Casa inteira

Magnificent House and Grounds, Heated Salt Water Pool, Family Friendly, WIFI

Visão geral
Comodidades
Políticas
Localização
Anfitrião

Extraordinária

5 quartosMais de 2 banheirosAcomoda 16 pessoas

Comodidades populares

Piscina
Banheira
Lareira
Lavadora
Cozinha
Estacionamento disponível

Explore a região

Faye-L'abbesse, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Château de Bressuire
‪14 min de carro‬
Parc Oriental de Maulévrier
‪41 min de carro‬
Puy du Fou
‪57 min de carro‬

Quartos e camas

5 quartos (acomoda 16 pessoas)

Quarto 1

4 camas de solteiro

Quarto 2

1 cama de casal e 1 cama Queen

Quarto 3

1 cama de solteiro e 1 cama de casal

Quarto 4

1 cama de solteiro, 1 cama de casal e 1 berço

Quarto 5

1 cama Queen

2 banheiros, 2 lavabos

Banheiro 1

Vaso sanitário · Apenas chuveiro

Banheiro 2

Banheira ou chuveiro · Vaso sanitário · Apenas chuveiro

Banheiro 3

Vaso sanitário

Banheiro 4

Vaso sanitário

Banheiro 5

Banheira ou chuveiro · Vaso sanitário

Espaços

Deque ou pátio

Cozinha

Sacada

Área de jantar separada

Área de recreação externa

Jardim

Espaço para refeições

Sobre esta propriedade

Magnificent House and Grounds, Heated Salt Water Pool, Family Friendly, WIFI

La Belle Echappee is a traditional maison bourgeoise, a spacious family home, set on the edge of the picturesque village of Faye L'Abbesse in the Deux-Sevres department of the Poitou Charente region. Surrounded by fields and open countryside, the house is set within walled and gated grounds of 1 hectare offering an abundance of activities and entertainment for all the family. Offering stylish and extremely comfortable living including wireless internet connection, with 5 bedrooms sleeping up to 15 plus baby. La Belle Echappee's accommodation is equally suited to family holidays or groups of friends. Within a 5 minute walk are a bar and pizzeria, a small supermarket, a post office, a pharmacy, a boulangerie, a hairdresser and the village church. An abundance of country walks and cycling routes are situated around the property. The nearest town of Bressuire is 10 minutes, drive and is the second largest town in Deux-Sevres, with numerous restaurants, shops, supermarkets and bars.

Gerente da propriedade

Diana Bowser

Idiomas

Inglês e francês

Adicione as datas e descubra os preços

Comodidades

Piscina

Banheira

Cozinha

Lavadora

Aceita animais de estimação

Wi-Fi grátis

Propriedades semelhantes

Lavadora
Secadora

Regras da propriedade

Check-in após 16h

Check-out até 10h

Crianças

Aceita hóspedes de 0 a 17 anos

Eventos

Permite a realização de eventos

Animais de estimação

Aceita animais de estimação

Política para fumantes

Não é permitido fumar

Informações importantes

O que você precisa saber

Pessoas extras podem incorrer em taxas adicionais que variam dependendo da política da propriedade.

Documento de identificação oficial com foto e cartão de crédito, cartão de débito ou depósito em dinheiro podem ser exigidos no momento do check-in para despesas extras.

Solicitações especiais estão sujeitas à disponibilidade no momento do check-in e podem incorrer em taxas adicionais. Essas solicitações não estão garantidas.

Festas e eventos são permitidos no local

O anfitrião não informou se a propriedade tem detectores de monóxido de carbono. Leve um detector portátil com você na viagem.

O anfitrião informou que a propriedade tem detector de fumaça.

Os recursos de segurança disponíveis na propriedade incluem extintor de incêndio e kit de primeiros socorros.

Importante

Transações em dinheiro nesta propriedade não podem exceder GBP 1000, devido a regulamentação nacional. Para mais detalhes, entre em contato com a propriedade usando as informações na confirmação da reserva.

