This is an area of outstanding beauty and has been a very well kept French secret. We get quite a few visitors to this region and they are mostly the French themselves who take advantage of this idyllic place of peace and tranquillity which also offers so many outdoor pursuits.

The Village of Ouides is a small friendly farming hamlet, perfect for walking, watching the many varieties of birds of prey, cycling and of course like all sensible places it has a boule court, so there is no excuse for not partaking in the national pastime. Fresh milk can be bought direct from the farm as well as Le Puy lentils, strawberries and raspberries when in season. Bread arrives daily from the neighbouring village. Tennis courts, bakery, butcher, local shop,restaurant and bars can all be found in Cayres 6km away.

The farmhouse

The accomodation comprises large living room with tv and dvd, kitchen with family sized dining table and all usual appliances Sitting room with tv and dvd, Office area with screen and internet connection. Downstairs shower room and toilet. Upstairs has 4 double bedrooms and bath/showeroom and toilet. It is set in about an acre of interesting and secluded gardens. Front terrace ideal for sunny breakfasts, larger rear terrace overlooking pool with stunning uninterrupted views. Many different areas to sit in sun or shade or just chill out poolside.

Outside equipment: Large gas bbq, gas heater, 2 dining tables with ample chairs, sunloungers, table tennis, garden jenga, net for volley ball, tennis raquets and balls. Pool cover and noodles. Sun umbrellas.

Facilities

Property Type:	Farmhouses
Nearest port:	Caen/Ouistreham 743km
Location and activities:	This area was made famous by Robert Lewis Stevenson in his book "Travels with a donkey", in fact his first stop was intended to be Lac du Bouchet which is very close by. It can be walked to via ancient tracks in about an hour. There you will find a path that takes you on a circuit of the lake in 30 mins. There is an area for swimming. Pedalos are for hire in peak months and fishing is also possible. There is a small family run hotel at the lakeside and it has an excellent restaurant as well as providing good quality snacks on the outer deck. Bouchet St Nicholas was where Stevenson eventually spent his first night and this too is walkable and has 2 good traditional restaurants. Both these places and many more can also be reached by bike and off roaders on the tracks and by car on normal roads. Pont d'Alleyras is 8km down the mountain. Here you can canoe and white water raft as well as have some good fishing. There is a Michelin star restaurant also. The barrage du Nausac is a very large reservoir which is especially good for windsurfing and canoeing both of which can be hired, and is a 30 minute drive. Lac d'Issarles is 45 minutes away and has a good sandy area for sitting and is a great place to spend a day with things to do on the water, good places to walk and many restaurants. It is also just a short drive from here to the source of the River Loire Le Puy en Velay is a very beautiful ancient cathedral town with cobbled streets, fountains, markets and gardens. It offers many attractions and good boutique shopping. The cathedral is well worth a visit and is on the famous pilgrim route Saint-Jacques de Compostelle

Rental Rates

L'Ecureuil - Sleeps: 8, Bedrooms: 4

1500 Euros mid season to 2000 Euros high season

Contact Details

To book this property use the contact details below quoting Holiday France Direct ref: OH002435.

Contact:	Mrs Mary Whittle
Postal Address:	L'Ecureuil Le Bourg Ouides 43510 Cayres France 43510
Telephone:	(00 33) 4 71 57 33 57 or
Mobile:	07710 081767
Email:	Email the Owner »
Shortlist:	Click here to add this property to your shortlist
Listing last updated:	05 Aug 2008