External Reviews
The Guardian, UK:
Les Cygnes is the first ever self-catering gîte complex to allow visitors to offset their carbon footprint by purchasing trees when they get there, which will be planted at the site.
Based in the Poitou-Charentes region of France, within easy travelling distance of Limoges, Poitiers and the Atlantic coastline, Les Cygnes is a luxurious complex of three self-catering gîtes with over five acres of land. The gîtes have been converted from a former pigsty and 200-year-old barn, using local builders and architects. There is a terraced salt-water swimming pool and large indoor games room with table-tennis, darts and table football.
Three charming eco-Gîtes (farm cottages) set in the rolling countryside of the Poitou-Charentes within easy reach of beaches, historic towns and culinary delights.
Features
- Swimming Pool
- Table Tennis
- Sailing
- Cycling
- Horse riding
- Child Friendly
| Les Cygnes - Poitou-Charentes, France | |
Sustainability Scorecard
|
From 240 -1000 P/house per week
|
Good For You
Wake as the sun rises over the beautiful French countryside, breakfast on your private patio or by the salt water pool, taking full advantage of the delicious organic food available in the region and then finally give some thought to the many activity options available in this historic and culturally fascinating region.
‘Gîtes’ are the ideal way to see France; historic farm-houses set in beautiful countryside, they offer the traveller a real insight into rural French living. The three beautifully restored cottages at Les Cygnes are everything you would expect from a Gîtes holiday. Created from 19century farm cottages and barns; they have been sensitively converted providing spacious and stylish self-catering accommodation. The houses are set on 5 acres of gardens and farm land and are just on the edge of the charming village of Le Breuil Coiffaud.
Set in the heart of the Poitou-Charentes region, just over an hour from the beaches of the Atlantic Coast and within easy reach of historic towns and cities including La Rochelle, Poitiers and Limoge. As an added bonus, this region is known as the second sunniest in France and you can be almost guaranteed good sunny weather from Spring to Autumn!
Good For France
Created from disused 19century farm buildings, Les Cygnes has restored historic properties that might otherwise have been lost. Les Cygnes has a strong eco-policy, including a carbon offsetting tree planting scheme, recycling & composting and rain water usage; although they are yet to install renewable energy sources. Fundraising events in collaboration with local organizations have helped to restore some historic village buildings and revitalise the local community.
HighsThe Location: Experience the delights of hidden, rural France while staying just a short distance from bigger towns and fantastic beaches. Family Friendly: Les Cygnes is the perfect location for a family holiday, there is a pool and many activities for children on the estate and safe cycling to nearby villages and other activities. Les Gîtes: The cottages are the perfect mix of rustic charm and contemporary comfort. |
LowsGreen Energy: Les Cygnes has yet to install renewable energy, however, they do adhere to many other green policies and have a tree-planting carbon-neutralising scheme on the estate. |
Rooms
Les Gîtes
There are three Gîtes at Les Cygnes; sleeping either 4, 6 or 8 with additional room for extra children (making a total maximum of 6, 8 or 10). All gîtes have a similar contemporary rustic style: typically featuring exposed beams and stone, terracotta tiled floors and rustic wooden furniture. Outside areas are well equipped with dining furniture, barbecues and umbrellas.
For large parties over 10, it is possible to rent the entire estate.
La Vigne is named after the vine that grows on the cottage wall and is an architect-converted 200 year old barn. It has 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin), sleeping 4 very comfortably with a possible maximum of 6. Bedrooms and bathroom are upstairs with a large living / dining area and fully equipped kitchen downstairs. French doors lead to a beautiful sunken terrace with outside dining and barbeque area overlooking sunflower fields.
Le Tilleul translates as ‘Lime Tree’ and this beautifully restored 18th century farm building sits under the shade of a lime tree. The cottage sleeps 6 very comfortably with a possible maximum of 8; it comes with 3 bedrooms (2 double and 1 twin), one bathroom, a spacious dining and lounge area and a fully equipped kitchen. An additional separate lounge area is situated on the mezzanine level and it is possible to sleep an additional 2 children. There is a large wood burner that heats the cottage making it perfect also for winter rentals. Le Tilleul also has an outside dining area set in the secluded courtyard garden with views of the surrounding fields.