Informações a área

Faye-l'Abbesse

Com ótima localização em Faye-l'Abbesse, esta vila fica na zona rural. Museu Jacques Guidez e Le Nombril du Monde são visitas imperdíveis para quem deseja conhecer um pouco da cultura da região. O destino ainda oferece atividades interessantes em lugares como Pescalis - Mini Golf e Téléski Nautique Moncontour. Para quem viaja com crianças, Parc de la Vallée e Aquário de Pescalis são ótimas opções de passeios. Pesca e natação são ótimas oportunidades para se refrescar, mas você também pode tentar atividades como passeios a cavalo e caminhadas nos arredores.

Faye-L'abbesse, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nos arredores

Château de Bressuire - 14 min de carro - 16.7 km
Parc Oriental de Maulévrier - 41 min de carro - 56.6 km
Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine - 57 min de carro - 56.5 km
Puy du Fou - 57 min de carro - 70.7 km
Le Grand Parc du Puy du Fou - 57 min de carro - 70.7 km

Opções nos arredores

Estação Bressuire - 15 min de carro

Restaurantes

‪McDonald's - ‬10 min de carro
‪L'Escale de Boussais - ‬7 min de carro
‪Le Bocabar - ‬11 min de carro
‪Au Joly Bouchon - ‬7 min de carro
‪Soc Bocage Viandes - ‬11 min de carro

Perguntas frequentes

Magnificent House and Grounds, Heated Salt Water Pool, Family Friendly, WIFI tem piscina?

Sim, esta propriedade tem uma piscina. O tipo de piscina disponível é piscina aquecida.

Magnificent House and Grounds, Heated Salt Water Pool, Family Friendly, WIFI é ideal para quem viaja com animais de estimação?

Sim, animais de estimação são permitidos na propriedade.

Qual é o horário de check-in em Magnificent House and Grounds, Heated Salt Water Pool, Family Friendly, WIFI ?

Horário de início do check-in: 16h.

Qual é o horário de check-out em Magnificent House and Grounds, Heated Salt Water Pool, Family Friendly, WIFI ?

Horário de check-out: 10h.

Onde fica Magnificent House and Grounds, Heated Salt Water Pool, Family Friendly, WIFI ?

Na zona rural, esta vila ideal para famílias fica a 15 km de Escritório de Turismo do País do Bocage Bressuirais, Bressuire Notre Dame e Château de Bressuire. Pescalis - Mini Golf e Museu Jacques Guidez também ficam a 20 km.

Extraordinária

A menos que indicado de outra maneira, as avaliações aparecem em ordem cronológica, estão sujeitas a um processo de moderação e são verificadas.

Mais informações

9,8/10

Limpeza

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Comunicação

9,8/10

Localização

9,6/10

Precisão do anúncio

10/10 - Excelente

Wendy G.

12 de jul. de 2025

Pontos positivos: Limpeza, check-in, comunicação, localização e precisão do anúncio

Just returned from a wonderful family holiday to celebrate my 60th Birthday. We were 8 adults and 3 children and everyone had the most amazing time. Diana and Graham are attentive hosts and nothing is any trouble. They are also good fun! La Belle Echappee is a charming and comfortable house, well equipped and very clean. The outside kitchen was perfect for family meals with lots of outside seating space. The outside grass is perfect for playing games and cycling around with loads of adult and children’s bikes and for us the icing on the cake was the amazing swimming pool which is well maintained and we spent a lot of the week in as a family. Thank you Graham and Diana and we will definitely be back as a family and would recommend this for a family holiday.

Hospedou-se por 7 diárias em jul. de 2025

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Tim S.

16 de set. de 2016

A fantastic spacious house.

Our forth holiday at this lovely house, described as our youngest as 'our second home'. Great grounds and pool for the kids and lovely walks through the countryside for us all. Diana and Graham are great hosts; always available to help and advise but never intrusive.

10/10 - Excelente

Elaine S.

22 de ago. de 2023

Pontos positivos: Limpeza, check-in, comunicação, localização e precisão do anúncio

Family holiday

We’ve just returned from a wonderful holiday at La Belle Echapee. A family group of 11 and everyone was catered for. Plenty of landscaped garden and outdoor games, beautiful heated pool, loads of outside seating and loungers and the outdoor kitchen was really handy! The rooms were all a good size, immaculately clean and very homely. I just can’t recommend this place enough… and I haven’t even mentioned the fantastic hosts, Diana and Graham! Such a lovely couple who couldn’t do enough to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. Thanks for making a long overdue family holiday pretty much perfect!

