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Chérigné is in the southernmost area (the ‘Pays Mellois’) of the department of Deux-Sèvres, well placed for exploring the whole of Poitou-Charentes. The department is 65km from the Atlantic coast, and boasts 2600 hours of sunshine a year, comparable to Mediterranean France but greener.
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The region is rich in culture and history, having been inhabited since prehistoric times, and the main pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela passes right through Poitou-Charantes. Pilgrims are frequently seen walking through Brioux-sur-Boutonne, our local town, on their way to Santiago de Compostela (St-Jacques de Compostelle in French), while our village of Chérigné is a favoured pilgrim route for cyclists. Traditionally, pilgrims heading for Santiago de Compostela stayed in the many monasteries in the region and as a result the area now abounds with superb churches dating from the 11th and 12th centuries.
The region also prides itself on its gastronomy and you can also enjoy its speciality foods in the numerous markets or by following the 'Route de Chabichou' (tasting goat's cheeses at the point of production).
Leisure activities
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The gently rolling countryside is ideal for cyclists who prefer their bike rides not too strenuous, and there are pleasant local walks. This is the best way to observe the varied local birdlife, which includes black redstarts, golden orioles, hoopoes, and buzzards.
Cycling
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There are a number of marked cycle routes in the Department, the nearest of which is a 15 minute cycle away, or you can find your own route through the quiet lanes and tracks. We have some bicycles which we are happy to lend to guests, or they can be hired at Niort.
Fishing
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The Boutonne, which runs past the end of our garden, is a class 1 fishing river. It is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, and is also rich in other species of white fish, and in eels. Holiday fishing permits, costing around 30 euros for 2 weeks, can be obtained in Brioux-sur-Boutonne (4km). Fishing is also possible at the lake at the Chateau de Javarzay, which is regularly stocked with carp.
Golf
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For golf enthusiasts, there are 4 golf courses within an hour's drive. The nearest is the municipal golf course at Niort (18 hole). A little further north are Golf du Petit Chene in Mazieres en Gatine (18 hole, par 72) and the Golf Club Chateau des Forges, the only 27 hole golf course in the region. An equal distance to the south is Golf de Saintonge near Saintes (18 hole, par 68). For all these golf courses, expect to pay around 30 to 40 euros for round of golf in high season.
Horse Riding
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There are 5 riding stables within 30 minutes drive.
Canoeing
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Canoes can be hired for use on the river Boutonne at Chizé, near Brioux-sur-Boutonne (15 minutes by car). You can also canoe on the lake at Lambon near Celles-sur-Belle (35 minutes), which also has pedalos for hire.
Go-Karting
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There is a go-karting track at St Jean d'Angley (30 mins by car), which is open every afternoon.
Places to visit
Between 10 and 30 minutes away
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At Chef-Boutonne, the chateau at Javarzay is one of the most important Renaissance chateaux in Poitou, with park and fishing lake. Chef-Boutonne also has a 12th century church and is the source of the river Boutonne.
- The Zoodyssée at Chize, home to around 600 animals of European origin, wild and domestic, in semi freedom on a 25 hectare site deep in the forest. (See www.zoodyssée.org for more information).
- At Melle, the silver mines of the Frankish kings
date from the 9th century. In Melle you can also visit
the 'triad' of Romanesque churches or stroll through the 'discovery trails'
through the arboretum that encircles the town.
(See www.paysmellois.com for more information) - The renaissance Chateau de Dampierre, in its idyllic setting on the river Boutonne, was tragically almost destroyed in a fire two years ago, but is slowly rising Phoenix-like from the ashes. Inside, the chateau has a haunting, mystical quality, in keeping with its close association with mythology and alchemy. The sculpted ceiling in the ‘esoteric gallery’, a ‘book’ of symbols inspired by alchemy, is now almost fully restored. You can also visit the costume gallery, see an exhibition of lithographs by Dali, inspired by the Esoteric Gallery, or stroll round the intriguing ‘Garden of Dyktynna’ which incorporates themes from ancient mythology, the cosmos and alchemy.
- For animal lovers, the Asinerie du Baudet de Poitou, just up the road from Dampierre, is a breeding centre for the local breed of Poitevin donkey and mule. Hourly guided visits can be combined with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or on the back of a donkey.
Within 30 - 60 minutes
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Marais Poitevin
offers trips along the maze of canals or 'Green Venice', in punts or canoes
(with or without guides, if you're not afraid of getting lost!) and cycle
rides.
(See www.marais-poitevin.com for more information) -
The Valley of Monkeys at Romange brings you into direct contact with around 30 species of monkeys roaming free in a natural environment. The level site is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchair users and there are picnic places for lunch. A big hit with our guests, young and old.
(See www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr for more information). -
At the Tumulus de Bougon, take a trip through man’s evolution from its origins, in 15 hectares of parkland with original burial chambers dating from 4500 BC, and an imaginative museum housed in the remains of a Cistercian abbey.
- At Saintes, you can explore the many Roman remains and Mediaeval churches (such as Abbaye aux Dames), or take a boat trip on the river Charente. (See www.ot-saintes.fr for more information).
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Near Saintes, the Paleosite at St Cesaire is
the most modern Prehistory Centre in the world. Here you can meet
Neanderthal Man, through an imaginative, high-tech series of presentations,
combined with an interactive centre that brings the Neanderthal to vivid
life.
(see www.paleosite.fr for more information). - At Cognac you can visit the warehouses of the major Cognac producers and sample Cognac and Pineau, a local speciality.
Between 60 and 90 minutes away
- La Rochelle is an old seaside town with a fine port and towers, a maritime museum and aquarium. From here you can take a boat trip to Fort Boyard.
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The naval town of Rochefort is a must for lovers of maritime history, with its magnificent Corderie Royale, National Maritime Museum and a workshop where you can see a reconstruction of the 18th century frigate Hermione being built.
- At Poiters, the Futuroscope is a vast theme park with attractions to suit all ages and special shows during the summer. (See www.futuroscope.com for more information).
- For fishing enthusiasts, Pescalis is the largest fishing centre in Europe, with hundreds of acres of specialised lakes in a natural landscape.
Festivals
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For music and culture lovers, the region has a wealth of annual music and dance festivals, for example, classical music festivals at Melle (May) and Saintes (July), festivals of jazz at Châtellerault/Poitiers (May) or Blues at Cognac ((July); an international film festival at La Rochelle (July) or a festival of world dance and music at Confolens (August).
A full listing of festivals can be found at www.poitou-charentes-vacances.com/artdevivre/index_festival.php.