Le Poirier is named after the pear tree that grows on the wall outside, this architect-converted 200 year old stone barn sleeps 8 adults comfortably, with room for an additional 2 children. It has 4 bedrooms (2 double and 2 twin rooms), one ensuite bathroom and one separate bathroom. It comes with a large living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen. Large French doors lead to an outdoor sunken terrace with patio table, chairs and barbeque area overlooking the beautiful gardens of Les Cygnes.
All gîtes are equipped with:
- Fridge-freezer
- Crockery
- Cutlery
- Cooking equipment and utensils
- Satellite TV
- DVD player
- Stainless steel oven and hob
- Microwave
- Duvets and pillows
- Welcome foodbasket
Also available:
- Washing machine
- Highchairs and cots (please provide your own linen)
- Child stair barriers
Bed linen and Towels
As is the practice in France, Gîtes do not come with bedlinen and towels. You can bring your own or alternatively ‘Les Cygnes’ will provide them at the following rates:
Bed linen:
Euro10 per single set / per week
Euro20 per double set / per week
Bath and hand towels:
Euro10 per set / per week
Food
The Gîtes at Les Cynges are all self-catering. There is fantastic produce available in the local area from the fresh food markets and shops in the nearby towns. These markets are an integral part of French living and you will find the highest quality of meat, charcuterie, artisan breads and cakes, patisserie, local fruit and vegetables and obviously delicious local wines. Alternatively there are many fabulous restaurants in the area and Les Cygnes will recommend some on your arrival there.
However, for those who would like to stay at home but don’t want the hassle of cooking, Les Cygnes offers the following options:
In house Catering
A local chef, Charlotte Langlais will cater for you at your Gîte at a cost of Euro30 per person for a three course dinner. She can offer barbeques or ‘kitchen-cooked’ menus, whichever you prefer. Menu options can be discussed with her but a typical menu might include pear and blue cheese salad to start with salmon in Bordeaux butter as a main and raspberry crème brulee for desert. Barbecues will include ribs, sausages, steaks, fish and prawns, all served with great salads and desert options using the best of local seasonal produce.
Freezer Fillers
For guests who don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen, freezer fillers are also an option. These can be arranged in advance and in your freezer on your arrival. All Gîtes are equipped with microwaves for defrosting.
Please inform The Good Travel Company if you are interested in exploring this option and we can provide you with menu options and prices.
Food in the Local Area
There is no shortage of top restaurants and bars in the local towns – guests should ask the management on arrival for some recommendations.
The region is famous for gastronomic delights such as goat's cheese, seafood (fresh oysters in particular), foie gras, farmhouse butter, chocolate and of course the wine. The region is also famous for its cognac and for Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine.
Goat's cheese-lovers can follow the 'Route du Chabichou' (signposted throughout the region) to visit the goat breeders and cheese producers of the area.
Wine-lovers can choose between the Haute-Poitou and Loudunais regions in the Vienne, with tours and tastings available at vineyards. The famous vineyards of St. Emilion and Bordeaux are about a 2hr drive away.
Guests who wish to buy local produce direct from the farmers / producers should look out for the ‘Vente Directe’ (buy direct) signs along the roads. Markets are also a great source of local seasonal produce.
Features & Facilities
- Fully equipped self-catering accommodation
- In-house catering can also be organised
- Outside dining area attached to each Gîte
- Salt water swimming Pool with sunbathing area including loungers and parasols
- Extensive gardens and meadows surrounding properties
- Games Room including table tennis, table football, pool table, darts and board games.
- Within a five minute drive (or short cycle) of many shops and other amenities.
