la fermette france
Relax in our peaceful farming hamlet of Bribaudon in sunny South Western France. We are surrounded by farmland with fields of wheat, sunflowers and vines, with shops and restaurants a short cycle ride away (2.5km) - rural but not remote.
Splash around in the swimming pool which enjoys the sun throughout the day, or lounge beside with a drink and a good book.
Check out the games barn with complimentary adult and children bikes, table tennis, table football and much more including buckets & spades and bats & balls to take to the nearby beaches. Cycle to the boulangerie for your morning croissant or take a family bike ride along the quiet, safe country lanes surrounding the gites.
Take advantage of the orchard field with its seasonal fruits (cherries, peaches, figs, pears, quinces and walnuts). It a great space for children to run around whilst the grown ups take a moment to enjoy the sunset as the evening draws near.
Each of the gîtes is equipped with indoor and outdoor cooking facilities to cook the finds from the many local markets, bringing family and friends together at the end the day.
Wifi is available in each gite.
Pons
The small town of Pons is a 10 minute drive from La Fermette France. It is a UNESCO world heritage site on the pilgrims route of St Jacques de Compostelle, with options for lunch and evening meals, or even just for a drink or two in the stunning main square. During the summer months take advantage of the fortnightly night market held on Fridays.
Journey: 15mins
BEACHES
There are 110 beaches nearby to visit! Meschers sur Gironde is the closest beach around 35 minutes away. Further up the coast main beach towns include Royan, Pontaillac and St Palais sur Mer. The beaches continue until you reach the Cote Sauvage, a 5km long continuous beach of soft golden sand backed by sand dunes and pine forests. The Cote Sauvage is known for it’s surfing beaches.
Journey: 35mins - 60mins
Saint- Émilion
Visit the famous wine region and UNESCO world heritage site. It is a charming medieval small town with many boutiques, shops, cafés and restaurants showcasing it’s local wine and produce. If you have the time, take advantage and book onto a wine tour in one of the surrounding Châteaux.
Journey: 90mins
COGNAC
Visit the city of Cognac situated on the Charente river, and home of the world famous distilleries such as Hennessey, Otard and Remy Martin. Enjoy the pedestrianised old town, sample the cognac or join in with the annual Cognac Blues Passions (a festival of Afro American music), or the Cognac festival (celebrating all things Cognac) both of which take place in July.
Journey: 30mins
MESCHERS- SUR- GIRONDE
A small fishing village on an inlet of the Gironde estuary with a daily market in high season and a series of troglodyte caves set into the cliffs.
The nearby beaches of Plage de Nonnes and Plage de Verne are both beautiful and child friendly sandy beaches backed by pale stone coloured cliffs and pine trees. The port of Meschers is home to several fish restaurants.
Journey: 35mins
La rochelle
The seaside town has a lot to see and do including a superb daily market, a pedestrianised old town with shops and cafés, and restaurants lining the stunning harbourside. You can also take a boat trip to Fort Boyard or Île de Ré for the day.
Journey: 70mins
BORDEAUX
One of the largest cities in France with lots of shopping, markets, cafés, and restaurants to lose yourself in. Visit the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André , or the many art galleries and museums including the interactive Cite du Vin wine museum….or visit the Place de la Bourse and splash around in it’s famous water mirror (miroir d’eau). The efficient Park & Ride tram system makes visiting Bordeaux very easy.
Journey: 60mins
saintes
A nearby ancient Roman town situated on the River Charente with a daily market (except Monday). Wander around the beautiful pedestrianised old town or explore the roman ampitheatre which dates back to 40AD. Recommended is the Saturday market where you can lunch on fish cooked straight from the fish counter, or picnic along the riverside or in the pretty municipal gardens with your purchases from the market.
Journey: 20 mins
Île d'Oléron / Île de Ré
Stunning islands off the coast near La Rochelle with long stretches of beaches and picturesque villages to discover. Hire bicycles and explore the salt farms and enjoy the locally farmed oysters.
Journey: 70 - 100mins
night markets
In July and August there are many lively night markets in Montendre (Tuesday), Jonzac (Wednesday), Cozes (Friday) and Pons (fortnightly on Fridays). They provide an interesting mix of French and world cuisine with live entertainment plus a few stalls selling general goods and local crafts. Choose your food and tipple and eat at communal tables where you can try out your French and chat with the locals. Great convivial atmosphere.
Journey: 15-30 mins