La Charronnière

Set on the borders of Deux Sèvres and Vienne, in the heart of Poitou-Charentes (reputed to be the second sunniest region of France), La Charronnière is conveniently situated close to the RN10 between Poitiers and Ruffec. Excellent terrain for walking and cycling, this is farming country, mostly arable, but you will see occasional small herds of cows and sheep. There are wonderful views over the countryside full of fields of summer sunflowers, maize and some colourful wildflower meadows. Wild deer, hare and birds of prey may be spotted and many other birds whose song fills the air morning to night. On clear nights the huge expanse of sky is filled with stars. Can you make out the constellations?

Local gastronomic specialities are charentais melons, duck and goat’s cheese to eat and Bordeaux wines, rosés and Pineau des Charentes to drink. Pineau is a fortified wine either drunk as an aperitif very cold, or as a digestif after a meal. Walnut oil is a local product – the nuts from our trees have gone to a local producer this year and we will have our own oil!

La Charronnière was built in 1865 according to a stone lintel set in the barn wall. You will find it just off a private, leafy lane in a quiet hamlet. This was once a mule-breeding farm; the old stables, built in 1942, have been converted into two cosy gîtes for your relaxing holiday home. La P'tite Boulangerie, totally renovated in the first half of 2007, is a cute little cottage featuring the original bread oven in the living area. La Charronnière is just 2 miles from the local town of Chaunay where you can buy your morning croissants in either of two bakeries and local produce in the Monday morning market.

In Chaunay you will find two bakers from whom to choose your breakfast bread, croissants and pain au chocolate, a post office, pharmacy, small supermarket, a newsagents, florists, a “brocante” (bric-a-brac shop), a bar and the Hotel Central which has a nice restaurant. Don’t forget, though, the all-important French lunchtime when many local shops are shut between 12.00 and 3.00 p.m.

Bikers, come and enjoy the uncluttered roads of France! We offer covered parking for motorbikes and drying facilities.

Resident animals at La Charronnière are the soft puppy, Rosie (born 01/10/07), a clutter of cats and two chickens in the hen-house. Visiting pets are welcomed to join this menagerie.

We are delighted to welcome you to La Charronnière and endeavour always to make your holiday a special one to remember.

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