In front of the gîte, you will have a privileged view of the viaduct of La Roche, which gave the name to the accommodation. This superb viaduct was built in 1867 for the passage of the Niort-Angers railway line. The trains carried coal from Faymoreau to feed the lime kilns which still stand on the western western edge of the now disused track disused track, not far from the station bought by a by a private individual.
Marais Poitevin → 20 minutes
La Rochelle and Ile de Ré → 1h15
Ile d'Oléron → 1h45
Puy du Fou → 1h15
Futuroscope → 1h20
O'gliss Park → 1h15
Between the plains and the hills, enjoy yourself in the Gâtine Poitevine:
For the youngest, a playground and a swimming pool are available throughout the summer in the heart of the village of Coulonges-sur-l'Autize.
Starting from the Place du Château, you can make beautiful cycling loops to discover the local biodiversity. For mountain biking and walking, go to the nearby forest of Mervent. Families will particularly enjoy the Terra Aventura interactive treasure hunts, including the one at the nearby Marbrière d'Ardin.
If you prefer horseback riding, head to Edel'Paradise in Saint-Pompain.
Less than 20 minutes away, the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park will enchant you with its vegetation and the serenity of its waterways. Choose the unmissable boat trip to see the "fire on the water", or let yourself be tempted by the many cycling and walking paths that run along the canals. You can also meet the baudets du Poitou, an emblematic animal of the region, at the Du coq à l'âne park in Saint-Georges-de-Rex, or Les Oiseaux du Marais poitevin in Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud.
If you are looking for a more exotic nature, go to the Natur'Zoo, 30 minutes away, to meet more than fifty species. At the European wildlife park Zoodyssée (less than 1 hour away), meet bison, otters and marmots.
Less than 20 minutes from the gîte, navigate through the ages and the rich local heritage:
In Coulonges sur l'Autize (3 minutes away), marvel at the Renaissance Château built in the 16th century, which welcomed Catherine de Médicis and Rabelais among others. You will be surprised by the semi-subterranean kitchens with their unique vaulted and sculpted decor. Then stop off at the Musée du Charronnage et de la Tonnellerie to immerse yourself in a centuries-old know-how.
Between Échiré and Niort (25 minutes), relive the Hundred Years' War with the fortress of Coudray-Salbart and the original Donjon, located near the Sèvre niortaise. You can also immerse yourself in medieval monastic life by visiting the abbeys of Maillezais and Nieul sur l'Autise (12 minutes) in the Vendée. And fall under the spell of the cities of Parthenay and Vouvant, both listed.
Then in Faymoreau, go back to the 19th century in a coal mine at the Centre Minier. A museographic space adapted to the whole family will allow you to understand the history of the place.
The Poitou is a land of character, where goat's cheese is king. But it also knows how to offer many sweet treats:
At the biscuit factory Les p'tits amoureux in Ardin, taste the traditional Broyé du Poitou, or devour the speciality of the
house: the Galipote, a shortbread in the shape of a ghost, a reference to a legend of our ancestors.
2.5 km from the accommodation, take a trip to the Sylvie's Cheese Farm to watch the goats being milked every evening at 6pm. A little further north, in Le Beugnon-Thireuil, the brewery-distillery "Louis et Marguerite" offers organic beers, gin and vodka on its farm.
Close to the Vendée, you can also enjoy the southern flavours of this area, such as brioche, préfou, or the famous jambon-mogettes.
And for your pleasure, go to Taste workshops in Foussais-Payré to taste 100% handmade chocolate that you can even make yourself during workshops organised from time to time.
At the Maison de la Meunerie in Nieul-sur-l'Autise, you can learn how to make bread with your family in a typical 1920s water mill.
Finally, don't miss the markets to discover all the local treasures:
Coulonges sur l'Autize → Tuesday morning
Ardin → Saturday morning
Fontenay le Comte → Wednesday and Saturday morning
Niort → Thursday, Saturday and Sunday morning
