La Maison du Voyage France

La Maison du Voyage is the labour of love of a dynamic and talented couple who wanted to change their lives and the lives of others.
After running successful companies in the UK, it was time for ‘the great escape’ and so La Maison du Voyage was born. No strangers themselves to life’s stresses, they created a special haven where holidays and health meet.
Guests at La Maison du Voyage are immersed in a relaxing and beautiful countryside setting surrounded by vines and horses. The 200-year-old Maison de Maître has been restored with care and love, to create a homely and cosy retreat.
Comfortable, airy bedrooms with views over the gardens and valley and comfortable beds with toppers and Egyptian cotton bedding ensure a great night’s sleep. There are two reception rooms with cosy sofas, a large, well-equipped kitchen and space for everyone to let go and relax.
Large, varied garden areas surround the house and the large warm pool, as well as lots of walks from the doorstep through the beautiful woods or vines to three different villages.
Here, relaxing holidays can soon become life-changing holidays. The hosts, both passionate about mental and physical well-being and seeing people transform their lives emotionally and physically, also offer their expert services to their guests.
Juices, smoothies, raw food and gourmet meals can be prepared by the qualified clinical nutritionist and raw gourmet chef, whose culinary skills are spectacular! Local options such as fresh continental breakfast and traditional French dishes are also possible, as well as delicious and fun meals around the firepit.
The hosts also offer holistic and well-being sessions, such as guided relaxation, meditation, life coaching, emotional therapy, Nia, Omni healing and much more… Guests are free to immerse themselves into this world as little or as much as they wish, and even take some new skills back home with them, with cooking lessons, guided detoxes/cleanses and courses.
This historic area is bathed with light and offers beautiful rivers, outdoor activities, villages, churches, museums, markets, brocantes and plenty of festivals all summer. Angoulême is only 11 kilometres away, Cognac 27 kilometres and even the coast and La Rochelle are accessible.
La Maison du Voyage is the magic that happens when a beautiful place becomes more than just a home or a holiday, but a place which transforms and nourishes families and friends.There is a lot to explore all over this stunning area,  from Angouleme (11km) and especially heading towards Bordeaux.
The nearest village is just 3km away and offers several amenities such as butchers, bakers, hairdressers, chemist, doctors and a Sunday morning small market. Many gourmet restaurants and bars with live music at weekends are also close by.
Angouleme is a marvellous historical town sitting on a rocky promontory just above the Charente river and enjoying breath-taking views over the Charente Valley. Characterized by wide boulevards, ramparts, ancient churches and several museums, it is an interesting place to discover.
Just 5km east of Angouleme, you can visit the Charente Grotte de Vilhonneur which host the world famous wall paintings of Lascaux. All along these beautiful caves dating back to over 27,000 years ago, there are also many places where one can practice kayaking.
Cognac (27km) is also within easy reach: explore its gorgeous old town and visit the big Cognac houses both in the city and in Jarnac (20 mins) where you can enjoy fabulous brandy tastings.
If you fancy doing some watersports, drive to Le Plan d’eau St Yrieix in just 18mins (15km) where you will find a man made beach, sailing boats, paddle boats and canoes to hire. It is s a lovely walk around the lake and there is a café for refreshments.
Hiking and cycling routes leave straight from the door and fishing places are just a 10 minute drive away.
Further afield, the maritime town of La Rochelle is definitely a recommended day-trip out. It is a dynamic seaside city with a bustling daily market serving local produce, many places of historical interest, a modern marina and a pretty old port. Furthermore, Ile de Ré, the Cote Sauvage, the l’Ile d’Oleron and Royan are all attractive destinations with sandy beaches and summer music festivals. At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting/childcare services
Extra services available at this property:
Please note that all services must be booked in advance of the stay. Catering and meals must be confirmed again a couple of days before to allow for preparation (raw gourmet can take days to prepare and weeks to have some ingredients delivered). All services are payable locally, directly to the owner.
CATERING
Raw vegan options – for cleansing, weight loss, immunity boosting, health giving, digestion soothing, mind clearing.Guests are kindly requested to book these ahead of time (precise days not required, general requirements only) so that ingredients can be sourced in time. We have a fruit and vegetable garden and lots of the produce used are picked fresh on the day of using.
Raw juices – fresh, mainly organic, often from our gardens, fruit and vegetables made with cool, masticating juicersSmoothies – dairy, sugar and grain free, freshly made using fruit and vegetables (organic where possible)Probiotic drinks – fresh and made onsite to boost intestinal flora, aid digestion, increase nutritional absorption (Kefir, Kombucha, Kvass) Complete raw meals – one-four courses (starter, main, cheese, desert).Best of both worlds – start the day with a cleansing and nourishing juice, followed by a superfood supplemented smoothie. Great start to the day and filling enough to take you to lunch or beyond!
Take it further with one of our delicious lunches. Build your day – you choose how many blocks you want to stack, go for the whole shebang or the best of both worlds, 1 – 4, then virtuously enjoy what you would normally eat and drink in the evening.1. cleansing juice/s (great to start the day) to boost nutrition and hydrate at any time2. cleansing smoothie to fill you up, energise and nourish3. raw, dairy and grain free breakfast 4. raw, dairy and grain free lunch – 1, 2 or 3 courses General catering options These will vary depending on availability but this is a general guide
Continental breakfast – fresh fruit juice, freshly ground coffee, fruit, yogurts (dairy or vegan), breads, viennoiserie, butter, homemade jams
Evening meals (where appropriate served with salads, vegetables, breads, condiments)-local oysters Local melon and pineau (summer)-sharing platters (cheese platter, meat platter, seafood platter etc)-patés (eg: chicken liver, smoked salmon)-tray bakes; vegetarian, meat or fish, lasagne, fish marmites (not to be confused with the loved or hated brown stuff), potatoes dauphinoises, tagines, boeuf bourguignon-mussels (seasonal)-desserts
Firepit (we light the firepit and show you how to use it if required)-range of freshly made dips with homemade pitta breads to cook on firepit-assorted vegetables and/or marinated meats/ fish to cook on firepit-various dishes to cook in the cooking bowl hanging on a tripod over the firepit, with breads to cook on the firepit plus accompaniments (breads, salads, sauces etc)-to compliment fire pit meals we can also provide salads, breads, deserts, condiments, etc.
Holistic and well-being sessionsNutritional consultations – approximately 1 hr.Emotional therapy – 1-3 hoursLife coaching – approximately 1 hr.Hypnotherapy – approximately 1 hr.Guided meditation and Pranayama (healing breathing practices) – 30 minsGuided relaxation – approximately 30 mins.
NIA to feel good and look good – 1 hrCombines dance, martial arts and mindfulness. Nia tones your body while transforming your mind. More than just a workout, Nia is a holistic fitness practice addressing each aspect of your life; body, mind and soul.
Omni healing – approximately 30 mins.Omni means Universe. Omni Healing is an evolved system of energy healing. It is actually a vital life energy which flows through all living things and which can be activated for the purpose of balancing and harmonising emotions to allow a healthier attitude to life. Omni Healing is not a faith system nor attached to any religious belief. All that is necessary is the willingness to feel better. People from all walks of life and spiritual backgrounds appreciate its simplicity and benefit from its relaxing power.
Other servicesEvening meals, light lunchesRaw gourmet from juices to full multi-course gourmet mealsGuided cleanse/detoxFridge stocking/shopping service.Cooking lessonsNLP based Emotional therapyMeditation and relaxation and/or progressive courses throughout stayYogaNutrition
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!