Relaxing Gite by the River Vienne
The perfect holiday home in rural France for up to six guests in the old port area of Availles-Limouzine, La Maison du Passeur is situated in this historic site on the banks of the Vienne river.
This cottage is a part of a former ferryman’s house and has been sympathetically modernised to provide a really comfortable home from home while retaining its quirky charm. Views over the river and surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from the house as well as the secure, private garden.
The property is a great base for visiting the region’s attractions and enjoying outdoor pursuits all year round.
About the Gite
The well-equipped kitchen has a large table, ideal for gathering for convivial meals. The comfy living room is at the front of the house with views over the river and the surrounding countryside.
From the hallway, stairs lead up to the bedrooms. The master is at the front of the house, above the living room with those same stunning views. Bedroom three is accessed through bedroom 2 creating a suite of two adjoining rooms which is perfect for families. For those guests who need three separate rooms for sleeping, we provide a sofa bed in the living room.
The bathroom is also upstairs with a bath with shower over. An additional washroom with toilet can be found downstairs off the hallway.
Please note that this is an old historic property with low doorways and lots of internal steps, so please mind your head and watch your step.
About the Area
The secure, private garden is filled with flowers in season and equipped with a table and comfy chairs as well as a barbecue for outdoor dining. You will find sunny spots and shady areas around the garden all day long to watch the world go by and enjoy those views over the river.
Availles-Limouzine is a small town with a rich history on La Vienne river. It is well provided with a bakery, a butcher, a general store and a weekly market so delicious food to cook at home is easy to come by.
For when you don't want to cook at home, La Maison du Passeur is just a few minutes walk from several restaurants and cafe/bars in the town. There are also excellent places to eat and drink in the surrounding towns and villages.
Things to See and Do
Walkers and cyclists will enjoy the many well-marked routes around the surrounding countryside and the river provides for fishermen and water-sports enthusiasts alike. There are plenty of places to swim in the area including outdoor pools, designated riverside 'beaches' and the lakes of Charente. Thrill seekers can enjoy bungee-jumping and zip-lining in nearby L'Isle Jourdain.
There is no shortage of attractions in the area and great days out for all the family. The spectacular theme park Futuroscope is about 1 hour from the house and there are a number of other parks and gardens within an hours drive. History buffs are well-catered too with any number of chateaux and historic towns just waiting to be discovered.
The Circuit du Val de Vienne is just 10km from the house, hosting regular car and motor bike events throughout the year as well as the famous Ferrari weekend, and is a haven for motor sports fans.
The Confolens Music Festival is a popular celebration of world music each year and La Maison du Passeur is well-placed to enjoy the festival, being less than 15 minutes from the centre of Confolens. There are a number of other events and festivals in the region to enjoy throughout the year.