Nestled in the heart of French countryside amidst fields of sunflowers is the quiet and peaceful hamlet of Le Petit Breuil. Yet only 8km from the market town of Surgères and equidistant from La Rochelle, Rochefort and the lovely beaches of Châtelaillon (30 mins). St-Jean-d'Angély (20 mins).

No pets. Saturday changeover. Central heating for year-round letting. Long lets available for house-hunting at reduced rate.

Facilities

Property Type:	Houses
Nearest ferry port:	St Malo 331km.
Nearest restaurant:	There is a restaurant just 1km in the next hamlet called St Mard which also has a bar, Post Office and church.
Location and activities:	We are only 5 minutes drive to Surgeres which has plenty of restaurants, bars and numerous shops and a market place. There is also a 12th century church which is well worth visiting and a cinema next to the Grand Cafe. Also there are 2 swimming pools one in Surgeres and a lovely outdoor pool in Vandre which is only 4km from the house. Only 20 minutes away is a place called Venise Verte which is great for family picnics, canoeing, cycling. At St Savinion there are battery operated boats on a large lake which you can hire which is a good day out. There is the Zoo at La Palmyre, The beach at Chatellaion is also another great place to visit. It also has a fun park for kids, an outdoor swimming pool and casino. La Rochelle has a great old town and port and is also good for the beaches, shopping and historical interests. Below are other places a bit further out but we are only talking about 40 mins. Buildings in Saintes are old and lovely. The amphitheatre here dates from around the 1st century and is big, nearly as big as the Coliseum in Rome. It’s the ideal place for your children to re-enact their favourite scenes from ‘Gladiator’, and they’re probably a lot cuter than Russell Crowe. The Arch of Germanicus makes a striking entrance to the town, and looks like the little sister of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. If walled cities are your thing, it’s worth visiting Brouage. It’s a great place for children to get immersed in real-life history, patrolling the stone walls and watching for marauding invaders - far more effective than being in a drab classroom! It’s been around since 1555 and has the quirky privilege of being the first European place for trading in salt. Americans would call the cobbled streets and upmarket craft shops quaint, but don’t let this put you off Island Adventures This is the ideal chance for your children to relive the ‘Famous Five’ adventures, by exploring the 3 islands offshore from La Rochelle. The Ile de Ré and the Ile d'Oléron are linked to the mainland by bridge, the third "island", Fort Boyard, can be viewed by boat The Ile d‘Oléron is great for surfing and is well supplied with restaurants and even a few nightclubs. Children will love scrambling around some of the ruined windmills or race down the sand dunes and there are excellent beaches at Vert Bois and Grande Plage Phare des Baleines Cycle and hiking routes rule supreme on the Ile de Ré. There is a fantastic view from the top of the 150 year old lighthouse, Phare des Baleines - which means ‘Lighthouse of the Whales’. Though I’m sure not many whales would be able to manoeuvre themselves up the 250 steps to the top. Back on the ground you could also visit the lovely old harbours and ânes en culottes, which translates - honestly - as ‘donkeys in trousers’. Go. See for yourself Cognac Opinion is divided on the town of Cognac. Some people say it is only worth visiting for the drink, others think the town itself is very pretty and worth a look. Perhaps you should go, let us know your opinion and settle this dispute once and for all! Lots of the cognac houses offer free tastings and if you’re unsure which buildings to approach, just look out for the black lichen stains on the outside of the buildings, which are as a result of alcohol evaporation during the cognac-making process. If you like the idea of quaffing your cognac in exalted surroundings try ‘Cognac Otard’, which is based in a 15-16th century château La Rochelle La Rochelle is as pretty as its name and well-equipped for keeping the whole family entertained. There are great shops, lots of restaurants, beaches and a huge aquarium. The tanks in the aquarium have transparent tunnels running through them, so you can see the sealife swimming around you. Wow! There is also a natural history museum, full of an interesting mix of stuffed animals, shells and African masks. A good place to while away a few hours if the sun goes in La Rochelle is small enough to explore on foot. The centre of the town is the Vieux Port and everything spirals out from here. The old port area has 2 stately towers guarding the entrance from the sea and is apparently the biggest yachting centre on France’s Atlantic coast. To get a good view over the city, climb the 15th century Tour de la Lanterne. See if your children spot the antique graffiti, left by prisoners, from the 17th-19th century.
Bedrooms:	The house has 3 bedrooms 2 with double beds and 1 with twin beds. We also provide a cot for babies. All linen is included and towels etc.
Bathrooms:	Upstairs bathroom with bath sink and overhead shower, separate toilet.
Kitchen:	Fully-fitted kitchen, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, microwave. Highchair.
Living area:	Living room (log fire, satellite tv, stereo, books and games).
Entertainment on-site:	We have a gamesroom with pool table and dartboard, bikes.
Outside:	Enclosed garden, south facing with terrace, outdoor furniture, gas bbq.
General:	Our neighbour has a saffron and lavender field which he grows organically and sells his produce in the local markets. Just down the road is a farm which sells fresh milk and eggs. A boulanger calls every morning to the hamlet selling fresh bread, cakes and groceries - she stops outside our house which is very convenient.
Suitability:	The house is suitable for winter lets having oil central heating and a log fireplace. All of our house-hunters have found their own French retreat from here.

Rental Rates

Chez Paix - Sleeps: 6, Bedrooms: 3

Low £190 (Mar, Apr, May, Oct)
Mid £260 (June, Sept)
High £380 (July, Aug)
Winter and long lets negotiable.

Contact Details

To book this property use the contact details below quoting Holiday France Direct ref: PM001154.

Contact:	Mr and Mrs Cowley
Telephone:	01784 465624
Email:	Email the Owner »
Shortlist:	Click here to add this property to your shortlist
Listing last updated:	18 Aug 2008