Rent Le Petit Verger France

Experience a glimpse of rural life in southwestern France during your stay at this pretty stone cottage in a hamlet surrounded by summer sunflowers, vineyards and traditional countryside of the Charente-Maritime.

Dating back to the 14th century, Le Petit Verger welcomes up to four guests (and a baby) across its two characterful bedrooms upstairs (a double and a twin). On the ground floor is the inviting open-plan living space with two comfy sofas, satellite TV, a log-burning fire and a little kitchen-diner with everything you need to prepare family meals. The owners have taken great care to create a warm and restful ambience with rustic yet chic interiors.

It’s delightful outside with summer flowers, a fruit orchard just across the lane and a charming courtyard with the heated swimming pool and sun loungers. In the morning light it’s idyllic having breakfast overlooking the swimming pool, then later enjoy al-fresco evening meals near the barbecue followed by a glass of Cognac in the outdoor lounge.

There are countryside walks and cycle rides on your doorstep – you could even ride as far as Aulnay around 6km away with its cafes, restaurants, supermarket and Sunday morning market. Around 20 minutes by car is the beautiful town of Saint-Jean-d’Angély by the Boutonne River. Explore its winding medieval lanes, half-timbered houses and 18th century townhouses before visiting its Abbey Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The twice-weekly market is a must-see and make the most of summer activities by the river such as pedalos, canoes and kayaks.  

Elsewhere, there are so many wonderful day trips to choose from. Visit the distilleries of Cognac and the historic sights of Saintes or simply hire a boat to discover the Charente, one of France’s most beautiful rivers. To the north are the marshland, canals and rivers of Le Marais Poitevin, also best explored by boat, whilst the cities of Angoulême and La Rochelle are other highlights of the region.

Not to mention the magnificence of Île de Ré, less than 90 minutes by car, with its incredible landscapes, lovely villages, cycling trails, watersports and sweeping sandy beaches. At the end of the day, return to your little country escape and enjoy fresh seafood from the Atlantic accompanied by Île de Ré wine in your cosy courtyard by candlelight. 

Maison Interiors

Ground Floor

–    Small entrance hall and WC
–    Open-plan lounge with two sofas and log-burner
–    Open-plan dining area and kitchen 

First Floor

–    Bedroom with double bed
–    Bedroom with twin beds
–    Bathroom with shower, sink and WC

Outside Grounds

–    Courtyard with heated swimming pool (8x4m, depth: 1.4m) with safety gate access (with bolt). Open approximately April to October
–    Al-fresco dining table
–    Barbecue
–    Fruit orchard (across the lane)
–    Bikes

Le Petit Verger is in the Charente-Maritime region of southwestern France. The house is located in a hamlet allowing you to experience authentic rural life amongst locals surrounded by countryside landscapes, vineyards and fields of summer sunflowers. There are country walks and glorious cycle rides on your doorstep.

If arriving by plane, the nearest airports are La Rochelle (89km), just over an hour away, alongside Poitiers-Biard (92km), Bordeaux (172km) and Limoges (155km). Alternatively, it is around a four to five hour drive from the likes of Saint-Malo and Caen ferry ports whilst the nearest train station is in the town of Saint-Jean-d’Angély (if arriving from Paris, change at Niort).      

Car hire is essential here in such a rural setting. There is a seasonal street truck serving food and drink around 1.5km away whilst the nearest small town is Aulnay (6km), home to several cafes, bars, restaurants, a supermarket and a charming market on a Sunday morning.

Discover further restaurants and amenities in Saint-Jean-d’Angély (20km), a historic town with winding medieval lanes, half-timbered houses, 18th century townhouses and a partly pedestrianised centre with two main squares, one which hosts a bustling market two mornings a week. The town’s Abbey Church is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are some lovely walks, cycle rides, fishing opportunities and other summer activities by the Boutonne River.

Heading further south towards the Charente River, soak up the historic ambience of Cognac (38km) and visit some of the town’s famous distilleries – Cognac also has a fine reputation for its gastronomy. Saintes (42km) is a joy to explore with its rich heritage – admire white stone houses alongside the impressive amphitheatre, Cathedral Saint-Pierre and the 12th century Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes, another UNESCO World Heritage site.

Niort (48km) features yet more historical highlights and it is the gateway to the Marais Poitevin, a large area of marshes, canals, rivers and woodland ideal for nature exploration, boat trips and a range of outdoor activities.

The handsome city of Angoulême (62km) is another fantastic day out, famed for its annual vintage car race and comic art museum, Musée de la Bande Dessinée. In the other direction is the maritime town of Rochefort (57km) and La Rochelle (85km) by the Atlantic coast.

Drive across the La Rochelle’s 2km long bridge to reach Île de Ré (95km) for wonderful landscapes, pretty villages, endless cycling, watersports and sweeping beaches. The beautiful island of Île d’Oléron is also around a 90-minute drive away.

Golf lovers have a choice of various 9 and 18-hole courses across the region including courses near Cognac, Saintes, La Rochelle, Île d’Oléron and Île de Ré.