"We had a wonderful time. We did a little wine tasting but not as much as Chateau touring. We visited a little winery near the chateau called Le Domaine de Villemont. Wonderful! We had some of their wine at a local restaurant and the owner said we should tour the vineyards which were nearby. The young lady, who was the daughter of the owner, was just great and I learned more about the French wine labelling system from her than you could learn in 5 books. The wines were very nice and we brought several bottles home. The history in France was wonderful and one day we went to the Chateau in Chinon and as we were the only English speaking persons there we got our own private tour from "Marie." She did a great job both with her English translations and with her French history! All in all a special trip. Thanks again."
The nearest airport to the chateau is Poitiers 30km away and the nearest town is Lencloitre 3km away. The Chateau is a superb gateway to the renowned culture, history and attractions of the Loire Valley and its many Roman ruins, abbeys churches and chateaux. A number of restaurants and food shops are within a short walking distance of the chateau, offering guests the chance to sample the famed cuisine of the region.
The Chateau is close to the tranquil and idyllic surroundings of the Marais Poitevin, a locale offering lake swimming and canoeing facilities for the more adventurous. A themed historical adventure attraction is a short drive away at Puy du Fou, while in neighbouring Poitiers is the exciting Futuroscope theme park – a great attraction for adults and children alike. In addition to these notable nearby sights, the library in the chateau has an extensive collection of local tourist information and sightseeing suggestions for the region.
Chambord, Chenonceaux, Villandry, Blois and the other famous chateaux of the Loire Valley are a short distance away. Numerous other renowned fortified settlements are also a short car journey away.
The nearby town of Lencloitre still has a market of traditional local fare every Wednesday and Saturday, offering guests the opportunity to sample the produce and delicacies of the region. On the first Monday of every month there is a craft fair at the same site. The town is also home to a number of excellent local restaurants and eateries, most notably ‘Bottin Gourmand’ and ‘Les Delices de Michel’.
Local activities: Golfing facilities (both La Rochelle and Royan golf courses are a short drive away),
tennis, biking paths, fishing and horseback riding are all available within a very short drive. There are also a number of local vineyards in the area that offer tasting sessions for wine enthusiasts.