THE WEATHER
Spring in Bonnes enjoys more sunshine than summer in the UK. Summer in Bonnes has 40% more sunshine than anywhere in England at any time. The weather is much warmer than Southern England; it is never too hot even in mid-summer (Ave. Max. 24.8'C in July) and has similar low rainfall to the driest part of England.

 

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Poitiers is 22 km. from Bonnes.
Peterborough is the dryest city in England
FOOD
France is the home of great food. Chauvigny and the region offer both city-style high quality restaurants and simpler country-style cafes. Food is delicious in either. Previous visitors have left cards from their favourites, together with appreciative remarks. You should do your own exploring, but a visit to Les Choucas in the Mediaeval City is a must. Les Vielles Ecluses has a fully equipped kitchen. You can stock it from the supermarkets, but you should use the Chauvigny street market for your more exotic creations; you will find an amazing range of meats, fowl, sea foods - fresh and cooked - and a range of fresh fruit and vegetables.

DRINK
The region has its own wine, and is set between the Loire and Bordeaux regions. Supermarkets sell a wide range from very drinkable vin du table to premier cru, all at prices unseen in England. For more individual choice, call in at the Caves des Vins on the old Montmorillon road in Chauvigny. The town of Cognac is nearby, but bring your own gin & scotch. Exotic spirits/liqueurs are good value.

OUTINGS
Paris is an easy day trip away. Take the Train Grande Vitesse (TGV) from Poitiers or Chatellerault, to be in the heart of the city in just over an hour, or take the normal inter-city from Chatellerault. By car, Paris is less than two hours away on the A10 motorway which takes you nearly door-to-door. Also near Paris and the motorway system is Euro-Disney. You can take a one-day look round, and then arrange a longer visit if there is more there that you want to see and do. Much nearer, 15 minutes away, is the Futuroscope. There is more than a days worth of fascinating shows, displays etc. which will captivate all ages.

The Chateaux of the Loire valley are only an hour away. Combining them with the vineyards, the caves and the cathedral cities of Tours and Angers can make for a delightful few days. There are several ancient University Cities nearby, Poitiers, Angouleme and Limoges, which are packed with town life - the latter is also the centre of the French decorative enamel business. There are many beautiful small towns and villages set on rivers or in wooded rolling countryside. Angles sur l'Anglis and Gargilesse sur Creuse make Ross on Wye look shabby. The people are genuinely charming and friendly; they don't speak much English but are very encouraging to anyone having a go in French.

SPORTS
The river running past the house can be fished with a permit costing a few francs. There is also an active canoe club a few miles away. There is a brand new tennis court in the village, and several others in Chauvigny. For the more serious, there is an indoor sports complex and fitness centre a few miles out on the road to Poitiers, where visitors are made welcome. France has no golf tradition, but they are catching up fast. Green fees are less than in the UK, and the more mature courses are good by UK standards. The nearest/best is 15 minutes away at St. Cyr. There is also a large lake where they windsurf and swim. (disappointing winds by seaside standards). Several of the other rivers have safe, interesting swimming areas for people of all ages. If you prefer your youngsters in with a lot of others under full supervision. the swimming pool at Chauvigny converts from open air to covered with the season. Cycling is a national obsession; many participate, and everyone else is very supportive. Bikes and dress tend look as if they have come from the Tour-de-France. There is an extensive network of well-marked footpaths.

ACCOMMODATION - UPSTAIRS
There are 2 large bedrooms both with 2 single beds. There is a spacious upper hall with room for 2 cots or another single bed. The well-equiped bathroom (separtae w.c.) leads off the upper hall. There are blankets for 4 beds, but please bring sheets & towels.

DOWNSTAIRS
There is a spacious and comfortable lounge with French windows onto the patio. For the cooler nights there is a large log fireplace and for really cold weather, a full central heating system (oil). The kitchen has a gas cooker with oven, a refrigerator and a deep freeze. Meals round the refectory-style table are a delight. There are plenty of storage cupboards for dry goods etc.

OUTSIDE.
There is a large adjoining outhouse in which is stored; wood, tools, bicycle etc. The main water, electric switch panel and the central heating boiler are also here. Two patios on different levels and a top lawn give plenty of choice for the sunbather. The garden provides complete privacy from most angles.

If you are interested in staying at the Vielles Ecluses, or if you want to know more about it, e-mail me now; click here: