Situated in the middle of France, where you are surrounded by the magnificent Chateaux and gardens of the Loire. 'Le Four a Pain,' is in the commune of Neons-sur-Creuse, and is ideally placed within easy reach of many of these famous attractions, rich in French history and tradition. A 15minute drive away is the famous spa town of, 'La Roche Posay,' renown throughout Europe for the spring waters healing properties and where it can be freely collected at the town's source.
'Le Blanc' is 15\20 minutes in the other direction from, 'La Roche Posay,' where the road to this pretty French town is sided by high cliffs with curious openings on its face. The river Creuse runs along this road and when the sun shines onto it, creates a wonderful sight. There are some good spots to sit and paint or take photographs. Before arriving in, 'Le Blanc,' the road goes through the village of, 'Fontgombault,' where it is possible to visit a working monastery and take Mass. Once in, 'Le Blanc,' there are many Bars, and Boutiques to browse around, as well as being able to hire canoes and mountain bikes for the more adventurous amongst us. It also has a market that takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where many of the locals sell their wares.
Angles-sur-L'Anglin has been voted one of the most beautiful villages of France, (as well as being the last outpost of the English in the Hundred Years War). It is indeed a beautiful village, with its ruined castle and abundance of flowers - and if you know where to look, there are some quiet secluded spots to fish or relax and paint, where the only thing likely to break the silence is the sheep grazing near by. It also has some Brocantes brimming with 'Bric a Brac,' and authentic French Antiques, which are just waiting to be discovered.
Another feature of this area is the, 'Parc Natural Regional de la Brenne.' It is an awe inspiring area full of valleys, hills, vast lakes and expanses of forest as far as the eye can see. This in turn offers beautiful walks, cycling, horse riding, climbing, golf, and fishing, hunting, gliding, water-skiing and canoeing. The Blue Guide to France or the Michelin Green Guide can tell you all you need to know about the area, the Chateaux and the wine. Chinon is one of the better-known and closest wine growing villages in the area. An hour away it welcomes visitors to its wine caves and, of course, to taste. It offers good red wine along with another village, Bourgueil. The area of Vouvray and Montlouis just east of Tours, offers a crisp Muscadet from Sevre et Maine. Sancerre and Pouilly offer a fruity dry wine. Many of the surrounding villages and towns offer excellent but inexpensive menus, and of course, I can recommend personnel favourites!
One of the most popular attractions is the amazing site at Poiters, 'Futuscope.' A high tech futuristic and modern approach to technology and it is a big hit with children and parents alike. Access could not be better. The Paris/Bordeaux auto route (A10) is less than half an hour away and I can provide a direct route if you require. The T.G.V. (high speed train), stops at Chatellerault, which is half an hour away from the Cottages. The journey from, Le Harve or Caen, is approximately 5 hours away. It is now possible to fly with Buzz Airlines from Stanstead to Poitier, which takes approximately 50 minutes and is also 50 minutes from the Gites.
