A charming, spacious, two bedroom stone gite in an enclosed courtyard, beautifully cool in the summertime yet cosy in the winter. Le Gite du Portail has a large, partially shaded garden with extensive views over lovely open countryside. The gite and courtyard is approached through grand entrance gates. Within the estate are large gardens, a summer kitchen & pool with extensive patios with plenty of room to lounge, many trees and the remains of an historic cognac distillery. The region is renowned for its fresh produce, oysters, cheese, cognac and friendly people. A gloriously tranquil, unspoilt setting, perfect for French country living and a relaxed, refreshing holiday. The nearby Forest of Aulnay is perfect for a stroll or bicycle ride. There are numerous restaurants in the area where you can while away your time soaking in the atmosphere. We have a combined 38 years in the business to ensure you have a memorable holiday.
The owners: Nick & Chania run this gite which have been lovingly converted and upgraded into very comfortable accommodation. A property that was formerly a cognac distillery now includes a swimming pool with sun terraces hot tub, large gardens, paddocks and an orchard of walnut trees.
Thank you Nick and Chania for your first class hospitality and superb Gîte. We've all had a fantastic holiday and enjoyed meeting new friends. The children loved the barn (Sale de Jour) and the freedom that La Foye offers. Monday night BBQ's are an experience not to be missed! We hope to come back soon.
Simon, Sandra, Matt and Jono - Berkshire. August 2009.
Charming, extremely well equipped gîte. Nothing was too much trouble for our hosts. Great market in Aulnay, particularly the oysters!
Helen Dominic Samuel and Grace. La Grange. Summer 2008.
Le Gite du Portail: The gite has been modernized recently to a very high standard offering spacious accommodation. Le Gite du Portail is surprisingly large inside with thick stone walls making it beautifully cool in summer and very cosy in the winter time. On the ground floor is a comfortable, roomy lounge/dining room with two sofas, two armchairs, a dining table and chairs. Coffee tables, table lamps, standard lamp, plus rugs and a charming ornamental fireplace complete the picture. British digital Satellite TV is provided with video/DVD facilities. A library of videos, DVDs and books is available for guests.
A charming dining area is available out front, with sunsets to die for. The attractive and practical kitchen with its 200 year old stone floor and beamed wooden ceiling offers plenty of storage. There's a new gas hob with extract hood, Bosch electric oven/microwave combo, Bosch dishwasher, kettle, toaster and fridge. In fact everything you could want to make that perfect French holiday.
Le Manoir de La Foye is very near to the town of Aulnay and within easy reach of the A10 autotoute (J 33 & J34) giving full access to the Channel ports. We are within a few minutes drive to the small town of Néré with its friendly Bistrot & Bar run by a delightful English couple, known for its excellent food and refreshments. We are just 1 hour from la Rochelle & Poitiers.
Located in the small town of Néré, which is only a few minutes drive from Vinax, there is a baker, butcher, hairdresser, chemist, bank and a Co-op supermarket. And just a short journey in any direction finds many more quaint villages and towns that support open air markets, shops, restaurants and historic churches. The main towns in the region are: Angouleme, Chef Boutonne, Cognac, Dampierre, La Rochelle, Limoges, Poitiers (for Futuroscope), Saintes and St. Jean d'Angély.
