16th Century 3-Storey Guardpost with River Terrace near Futuroscope

On Your Doorstep: Availles-Limouzine is a pretty medieval village on the banks of the beautiful River Vienne. It offers all the charm of living in old rural France whilst still providing all necessary amenities such as supermarket, newsagent, bakery, butcher, bar, restaurant and post office. On the 17th of each month there is a large market selling a variety of goods and a farmers market visits every Sunday morning selling fresh local produce. The municipal park across the river has a small swimming pool, canoes, pedaloes, motor boats, miniature golf, boules, playground and picnic areas. International fishing takes place due to easy access and a good river bank length: bolognaise, English, feeder, and cane fishing are popular. The newsagent sells equipment and licenses. The English Garden is a local paradise and a haven for birds and frogs. A fragrant garden features over 600 varieties of roses and shrubs. Deval Karts is the place to go for 4X4, quad, via ferata, tyrolean cable slide and dog teaming.

Further Afield: Confolens, 10 km away, is an ancient Roman town with a number of prehistoric sites. It has now developed into a typical French, bustling market town. The broad River Vienne splits the town in two and provides perfect opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Montmorillon, 30km away, is a wonderfully charming medieval city with winding streets, pavement cafés, pretty river banks and beautiful buildings. It is called 'The City of Writers' and is a haven for writers and calligraphers. The theme park of Futuroscope is only an hour away and absolutely must not be missed. It combines theme park with big screen cinema and illusion. The sound and light show when dusk falls is a magical experience. The sophisticated coastal towns of La Rochelle and Royan can be reached in two hours. The grand Romanesque cities of Poitiers and Limoges are exciting cosmopolitan experiences, offering everything you would expect with magnificent architecture, a fabulous shopping variety, antiques and fine dining.

Attractions: Saint-Savin is a world heritage site with its XIIth century church and stunning murals. Angles-sur-l'Anglin (north of Saint-Savin) is one of the most beautiful villages in France with a mural that is 15,000 years old. Another highlight here is the curious prehistoric rock carvings at the 'Witches Rock' nearby. The Gallo-Roman site at Sanxay to the west of Poitiers is a listed National Monument. Vienne is a great place for anyone interested in animals and nature. L'Ile aux Serpents gives a fascinating insight into the life of snakes (meercats too!). La Planete des Crocodiles houses 8 species from 4 continents in natural environments. Le Vieux Cormenier is a journey through rural life 100 years ago. La Vallée des Singes in Romagne is home to 30 species of apes in a natural setting and provides the opportunity of feeding them too. Les Géants du Ciel at Chauvigny showcases birds in the ruined Chateau des Eveques. Garden lovers will want to visit the the extensive planned gardens in Magné.