Hospedou-se por 7 diárias em ago. de 2023

Esta avaliação vem de um site parceiro confiável e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Gemma R.

23 de jul. de 2018

Beautiful Property, Great Family Holiday

We have just had a week at La Belle Elchappee..... What a great week!! We were a mixed family of 11, 6 adults and 5 children ages ranging from 4-15 and 2 Dogs. From the first contact I had with Diana and Graham they could not have been more helpful and prompt, asking any questions we had. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by both Diana and Graham we felt relaxed and so welcome, they showed us around the house and gardens and let us settle in. We could truly not fault a thing about the house, grounds or surroundings.... Beautiful! The children had the best time in the pool and playing football volleyball, family game of rounders it was a brilliant fun filled family week in the sun. The children loved feeding the chickens too! The pictures definitely do not do the place enough justice. We would highly recommend to anyone and will definitely be returning!! Thank you Diana and Graham for all your help and kindness it made our weeks holiday one we will all remember and treasure.... and the first of many I’m sure x x

Hospedou-se por 7 diárias em jul. de 2018

10/10 - Excelente

Fakhra R.

21 de ago. de 2021

Pontos positivos: Limpeza, check-in, comunicação, localização e precisão do anúncio

Très belle semaine en famille

On a passé une très belle semaine, on a été très bien acceuilli par Diana et son mari. Les enfants ont bien profité du grand terrain pour jouer au foot, basket et surtout de la piscine. Le Futuroscope est à 1h de route de la villa, il y a un parc d attraction à 30 min. Je recommande.

Hospedou-se por 7 diárias em ago. de 2021

10/10 - Excelente

Nadia a.

25 de ago. de 2020

Pontos positivos: Limpeza, check-in, comunicação, localização e precisão do anúncio

Exceptionnel à refaire.

Un Grand merci à Diana et Graham pour leur accueil, leur disponibilité, leur réactivité et leur gentillesse. Une maison hautement à la mesure de nos attentes , tout est merveilleux pour passer de bons moments avec la famille . Une maison propre et soigneusement décorée, le grand espace extérieur est un grand plus sans compter la piscine chauffée qui invite à s’y baigner à tout moment de la journée. Merci et à bientôt 😊

Hospedou-se por 7 diárias em ago. de 2020

10/10 - Excelente

Céleste B.

21 de ago. de 2020

Pontos positivos: Limpeza, check-in, comunicação e localização

Superbes vacances en famille

La propriété est conforme à l’annonce et nous avons apprécié la localisation en pleine campagne au calme. Les hôtes sont accueillants et arrangeants. La piscine et les extérieurs sont les points très positifs. La maison est d’une propreté irréprochable. Une semaine avec un très bon rapport qualité/prix Merci à vous pour cette belle semaine et pour votre accueil chaleureux. A bientôt

Hospedou-se por 7 diárias em ago. de 2020

10/10 - Excelente

Nadege G.

17 de ago. de 2020

Pontos positivos: Limpeza, check-in, comunicação, localização e precisão do anúncio

Excellent séjour chez Diane et Graham

we had a great week with family and friends,in the house of Diana and Graham who are very welcoming and discreet hosts. The house is extremely clean and very well equipped. The bedding is excellent, which was greatly appreciated by all of us. The property is very large with many possibilities for games (football, basketball, Babington, molkki ..). the pool is large and heated. The environment is calm and no noise disturbs the nights and days We thank Diane and Graham once again for their kindness and sympathy. We recommend this house to spend time with family

10/10 - Excelente

Dara M., Dublin, Ireland

30 de jul. de 2019

Pontos positivos: Limpeza, check-in, comunicação, localização e precisão do anúncio

Excellent Family Friendly Accomodation

10 of us - 5 adults and 5 kids - have just spent a fantastic week at La Belle Echappee. The house and grounds were so well equipped we wanted for nothing. Between bikes, badminton, swings, boules, table tennis, football goals and more but especially the heated salt water swimming pool there was no shortage of things to do. The house is also furnished to a very high standard with very comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms, a very comfortable sitting room, a very well equipped kitchen and hi speed broadband and wifi throughout the house - vital for the kids! There are tables and chairs inside and out with enough space for larger groups than ours to eat together. Our hosts, Graham & Diana, were very friendly and welcoming and made us feel right at home. Overall, this was the perfect house for us and we can't recommend it highly enough. DM & Family

Hospedou-se por 7 diárias em jul. de 2019

10/10 - Excelente

Anne Marie L.

