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our properties Le grand Champiau (sleeps 8) Le grand Champiau is our largest gîte, with room sizes to match. Upstairs there is one
double and three twin bedrooms, a The large, fully-equipped kitchen marries the old with the new, having exposed beams and stone walls, as well as all the mod-cons you would expect. It is equipped with a range-style, wood-burning cooker, separate gas cooker, dishwasher, washing-machine, microwave, fridge-freezer, solid oak dining table, and solid ash work-surfaces. The rear door from the kitchen leads out onto the private dining terrace (including gas barbeque) and garden. Across the hallway is an equally large, comfortable lounge with wood-burning insert fire and corner games-table and chairs. It has a supply of books and games for when you just need to unwind. There is enough comfortable seating for all. As safety and security are always a concern, the solid wood staircase has child security gates top and bottom. There are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout, and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen. Extra warmth for the cooler months is provided by electric wall heaters throughout the gîte. Hot water is supplied by two gas combination boilers, so plentiful hot water at all times. There is a connecting
door to Le petit Champiau (bolted if Le grand Champiau has a shared mature garden (with Le petit Champiau) which also boasts a swimming-pool (security fenced) and outdoor hot tub (with lid), and views over the adjoining fields. Le petit Champiau (sleeps 2+2) Le petit Champiau is a
cosy and comfortable, yet spacious Also downstairs is the main living area with a sofa and two single futons, a corner kitchen (with gas cooker, washing-machine, fridge and microwave) and a dining area. French windows lead out onto the private dining area (with gas barbeque), and garden. There is a separate smaller lounge area off the main living area . Le petit Champiau has a very effective wood-burning stove and electric heaters for the cooler months. Hot water is supplied by a gas combination boiler, so plentiful hot water at all times. Please note, parts of the main living area have low exposed wooden beams. The solid wood staircase has child security gates top and bottom, and there are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout. A fire blanket is available in the corner kitchen. There is a connecting door to Le grand Champiau (bolted if not booked together). Le petit Champiau has a
shared mature garden (with Le Le petit Champiau has a number of books and games to entertain you in your quieter moments. L'Hermitage (sleeps 2+2) L’Hermitage is a cosy, quiet town-house in the Cher’s second largest town, St Amand-Montrond. It has a twin bedroom and a double sofabed in the living area. There is also a mezzanine area upstairs as a quiet area for relaxing. It has a shower-room, and a fully-fitted kitchen (electric hob, microwave, oven, and washing-machine). Outside,
L’Hermitage has a small, private garden, with L’Hermitage has a
CD/radio, French TV and DVD, and a number of books and
games to entertain you in your quieter moments. Prices in euros per week
Special prices apply at Christmas and New Year please contact us for further details
About our region Our gîtes are situated in the southern part of the department of Cher in central France, in fact, the geographical centres of France are only a few miles away. Both Le Champiau and L'Hermitage are approximately 50 kms south of Bourges near the borders of three departments: Cher, Allier, and Indre. Le Champiau is in the little hamlet of Le Carroir, surrounded by working countryside, approximately 2.5 kms from the nearest village (St-Pierre-les-Bois), which has a small café/restaurant (open Tuesday-Sunday). The nearest town of Le Châtelet (5 kms) has all the usual services, including restaurants, pharmacy, grocers (including a supermarket which is open on Sunday mornings), doctor and dentist. L’Hermitage is in the old fortress town of St Amand Montrond, which has all the usual facilities and services, including several restaurants and cafés, plus hospital with casualty, and SNCF line to Paris and to the south. La France Profonde As yet, this part of France is largely untouched by mass tourism, unlike some of the other regions of France. This doesn’t mean to say that it doesn’t have much to offer, on the contrary, there is plenty to do, no matter what your interests. Alternatively, you can simply relax and enjoy the countryside from the comfort of your own garden. Our gîtes are situated in what is known as the Boischaut - in the southern part of the department of Cher, which straddles the Berry, north to south. An area of beautiful scenery, quiet roads, abundance of wildlife and delicious local cooking. We border the Auvergne and Bourbonnais and both the Brenne and Sologne regional parks are within a comfortable drive. The Berry is the traditional heart of France, as well as its geographic centre. Bourges, the capital of Cher, has played a major role in France’s cultural and religious life. In the local area, there are châteaux at Culan, Ainay-le-Vieil (near the Fôret de Tronçais, a former royal hunting ground), and Lignières, to name just a few, all with their own special charms. The historic Abbaye de Noirlac hosts concerts and antiques fairs throughout the year, whilst the Roman remains at Drevant near St Amand-Montrond and at Argentomagus near Argenton-sur-Creuse help to put the local history into perspective. Amongst others in the area, there are two notable abbey gardens in the area at Orsan and Drulon (the latter encompasing an unusual sculpture garden). Bourges itself is well worth visiting for its riches of history, as well as its traditional 'son et lumière' display in the old town on summer evenings. The annual antiques fair at Touchay, or the Foire aux Ânes et aux Mules at Lignières provide an alternative touch to your visit. Not forgetting this region’s literary heritage, George Sand, one of France’s most famous writers lived in the area around La Châtre; her artistic circle included Fréderic Chopin and Gustav Flaubert, and this connection is realised by just some of the numerous festivals and fêtes in the area. Alain-Fournier, born in Chapelle d'Anguillon, also used local places as settings in his book 'Le grand Meaulnes'. The Berry also offers a more traditional feast for the taste buds too with markets and restaurants serving up delicious and very reasonably-priced meals (for example, it is not uncommon to be served a good three-course lunch for around €16) and it has its very own wine region around Chateaumeillant. For those who need activity after too much indulgence, then the Lac de Sidiailles provides a variety of water sports, with fishing and walking always an option in the area. There is a Formula 3 race-track at La Châtre for those who would like to try their hand behind the wheel, plus microlighting at St Christoph le Chaudry for those who prefer a little more excitement and a buzzard's-eye view. Further afield, but still easily within a day’s outing, are the more famous châteaux of the Loire (Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry); the wine regions of Sancerre and Burgundy; Formula 1 racing at Magny Cours; Futuroscope at Poitiers, volcanos and spas in the Auvergne and skiing at Mont Dore (Clermont-Ferrand) - a day’s trip by train to Paris is also eminently possible. What more could be asked for? Getting there The area is easily accessible by car, being approximately six to seven hours’ drive from the Channel ports and only two hours’ drive from Limoges airport (Ryanair, Flybe). Slightly further afield, Poitiers and Tours airports (Ryanair), Lyon airport (BA and Air France), and Paris CDG are still viable. The A20 (free) and A71 (toll) give quick access into and out of the area. The nearest mainline SNCF station with direct links to Paris is at St Amand Montrond. If you are not arriving
by car, then some pick-ups can be arranged, please ask
for details. To book this property please contact the owner:
When booking this property please mention Relax in France |
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