See Local Info & Activities for more
Local Info & Activities
Les Cygnes is a perfect base for site seeing in Poitou-Charentes; the gîtes are located in south Deux-Sèvres, on the doorstep of the Vienne, Charente and Charente-Maritime regions of Poitou-Charentes. Therefore there is a multitude of things to do from coastal or rural activities, town visits, historical and culinary interest. Following is just a sample but the management at Les Cygnes can provide additional information on your arrival.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES in the area include Fishing, Golf, Sailing, Canoeing, Sailing, Cycling, Hiking, Horse Riding Trekking
BEACHES
The following beaches are about a 1hr and 15mins drive from Les Cygnes:
• Chatelaillon
• Royan
• Ile de Re
• lÎle d'Oléron
Surfing is available along the Vendée coast, south of Les Sables d’Olonne
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
• Horseriding - Within a 10 minutes' walk from Les Cygnes, in the village of Le Breuil Coiffaud, you will find Les Ecuries du Breuil, a well-established and reputable riding school and pony-trekking centre that caters for horseriding activities at all levels.
• The Lambon Leisure Lake at Prailles (42 km) - swimming, windsurfing, canoeing, pedalos, picnic and games area and tourist train, all in a peaceful and picturesque woodland setting.
• Zoo dyssee at Chizé in the Forest of Chizé (33 km) - Home to 600 animals native to Europe, such as wolves, European bisons, lynx, reptiles and amphibia.
• The Silver Mines of the Frankish Kings, Melle (19 km). Exploited between the 5th - 10th century, these are the oldest mines you can visit in Europe. The 320 metre long underground tour recreates the noises and atmosphere of working in the mine.
• Valley of the Apes in Romagne (38 km) - See gorillas, chimpanzees, gibbons, lemurs and capuchins and a host of other primates in a natural conservation park.
• L'Asinerie du Baudet du Poitou (39km) - See the best donkeys in the world the world.
EATING & DRINKING
There is no shortage of top restaurants and bars in the local towns – guests should ask the management on arrival for some recommendations.
The region is famous for gastronomic delights such as goat's cheese, seafood (fresh oysters in particular), foie gras, farmhouse butter, chocolate and of course the wine. The region is also famous for its cognac and for Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine.
Goat's cheese-lovers can follow the 'Route du Chabichou' (signposted throughout the region) to visit the goat breeders and cheese producers of the area.
Wine-lovers can choose between the Haute-Poitou and Loudunais regions in the Vienne, with tours and tastings available at vineyards. The famous vineyards of St. Emilion and Bordeaux are about a 2hr drive away.
Guests who wish to buy local produce direct from the farmers / producers should look out for the ‘Vente Directe’ (buy direct) signs along the roads. Markets are also a great source of local seasonal produce.
FESTIVALS
Here’s just a brief introduction to the many festivals and events that take place each year in the region.
La Rochelle International Film Festival (June/July)
‘Franco Folies’ – world music and jazz festival takes place in La Rochelle each summer.
‘Parthenay’ – Jazz festival taking place by the river Gâtine each July.
‘Festival des Nocturnes Océanes’, concerts of light classical music take place each July in Lucon.
‘Festival des Contes et Légendes d'Europe’ takes place in Vouvant in July / August each year. A festival of folk stories with street theatre and evening performances taking place in this picture-postcard, medieval village.
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
The region is rich in history and boasts beautiful Romanesque churches, stately châteaux and gallo-roman sites and amphitheatres. Nearby, you can visit the 12th - 17th century Royal Abbey and Abbey church in Celles-sur-Belle, the 16th century Château de Javarzay in Chef Boutonne or the church of Saint-Hilaire in Melle. In Niort, you will find the second largest Romanesque-style dungeon in France. Built at the end of the 12th century, the Donjon offers panoramic views over the city.
SHOPPING
Markets provide the best shopping in rural France: you can peruse everything from local artisan food, wines, clothes, handicrafts, gifts and more.
The market days in nearby towns are as follows:
Lezay - Tuesday and Saturday
Sauzé-Vaussais - Thursday
Melle - Friday
Chef Boutonne - Saturday
Ruffec - Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
At La Rochelle and Poitiers you'll find designer-label boutiques and shoe shops, jewellers, gift shops and speciality chocolate and cake shops. For those who would like a serious shopping experience, Paris is just two and a half hours by train.