1 de jun. de 2018

Weekend inoubliable.

Nous avons passé un super séjour chez Diana et Graham. Tout était parfait. Diana et Graham sont des personnes chaleureuses, charmantes et attentionnées. La propriété est faite pour passer du bon temps. Petits et grands ont trouvé beaucoup de plaisir dans la piscine. Nous recommandons ce gîte à toutes les personnes qui souhaiteraient passer un bon moment d'ailleurs à l'unanimité nous avons décidé de revenir tous les ans.

Hospedou-se por 2 diárias em mai. de 2018

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

simon c.

12 de out. de 2017

A great family friendly place to stay

We spent a great two weeks on holiday here this summer. From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed and at home. The facilities were really good with lots of space to spread out. The pool was excellent and the outdoor BBQ area was a great idea. The house was very clean and our hosts were always on hand if we needed any help or advice. There was so much outdoor space the children and dog loved it. Football, Badminton, Table tennis etc. There were even enough bikes for all 8 of us to go cycling. Dianne and Graham were great hosts and we are hoping to go back again soon.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Andrea C., Brisbane, Australia

10 de nov. de 2016

An unblemished beautiful family holiday

Diana Bowser our host met all of our needs and more! Our extended family numbered 12 with a few visitors along the way. The property was beautifully clean with facilities to suit every need. Wide open spaces for kids to ride bikes, table tennis, volleyball, heated swimming pool. Inside catered for kids and adults alike. Such a perfect place for either chilling by the pool, travelling to the Loire, or Atlantic Coast. We used the summer kitchen outside everyday/night only eating breakfast in the kitchen. Did I mention fresh eggs collected from the hen house each morning? Diana thank you for your constant attention. We loved it and would love to return to La Belle Echappe - maybe with a friends next time! Best wishes.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Marc J.

28 de out. de 2016

Fantastic Holiday, Accommodation and Hosts

We had an amazing week at La Belle Echappee. The House and grounds were fantastic. The House was large enough for us to all have our space and was really well kept and clean. With everything we would ever need there. The grounds are spacious and there is a huge range of things to do; Swimming (will come to that shortly), Ping Pong, Football, Running, Cycling, BBQ, Badminton, the list goes on. The Swimming Pool was perfect; nice, warm and clean. We spent a big chunk of the week in or around the Pool area as it was so lovely: it provided plenty of shade, if wanted and also plenty of seating/lying areas. Pool comes with a cover for the night or when not in use (in case of small kids). Its a salt water pool which i had never been in before - but it was great. Diana and Graham were perfect hosts. They greeted us, provided us with as much info as we needed for things to do, where to go shopping or eat etc.. There was a load of information leaflets in the Living area for ideas on what to do - In the end, we spent most of the week at the property as it was so nice. We did go to for the day to Pou de Fou - maybe 30 mins drive from the property - recommended for slightly older Kids (my youngest was 10_ or Adults who dont mind a lot of walking and standing - but I would recommend this day out. We also went to some local villages/towns for food or a walk around. Lovely quite area with Bressuire a short drive away with larger shops. There was a large group of us, with ages ranging from 1 to 65 and we all thoroughly enjoyed our time here - Would definately go back

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Bill G., Australia

23 de set. de 2016

Great accommodation and excellent amenities

Accommodation and facilities are excellent. Huge entertainment areas for families and kids. Swimming Pool very welcome. Kitchen and lounge areas very useable and functional. Highly recommended.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Paul F.

