Local Information
We are located at the edge of the village of Oulmes which has numerous amenities within walking distance. We are 20 minutes to the Renaissance town of Fontenay-le-comte (with local Saturday market) and the city of Niort. Both places have large hypermarkets, restaurants and many other shops and boutiques. The nearest supermarket is 10 minutes away. We are on the edge of the Marais Poitevin or Venise Verte (Green Venice), a vast area of wetlands reclaimed from the sea a thousand years ago, the Marais is ideal for walking and cycling with many designated trails. There are numerous port areas around the Marais, some close by are Maillezais, Le Mazeau, and St Sigismond. The nearest is Courdault which is minutes away and has a traditional Auberge for lazy lunches. The properties are 10 minutes from the lovely village of Coulon which has numerous shops, restaurants and opportunities for boat trips on the Canals. Many restaurants here provide a lunch or dinner complete with guided boat trip for a set price.
Maillezais is 10 minutes away with its historic Abbey of St Peter founded in the 10th century, there are a couple of nice restaurants here. Nearby Nieul-sur-l'Autise is home to the abbey of St Vincent. The forest of Mervent is less than half an hour away and has over 12,000 acres of mixed woodland, with over thirty varieties of tree. There are inland lakes, some with lakeside beaches and water sports, a small zoo and an amusement park (Parc de Pierre Brune). The forest provides ideal days out for walking, riding, cycling and picnics. Close to Mervent forest is the beautiful village of Vouvant with its Romanesque church.
We are 1 hour from the lovely Vendee coast, known for its wonderful coastline and year round warm climate, vast sandy beaches, sea fishing, mussel and oyster farming. Beaches close by include L'Aiguillon sur Mer, Faute sur Mer, La Tranche sur Mer and Les Sables d'Olonne famous for its boat races such as the Vendee Globe, fantastic beach and Zoo. The beautiful historic harbour of La Rochelle with its two towers and the Aquarium, La Rochelle also provides the opportunity to take a boat trip to visit the adjacent islands. Visit the island of Ile de Re accessible by car for fantastic beaches with calm shallow waters, the island also host numerous oyster bed farms which sell direct to the public.
Futuroscope is a futuristic theme park featuring extraordinary cinematic shows and architecture. The famous Vendee park of the Puy du Fou provides entertainment for the whole day. Please go to links for more ideas and information.