is beautifully laid out with fountains which dance at your will and plenty to keep a plant enthusiast happy. In the restaurants you can eat delicious fresh bread made on the premises in medieval style ovens.

Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud - a wonderful visit if you are interested in history and particularly the story of the fascinating Eleanor of Aquitaine. This is the largest monastic city still surviving in Europe and the buildings are amazing - especially the kitchen designed by Eleanor herself (count the chimneys!) If you do this trip it is well worth planning to visit Saumur on the same day. This is a lovely, bustling town with a chateau perched high above the Loire looking down on the streets below. Taste and buy the fabulous wines of the area, eat at one of the many restaurants and visit the Troglodyte dwellings carved out of the rocks. The chateau is interesting to visit with lovely views out over the river - the tours are well done and if you are interested in horses there is an extensive collection of equine memorobilia. There are often displays of jousting and other medieaval spectacles at the chateau during the summer.

Poitiers is a draw for several reasons. One of the attractions is Futuroscope a film theme park, boasting a collection of virtual reality rides drawing the viewers into the film. The town itself is worth a visit with the half timbered houses of the rue de la Chaine and Notre Dame La Grqnde. This special and somewhat peculiar church was begun by Eleanor in the 12th century. For lunch and dinner there are plenty of good restaurants to suit almost evey taste and pocket.

Within half an hours drive of Les Jincheres is the golf course at Mazieres en Gatine. An interesting course with the added bonus that for almost every hole you have in view a splendid chateau. Green fees are reasonable (around 180 francs a day, club hire is available) and can be organised to take in lunch as well. The owners of Les Jincheres are very keen golfers who are only too pleased to book or help you if you would like to play golf while you are on holiday.

Parthenay is a medieval town winding from a hill top to a curve in the river Le Thouet. Although fairly small this town has an attractive medieval area where traditional markets are held in the summer. There are plenty of cafes in which to enjoy a cognac, coffee or lunch (or all three!) and you can stroll along the pavement watching the boule players shaded by plane trees - that typical French scene. Parthenay has several established festivals during the summer which include a games festival and music bonanza. The town was an important stopping off point for the pilgrims and is well worth a visit today.

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