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LE FOUR A PAIN - THE OLD BAKERS
Situated in the middle of France, where you are surrounded by the magnificent Chateaux and gardens of the Loire. ‘Le Four a Pain,’ is in the commune of Neons-sur-Creuse, and is ideally placed within easy reach of many of these famous attractions, rich in French history and tradition. A 15 minute drive away is the famous spa town of, ‘La Roche Posay,’ renown throughout Europe for the spring waters healing properties and where it can be freely collected at the town’s source.
‘Le Blanc,’ is 15\20 minutes in the other direction from, ‘La Roche Posay,’ where the road to this pretty French town is sided by high cliffs with curious openings on its face. The river Creuse runs along this road and when the sun shines onto it, creates a wonderful sight. There are some good spots to sit and paint or take photographs. Before arriving in, ‘Le Blanc,’ the road goes through the village of, ‘Fontgombault,’ where it is possible to visit a working monastery and take Mass.
Angles-sur-L’Anglin has been voted one of the most beautiful villages of France, (as well as being the last outpost of the English in the Hundred Years War). It is indeed a beautiful village, with its ruined castle and abundance of flowers – and if you know where to look, there are some quiet secluded spots to fish or relax and paint, where the only thing likely to break the silence is the sheep grazing near by.
It also has some Brocantes brimming with ‘Bric a Brac,’ and authentic French Antiques, which are just waiting to be discovered.
Another feature of this area is the, ‘Parc Natural Regional de la Brenne.’ It is an awe inspiring area full of valleys, hills, vast lakes and expanses of forest as far as the eye can see. This in turn offers beautiful walks, cycling, horse riding, climbing, golf, and fishing, hunting, gliding, water-skiing and canoeing. The Blue Guide to France or the Michelin Green Guide can tell you all you need to know about the area, the Chateaux and the wine.
Chinon is one of the better-known and closest wine growing villages in the area. An hour away it welcomes visitors to its wine caves and, of course, to taste. It offers good red wine along with another village, Bourgueil. The area of Vouvray and Montlouis just east of Tours, offers a crisp Muscadet from Sevre et Maine. Sancerre and Pouilly offer a fruity dry wine.
Many of the surrounding villages and towns offer excellent but inexpensive menus, and of course, I can recommend personnel favorites!
One of the most popular attractions is the amazing site at Poiters, ‘Futuscope.’ A high tech futuristic and modern approach to technology and it is a big hit with children and parents alike.
Access could not be better. The Paris/Bordeaux auto route (A10) is less than half an hour away and I can provide a direct route if you require. The T.G.V. (high speed train), stops at Chatellerault, which is half an hour away from the Cottages. The journey from, Le Harve or Caen, is approximately 5 hours away. It is now possible to fly with Buzz Airlines from Stanstead to Poitier, which takes approximately 50 minutes and is also 50 minutes from the Gites.
The Setting
Le Four a Pain is set in, 1.5 acres of lovingly maintained gardens with a heated pool, in the middle of the sleepy hamlet of, ‘Thais,’ a 2 minute meander brings you to the bubbling river Creuse, where many of the locals either fish or swim.
Nearby, in the local villages, Yzeures and Tournon, many activities take place: - Football, Tennis, Fishing, Punting, and Volleyball, to name but a few. There are local markets in most of the villages throughout the week, the largest being, ‘Chauvigny,’ on Saturday mornings, well worth a visit. In all the villages throughout the summer and most of the winter you will see lots of publicity for, Fetes, Fairs, Fireworks and Antique Markets.
Le Four a Pain
Is over 100 years old, and has been lovingly restored and cared for. It was once the bakers for the entire village, hence its size which is at least double of the normal type of bread oven to be found on most properties. We have many stories from the elders of the village, from when they were children and used to dry fruit in the front of the oven to keep over the winter. The oven is situated in the middle of the cottage, and is no longer in use, but we will be shortly taking on the task of removing it from the house and reinstalling it in the garden, so that it can be used once more.
The kitchen has its original fireplace, which is in full working order and deliciously warm and cosy in the winter. It has its original tiles and beams and contains all modern kitchen conveniences. Also in character, it has been restored with pine dressers and kitchen table.
The lounge is spacious 70m2 and flows round to the glass Conservatory and Dining Room
The bedrooms are spacious and warmly furnished. A double bedroom has a hand painted cast iron bed and is the centerpiece of this 30sqm Granary bedroom.
The twin bed mezzanine room over looks one of the lounges, of which there are 2.
There is a charming double bedroom overlooking the conservatory.
There is a 3rd Double Bedroom which is very spacious and has been finished with hand painted sunflowers.
The children’s bedroom with bunk beds also has hand painted murals with wonderful characters making this room is a real treat!
Bathroom 1, is large and is equipped with a deep cast iron bath and shower. There are storage facilities for clothes and towels.
Bathroom 2, is also spacious and has a fabulous cast iron bath and shower, with storage facilities.
The garden is large and spacious, it is completely enclosed, and there is a private entrance for off road parking, there is garden furniture and BBQ for use by our guests.
Our new heated pool is perfect for relaxing and taking in the sun! |
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