NEARBY TOWNS AND CITIES
Poitiers - Poitiers is a lively university city with great nightlife and great shopping. Nestled on a hilltop it has some fine views over the Clain and Boivre rivers.
Angoulême - A bustling historical town that sits on a hill above the Charente with a labyrinth of alleys that are full of charming shops, restaurants and bars.
Cognac - Sitting on the Charente river, this is the home of cognac or brandy.
La Rochelle - The city has a population of 120,000 and boasts a bustling port, historic centre, and active cultural scene. Great shopping and restaurants.
Limoges - The home of Limoges pottery. This is a large and bustling town with fine restaurants and lots of shops.
Sustainability
The Gîtes were created from a 200 year old farm buildings. These were converted and renovated using local labour and materials and have created something from buildings otherwise neglected for decades. All labour and material used in the renovations was locally resourced and with respect to local traditions.
The management at Les Cygnes has a strong green policy; the Gîtes are self-catering and guests are encouraged to buy locally and organically. A tree-planting programme on the estate aims to offset the CO2 created by guests’ journeys. For example, for a 1200mile journey, 1 tree is planted and paid for by the guest (10 euro). They have calculated similar journeys for air and train travel.
Other Green policies at the estate include the recycling of all recyclable materials, composting of all organic waste, properties are heated with wood from sustainable sources, buildings are insulated and double glazed to minimise need for heating / cooling, rainwater is collected and ‘grey water’ is used for gardening.
Currently energy used at the Gîtes is from the grid, although the owners have plans to switch to solar, wind or geothermic power in the near future. The owners are actively involved in the villages ‘Patrimonie’ society which raises money for the upkeep of the local village. Most recently they have fundraised for the repair of the village wells and the church bells.
Getting There
BY TRAIN
Eurostar goes from London Waterloo to Paris Gare du Nord. The TGV then leaves from Paris Montparnasse for Poitiers and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, Poitiers is then a 45minute drive to Les Cygnes. The nearest train station to Les Cygnes is Ruffec, which is about a 30 minute drive.
BY FERRY
Channel crossings via Eurotunnel go from Folkestone to Calais. Ferry crossings go from Dover or Folkestone to Calais, and from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Le Havre, Caen or St Malo (ferry offers). From Ireland Irish Ferries sail between Rosslare - Cherbourg and Roscoff and Brittany Ferries sail between Cork - Roscoff
Les Cygnes is a 6.5 hour drive from Calais, 5.5 - 6 hours from Cherbourg, 4.5 hours from Caen, 4 hours from St Malo 5.5 hours Roscoff and 4.5 hours from Le Havre.
AIR ROUTES from UK & Ireland
Ryanair flies from London Stanstead to Poitiers, La Rochelle or Limoges. From Bournemouth to Nantes. From Liverpool to Limoges. From East Midlands to Nantes and Limoges. From Dublin to La Rochelle and Nantes. From Shannon to Nantes.
British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Bourdeaux.
Flybe flies from Birmingham, Manchester, Southampton and Glasgow to La Rochelle. From Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton to Limoges. From Southampton to Bordeaux.
Easyjet flies from London Luton and Bristol to Bordeaux. From Bristol and London Gatwick to La Rochelle.
BMIBaby flies from Manchester and Birmingham to Bordeaux.
Jet2 flies from Edinburgh to La Rochelle.
ROAD DIRECTIONS to Les Cygnes
From Poitiers
From Poitiers, take the N10 heading south towards Angoulême. Keep on this road for about 55 kilometres until you see an exit signposted for Sauzé-Vaussais. Take this exit and head towards Sauzé-Vaussais. Before you come to the centre of town, you will see a sign turning left onto the D1 towards Chef Boutonne. Take this road and follow it for approximately 6 kilometres until you see a signpost turning left into Le Breuil Coiffaud. Next to it you will also see a sign for Les Ecuries du Breuil, pony trekking and horseriding centre. Turn left towards Le Breuil Coiffaud and drive for a couple of kilometres until you come to a crossroads at the centre of the village. At the crossroads, take a right and follow this road out of the village. Les Cygnes is the last house on the corner on the left as you exit the village. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes.