1 de abr. de 2016

Best gite we have stayed in France

Arrived to a very friendly welcome from Diana and Graham,who we both very helpful hosts.the house was very clean,spacious,extremely comfortable and very well equipped with fab beds,bed linen and towels.although we stayed in February the heating was very efficient and totally at our discretion also had plenty of hot water.great country location.Awesome time was had by all and would definitely Stay again.check out Graham's free range eggs.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

25 de set. de 2015

Thanks for a lovely holiday again!

We all enjoyed another relaxing holiday at this lovely house; mainly relaxing around the pool but also bike rides through the countryside and a day out by train to Les Sables d’Olonne. Diana & Graham were great hosts as always; never intrusive but always ready with help and advice if needed.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Anne W.

15 de set. de 2015

Perfect choice for family holiday!

A family of 14, aged between 3 and 73, were looking to rent a 7-bedroomed house of which at least 4 en-suite, plus a family bathroom, and private outdoor pool,south of the river Loire in the month of August to celebrate a Big Birthday… A tall order, but one to which Di and Graham responded straight away with a warm Yorkshire “Yes, of course!” What we, the tenants didn’t know when we booked, was that our hosts would exceed our expectations by providing not only a pool, but a heated, salt-water one, into which the 3 youngest children learned to jump, and then swim without armbands during our stay. They had free use of the many bikes of all shapes and sizes, and played for hours in the Wendy House, with the various toys and games at their disposal – as well as on the swings and slide in the hectare of garden. Number 1 treat was going with Graham to pick up the eggs – and sometimes even the hens themselves - in the hen house, and to cook the eggs for next-day’s breakfast. As for the birthday party, Diana arranged for a local caterer to e-mail menus well in advance, so that we could choose all the dishes – and the birthday cake – which were delivered ready to serve on the great day. She also came up with a superbly cooked 5-kilo gammon joint to accompany the eggs at breakfast…No small task in the depths of the French countryside… Any requests for replacement light bulbs, ideas for excursions, eateries, taxi services were all met with enthusiastic and positive responses. Once the younger generations of the family had returned home, the Grandparents dug in for another week on their own and were able to enjoy the peace and friendship offered by the house and its owners. Thank you, Diana and Graham, for turning a unique and special time in the life of our family into an unforgettable and happy holiday for us all. The Woolmers Cirencester

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Cliff A., Brighton

20 de ago. de 2015

Absolutely marvellous

We first stayed at this wonderful house in 2013 and so we were all looking forward to returning again this year. It really was just as impressive as it was on our first visit. Diana and Graham keep this large house very well maintained and the attention to detail is a credit to them both. The house is spotlessly clean with very comfortable beds and good quality bedding and towels. We particularly like the French style kitchen which has a wonderful view/vista that seems endless. The pool is magnificent with good quality sunbeds and the outside area is spacious and well planned. The photographs of this house really do not do it justice as in reality it is so much grander and bigger. The layout of the house is particularly good especially when you have a large family group. There is such a feeling of open space both inside and out. Diana and Graham are very good hosts, extremely kind and helpful and never intrusive in any way. Again, our week flew by far too quickly.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Tanya B.

18 de ago. de 2015

Fantastic family holiday

We had a fantastic family holiday. The house, grounds and pool were amazing. Diana and Graham are great hosts. The surrounding area offers great days out for all the family. I would highly recommend staying at Le Belle Echappee. Its a wonderful place to take a dog as well, enclosed garden and wonderful walks around the area. Thank you Diana and Graham.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Stephanie J.

7 de ago. de 2015

Just perfect!

