Additional Information
La Belle Échappée is situated within walking distance of the picturesque village of Faye L’Abbesse which has a friendly bar-restaurant, small supermarket, post office, pharmacy, boulangerie and hairdresser. The nearest town of Bressuire is 10 minutes drive and has numerous restaurants, shops and supermarkets. The medieval town of Parthenay with its beautiful ramparts and stunning hill-top views is 20 minutes drive away.
Information specific to the town / village
There is plenty to see and do in and around Bressuire. The 56m renaissance tower of the church of Notre Dame rises high over the town and surrounding countryside. Originating from the 11th Century, the Chateau dominates the town and is an ideal venue for the many events throughout the year. As well as being in an area of historical interest, Bressuire is within easy reach of the Loire Valley, the Marais Poitevin, Futuroscope, Le Puy du Fou and the renowned fishing centre of Pescalis.
Leisure activities less than 12 miles
The golf club in Bressuire has a British professional and boasts a driving range, 18 hole compact course with pitch and put and a newly opened (2016) 18 hole golf course. Tennis, squash, riding school, pony club, ten-pin bowling, archery, go-karting, petanque field. An abundance of country walks and cycling routes are situated around the property.
Locality
Fishing at the renowned Aquatic and fishing complex Pescalis at Moncoutant being approximately 20 minutes drive. Three 18 hole golf courses at Bressuire, Vasles and Cholet are 10, 25 and 35 minutes drive respectively. Canoeing in the Loire approximately 45 minutes drive.
Other activities available
The old railway between Bressuire and Parthenay has been converted into a walking/cycling or horse riding path giving 30km+ of safe riding. Most local villages have public lakes for fishing.
Theatre, cinema, library, museum, antiques & bric-a-brac, cellar and wine tasting, fitness centre, park and garden, discotheque, exhibition centre, historical site and the French markets all close by.
The Deux-Sevres region has countless places of interest and visitor attractions to suit everyone. The area is steeped in history offering unspoiled landscapes and some of Europe’s most imposing Tumuli, Romanesque churches, chateaux and museums. The quiet roads will lead you to unexpected places, rivers, lakes, forests, historic towns, small villages with colourful markets and during the summer months, a range of festivals and events. The wonderful nearby coastline and beautiful islands of the Atlantic are all under 2 hours away.
There are numerous leaflets available in the gite with further informatiion.
Venturing out to Explore
Being just south of the Loire Valley we are close to many vineyards, Saumur or Montreuil-Bellay are under an hour away. The Atlantic coastline is an easy drive providing access for day trips to the coastal towns of La Rochelle, or the stunning beaches of Châtelaillon-Plage, Ile de Ré or Les Sables d'Olonne. You are never far from a Chateau!
The picturesque town of Coulon in the Marais Poitevin (France's "Green Venice") is 45 minutes away by car. Here you can sit by the river and watch the world go by, hire a boat and punt around the canals yourself or hire a guide who will do all the hard work for you and tell you the history. ( www.marais-poitevin.fr )
If that's not enough there are the major towns and cities like Cholet, Niort, Nantes and Poitiers all within 1 hour 10 minutes.
Not only is La Rochelle a beautiful port city but it has a superb Aquarium and some fantastic restaurants with opportunities for al fresco dining and people watching.
Saumur boasts a beautiful Chateau and Tank museum. There are several vineyards where you can have guided tours of the cave, sample the produce and buy direct from the producers.
For big days out with the children there are Theme Park style attractions like Puy du Fou and Futuroscope. Puy du Fou is simply amazing. The shows are fantastic entertainment and you need not be fluent in French to understand the storylines.
Futuroscope provides a hi-tech experience with adventures on land, sea and in outer space using the latest projection system technology.