From La Rochelle
From the airport, take the N137 heading south towards Rochefort and pick up the D939 heading east towards Surgères. At Surgères, take the D115 towards St Félix and Dampierre-sur-Boutonne. Continue on the D115 until you reach La Villedieu and turn left onto the D950, heading north towards Melle. When you have passed Brioux-sur-Boutonne, turn right onto the D740 to Chef Boutonne. Drive through the town of Chef Boutonne until you see a sign for the D1 to Sauzé-Vaussais. Take this road and, after approximately 5 kilometres you will see a signpost turning right for Le Breuil Coiffaud. Take this turn-off and continue for approximately 1.3 kilometres. Les Cygnes is the first house on the right hand side just as you enter the village. Journey time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
From Bordeaux
Take the A10 towards St Jean D'Angely. Come off at junction 34 and pick up the D939 to St Julien-de-l'Escap then take the D950 towards Aulnay and Brioux-sur-Boutonne. When you have passed Brioux-sur-Boutonne, turn right onto the D740 to Chef Boutonne. Drive through the town of Chef Boutonne until you see a sign for the D1 to Sauzé-Vaussais. Take this road and, after approximately 5 kilometres you will see a signpost turning right for Le Breuil Coiffaud. Take this turn-off and continue for approximately 1.3 kilometres. Les Cygnes is the first house on the right hand side just as you enter the village. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
From Limoges
Take the N141/E603 to Etagnac where you take the D948 to Confolens. At Confolens, go across the river and continue on the D948 towards Pressac. At Pressac, take the D148 to Charroux, then Civray and finally Sauzé-Vaussais. Before you come to the centre of Sauzé-Vaussais, you will see a sign turning left onto the D1 towards Chef Boutonne. Take this road and follow it for approximately 6 kilometres until you see a signpost turning left into Le Breuil Coiffaud. Next to it you will also see a sign for Les Ecuries du Breuil, pony trekking and horseriding centre. Turn left towards Le Breuil Coiffaud and drive for a couple of kilometres until you come to a crossroads at the centre of the village. At the crossroads, take a right and follow this road out of the village. Les Cygnes is the last house on the corner on the left as you exit the village. Journey time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.
Rates & Bookings
All prices are in UK £ sterling per gîte, per week, running from Saturday to Saturday. Mid-week changeovers can be arranged during the quieter season between October and March. Prices include weekly rental of the property, all facilities (except bedlinen and bath towels), utilities and a welcome foodbasket. Long lets are available in mid and low seasons at a discounted rate. Rates are inclusive of water, gas and electricity.
Low Season: 13 October 07 – 22 March 08.
Le Tilleul: £320
La Vigne: £240
Le Poirier: £400
Mid Season: 23 March 08 – 26 June 08, 6 September 08 – 17 October 08.
Le Tilleul: £560
La Vigne: £420
Le Poirier: £600
High Season: 27 June 08 – 5 September 08.
Le Tilleul: £800
La Vigne: £600
Le Poirier: £1000
booking & cancellation policy
- iA non-refundable deposit of 15% of the total cost is payable upon booking.
- Guests must pay the balance of the total cost at least 12 weeks before the beginning of the rental period.
- Bookings made within 12 weeks of the rental period must be paid in full at time of booking.
- A security deposit of Euros 200 (or the UK£ equivalent) is payable on arrival at the start of the rental to be held against any damages. The deposit is returnable after the end of the rental period, less deductions for any wear and tear. Guests agree to reimburse Les Cygnes in full for any damages in excess of the deposit amount.
The Following penalties apply in the event of cancellation by the guest:
More than 12 weeks before the holiday: 15% of the total cost
12-8 weeks before the holiday: 50% of the total cost
Less than 8 weeks before the holiday: 100% of the total cost.
However, if Les Cygnes is able to re-hire the property after cancellation, the cancellation charge will be refunded in full to the guest, less any negative difference in the rental charge.
• Changes to a booking may sometimes be possible, but guests may be liable to pay an alteration fee.
• The number of guests staying in a property must not exceed the number specified for each property.
• Pets are not allowed.
Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.