By Road- .Les Statues is within a days drive of all the Channel ports, located approximately 15 minutes from junction 34 on A10 auto route, following direction Tonnay Boutonne on D739.

By Air- Nearest airport is La Rochelle (45 mins). Alternatively, there is Poitiers (1 hour) or Bordeaux (1 ½ hours). Car hire available from all airports..

By Rail- Nearest TGV station is La Rochelle, having direct links to Paris or Lille. Car hire available. 

 In the Locality:

Les Statues is situated in a small hamlet along a quiet lane in the countryside, within the vale of the picturesque river Boutonne. Although peaceful, the property is only 2 kms from the small town of Tonnay Boutonne with its local shops and services including a Hotel with licensed Restaurant, Bakers, Butchers, Grocers, Post Office, Tabac and cash machine. There is also an outdoor public swimming pool (summer only) and a picnic area, with cycle tracks, along the bank of the Boutonne River, famed for its good fishing (temporary licenses available at the local Tabac).

 

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The nearest supermarket is located 10 mins south in St Savinien, a beautiful small town alongside the Charente River. There is also a boating lake and public pool, plus several restaurants.  

 

 The nearest market towns with all amenities are:

•  St Jean d'Angely- 15 mins east, an attractive town with abbey ruins, medieval clock tower and a rather grand town hall. There are also riverside activities (pedaloes etc) and an indoor water park with flumes.
• Rochefort- 20 mins west, with its maritime history and spa. There is a ropery, maritime museum, and an ongoing reconstruction of an old wooden naval frigate, the 'Hermione', to visit.
• Saintes- 30 mins south, an old roman city built on the banks of the river Charente from where there are sightseeing trips by boat. There is an amphitheatre and museum housing Roman artefacts, and several attractive pedestrianized streets lined with shops and pavement cafes, encouraging you to linger.  

  

Visiting the coast:

With excellent road links you can easily reach beaches along the Atlantic coast. For instance, in 25 minutes you can reach the pretty resort of Fouras with its sheltered, sandy beaches and ferry departure point for the peaceful, car free Ile d'Aix. There is also the larger Ile d'Oleron to explore, famous for its surfing beaches. Further south (approx 1 hour), there is the impressive resort of Royan with its nearby zoo at La Palmyre, reputedly the largest of its kind in France. Travel northwards along the coast and you will find the historic city of La Rochelle, its old port lined with restaurants, plus magnificent towers, arcaded shops, and an amazing new Aquarium to visit. Just off the coast is the popular Ile de' Re with its many coves and pretty villages to discover.

  

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Places to visit inland:

There are many Romanesque style churches dotted around the villages and towns of the Charente Maritime and neighbouring Charente, together with a number of Châteaux open to the public. The oyster beds of Marennes are worth a visit, and for nature lovers, there are several reserves in marshland around coastal areas that are a twitchers' delight. Also in the Charente, Cognac is the wealthy centre of cognac production, and a visit to one of several distilleries in the town for a tour and tasting is a must. 

 

Activities available locally:

Cycling:  The quiet lanes and gentle rolling hills of the area make it ideal for cycling. There are some self-guided cycling tours available in the gite and bicycles available to hire if required. It is also possible to book an accompanied cycle tour with the owners, including a picnic, through some pretty countryside following the River Charente valley, and passing some local Châteaux on the way. 

Walking:  There are numerous quiet lanes and footpaths to explore locally, and again, there are some self-guided tours available in the gite. There is much wildlife to observe when walking in close proximity to the gite, including Coipou, Herons, Egrets and even Storks that begin nesting nearby in early Spring.

Horse Riding:  Available at stables around 10 minutes drive from Les Statues. Owned by a french couple who speak some English, they cater for all abilities and can offer hacks into the countryside or lessons. Hats can be provided.

Kayaking:  Available locally at St Savinien, where Kayaks can be hired and paddled along the beautiful Charente river.  

 Visit these web-sites for further information about holidays in the Charente Maritime:

 http://www.poitou-charentes-vacances.com/

http://www.charente-maritime.org/