Courtanne  is located in the beautiful "Cœur du Poitou", France's Sunflower region. We are ideally situated to explore this unspoilt region of France, steeped in Ancient History and packed with interesting, exciting and wonderful attractions.

The Poitou Charentes region is almost completely unspoilt with virtually no industry and is one of the most tranquil in France. Its long Atlantic coastline is noted for long sandy beaches, marinas, golf courses, and islands. Two popular large islands, the Ile de Ré and the Ile d'Oléron are joined by bridges to the mainland and are only a short drive away.

Inland, the scene is one of peace and tranquility, with vast horizons and wooded valleys, Châteaux and the Marais Poitevin, Cognac's vineyards and village after village of a way of life one can normally only dream about.

One of the sunniest parts of France,  Its mild climate - 2,250 hours of sunshine per year - makes it desirable to visit anytime from early spring to late autumn. A 300 mile-long coastline with fine sandy beaches and lively resorts such as La Rochelle & Royan and the inland rural beauty of the Deux-Sèvres, Charentes & Vienne,  provide attractions to tempt everyone.

click on the photo to visit La Rochelle's info website

Nearby La Rochelle is a beautiful, historic port, from where you can take a boat ride around the Islands Ré & Oléron, as well as visit "Fort Boyard."

Click here for an online guide to the Poitou Charentes region.

Courtanne Gites is located between the Market towns of Chef-Boutonne and Sauzé-Vaussais with restaurants, supermarkets and all commerces. The nearby ancient Royal Mint town of Melle is worth visiting, and there are several French markets in the nearby towns of Chef-Boutonne, Sauzé-Vaussais and Lezay, each having their own restaurants and supermarkets, some of which open on Sunday mornings

The properties have been renovated from the ancient farm buildings around the owners home on a five acre site surrounded by fields and other farms. As you promenade the lanes around Courtanne, we can be seen for miles, which means your views from the gites are enormous too! There are lots of fruit trees, and the majority of the five acres are available for your use, with plenty of room for football, badminton, cricket, pétanque etc. There are swings for the younger children, and we provide a games chest for your outdoor activities

Our private, heated, floodlit, saltwater pool measures 13m x 5.25 m, with a shallow end of 1m, and a deep end of 2m. There is a sun terrace, with tables & chairs, and the whole pool is fenced, gated and alarmed. 

The exciting theme Parks Futuroscope, wonderful Vallée des Singes and the Puy du Fou and are within easy reach of our central location.

The Gothic Chapel at Pioussay, built in the 12th and 15th Centuries, are home to some remarkable paintings, completed in the same era. The work to uncover then was completed in 2002, after workmen renovating the ancient roof, discovered them in 1999 underneath centuries old layers of "chaux" (plaster). They denote the arrival of Mary & Joseph in Jerusalem, through Jesus' life up to his crucifixion. You can also follow some of the history of local inhabitants through the funerary paintings, and the sarcophagus stones which make up the floor.

Click the photo to go to L'Eglise de Saint-Martin's homepage

Many of the local market towns hold annual fetes, often turning the streets into markets, and many of which have fairs and evening events such as firework displays or car-boot sales. An excellent source of  information about our local region can be found on the Anglo Info website. Click here to visit

Or, click here for ideas of days out with the kids

Chef-Boutonne street fête

The surrounding area is fairly flat, so id perfect for exploring on foot or a velo.

   If you would like to go pony / horse riding, we have the excellent  ECURIES DU BREUIL nearby which caters for all ages and  abilities.

One of our local hotels, which has an very good restaurant, can provide a take-away service.

A wonderful way to spend a couple of hours will be to ride on a horse drawn carriage, exploring the local lanes and villages, guided by one of our neighbouring farmers, who speaks English. 

And, if you can't bear the thought of not swinging a golf club for the duration of your holiday, we have several courses in the Poitou Charentes which will fulfil your needs. We'll gladly provide you with details of them and how to contact them.

holiday gites Poitou Charentes France holidays French self catering vacances Gîte accommodation hebergementl rurale location vacances heated saltwater pool Deux Sevres cottage Melle Chef-Boutonne Sauzé-Vaussais Poitiers Futuroscope Cognac Limoges