Returned from the most wonderful and relaxing week at La Belle Echappee. This magnificent house has everything you could wish for in a holiday home. We arrived late in the evening and as soon as we pulled up the drive to our very welcoming hosts Graham and Diana, I knew we were in for a perfect week. The House There were 9 people in our party (4 adults and 5 children; ages ranging from 4 to 15). The house is large and spacious and was spotlessly clean. It could have easily accommodated another family. The bedrooms are luxurious and beautifully decorated. The kitchen is very well equipped hosting just about every kitchen utensil you could ask for. For the little time spent in doors, the Sky TV & Wi-Fi access was an added bonus for when we wanted to keep the children out of the sun. Outdoors What can I say – fantastic! The house is set in large grounds. The heated salt water pool is gorgeous and a lot kinder to the children’s eyes than a chlorine pool; this was a bonus as the children spent the majority of the week in there! Outdoor activities – endless!; football nets, badminton, table tennis, table top football, boules, croquet, swings and slide. There were a number of bikes which the Dad’s and older children enjoyed visiting the surrounding villages on. Prior to our holiday we planned on a couple of day trips out, however we never left the house – we had no reason to do so! Apart from breakfast, we ate all meals outside, mostly BBQs, so the outdoor summer kitchen was ideal and well equipped for our needs. The large wooden patio table seated us all comfortably and is housed under a gazebo. The village Beautiful little village, very French and the people were friendly. Hosts a bakery, small shop, pharmacy, post office, and library and pizzeria restaurant (which we can highly recommend a visit to). In a nutshell, we have already booked for next year – does that not say it all! PS: forgot to mention the welcome basket and the fresh daily eggs - just perfect!

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Paul M.

14 de jul. de 2015

Great holiday home

We had a really Beautiful Escape at La Belle Echappee. Excellent facilities - beautiful pool, table-tennis, badminton, football, bikes, cricket.... and more. Very rural location which was perfect for us. We took our 4 kids (age 19 - 23) & there was loads of space for us all - we all loved it. Graham and Diana are lovely hosts and make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Very highly recommended. Thanks for a wonderful holiday!

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

mark t.

10 de jun. de 2015

"beautiful"

thank you for a amazing holiday, the property was amazing from the large private garden to the heated pool, perfect for gazing at the stars at night. a very warm greeting from Diana and graham excellent hosts. Excellent accommodation for guests of all ages. We will definitely be back.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

William D.

26 de set. de 2014

La Belle Echappee

La Belle Echappee lives up to it's name and is a fantastic home to visit for large families and groups. The house is very well presented, spacious and with very flexible accommodation while the outdoor space if truly exceptional with a well heated salt water pool and very large garden with almost every sport you can imagine to play for children, and beautiful views and outdoor entertaining space and facilities for the whole family . The owners live on site but can be seen and contacted as little or as much as guests want, they are a charming couple , very welcoming and helpful and our children loved helping them to feed the array of chickens.. We thoroughly recommend this property.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Stephen S.

22 de set. de 2014

Chill out in rural France

This is one of the best houses I have stayed in for the facilities and friendliness of the owners. They were very helpful and responsive and were extremely welcoming. The pool is lovely and was a very nice temperature and there is loads of space for kids to run around which was brilliant. The accommodation was very comfortable, spacious, nicely decorated and clean. I would highly recommend this place for families or a large group.

Esta avaliação foi enviada antes de 2018 e não foi verificada.

10/10 - Excelente

Sally H.

13 de set. de 2014

Well equipped outdoor space

We arrived in the middle of the night to a warm welcome from Diane. Our welcome pack meant we could immediately make hot drinks of tea and coffee and when our toddlers woke up early next morning we had fresh eggs, bread and Graham's homemade jam for breakfast. And then the fun started! Such an enormous garden to play and relax in with all the games, equipment and toys anybody might want. The pool (with easy to use safety cover) was always warm and had wide steps at the shallow end so we could walk in for our tiny baby's first swim. Our 10 days passed all too quickly - popping in to Bressuire for chateau, local market and supermarket shopping and to Parthenay for medieval architecture and family restaurant meal. But most of the time we walked and ran around in the garden, we picked blackberries, fed the chickens, quail and guinea fowl and collected eggs. Cooking was easy in the fully equipped indoor and outdoor kitchens or on the gas or charcoal BBQ. Our toddlers both learned to swim and the adults in our party could relax on the sun loungers or swim serious lengths of the pool. We were lucky to have glorious hot sunshine every day enjoyed by us and all the geckos, butterflies, bees and stick insects we could see in the garden. Diana and Graham were friendly neighbours to us and made sure we knew what was available in the village where we walked up to the square for the boulangerie and pizza restaurant. They supplied lots of information sheets for outings but we were more than happy to enjoy the amenities on offer at La Belle Echappee and went home feeling really relaxed and refreshed.