Family Chambre d'hotes/B&B. Maison de Lavande is a converted farmhouse situated in the heart of the Charentaise countryside. Offering a warm welcome and a comfortable stay in a peaceful village with all facilities and many attractions close by.

Discounted rates apply for stays of 7 nights or more. From €43 a night, including continental breakfast. Evening meals are available on request at a supplement.

Poitou Charente has the reputation of being one of the sunniest spots in France, second only to the South of France. The countryside has undulating golden fields of sunflowers and maize, picturesque villages and wonderful walks and rivers. The area is well served with many sports facilities nearby, including golf, tennis and riding. For cyclists and ramblers, the countryside abounds with wildlife and there are wonderful vistas for a budding artist to capture.

Situated on the outskirts of the village of Bouin, Maison de Lavande is within easy reach of Niort which is served by the TGV line and the A10 motorway (10 minutes) which runs from Paris to Bordeaux. It is within an hour of both Poitiers, Limoges and La Rochelle airports, served by the budget airlines, nearest port is 4 hours away. Detailed map and directions given on booking.

Expect long hot summers and short winters. The region is second only to the Côte d’Azure in the average numbers of sunshine hours annually. Poitou-Charente has a warm, temperature climate thanks, in part, to the Gulf Stream. This is an unspoilt region of frequent blue skies and warm sunshine.

This region of France abounds in beautiful cities, ancient villages, rivers and forests. Deux Sèvres (capital Niort): Vienne (capital Poitiers): Charente (capital Angouleme)

Each of the 4 departments possesses its’ own regional identity, largely as a result of its geographical location. The western most region includes both flat, grain-producing plains and coastal marshland – much of it a protected nature reserve. Inland to the north lies the celebrated network of tranquil waterways and lush meadow known as the Marais Poitevin, whilst further south the Cognac area is characterized by its wealth of productive vineyards supplying grapes for both the illustrious brandy and its aperitif close relative, Pineau des Charentes. Elsewhere, in northern Charente and Vienne, for example, you will pass through gently undulating fields of sunflowers, maize, rape and wheat. Throughout the region, the landscape also features coppiced woodlands of chestnut, oak, cherry, holly and acacia, lending colour throughout the seasons. Here and there, lone mature walnut trees stand like sentinels. The effect, whatever the season, is both beautiful and rich in its variety.

The market towns of Chef Boutonne, Melle, Civray and Ruffec are on the doorstep and tourist attractions of Futuroscope (theme park), Niort, Cognac, Angouleme, Poitiers and La Rochelle are within easy reach.

Location and Local Facilities: We are situated in a tranquil corner of the village of Bouin in Poitou-Charentes, one of the sunniest regions in France. The region is rich in culture and history, with Romanesque architecture all around.

The gently rolling countryside is ideal for cyclists who prefer their bike rides not too strenuous, and there are pleasant local walks. This is the best way to observe the varied local bird life, which includes redstarts, golden orioles, hoopoes, and buzzards.

At the nearby town of Chef-Boutonne, the chateau at Javarzay is one of the most important Renaissance chateaux in Poitou, with park and fishing lake. About 20 minutes away is Melle, where you can visit the silver mines of the Frankish kings, and the ‘triad’ of Romanesque churches, or stroll through the themed arboretum. Within 30 minutes’ drive there are a number of zoological parks, a wide variety of museums, and golf courses.

A little further afield, but still within an hour’s drive, the Marais Poitevin offers trips along the maze of canals, the town of Saintes has Roman remains and Mediaeval churches and offers boat trips on the river Charente, while at Cognac you can visit the warehouses of the major Cognac producers.)

At Poitiers, the Futuroscope is a vast theme park with attractions to suit all ages and special shows during the summer. On the Atlantic coast you will find a number of characterful seaside towns such as La Rochelle, with its fine port and towers, maritime museum and aquarium, or Rochefort, 18th century naval town with its imposing ‘Corderie Royale’ (rope factory.

For music and culture lovers, the region has a wealth of annual music and dance festivals, for example, classical music or jazz at Melle (late May) Saintes (July), or Angouleme (September/October); folklore at Confolens (August); or cinema at La Rochelle (June/July).

Golf:
Poitiers Manoir de Beauvoir Golf Club
Just 9k east of Poitiers at Mignaloux, this pretty course is set in the wooded grounds of the Manoir de Beauvoir hotel, with water coming into play on eight holes. Golfers will find it very varied and to an international level with many interesting holes.
Tél. : 05 49 55 10 50

Niort
The Golf Club de Niort has an 18 hole course with a par of 72 over 5868 metres. It has 30 practice bays (10 sheltered) a putting green, a pitching green and a pitch-and-putt.
www.golfclubniort.fr

Golf Hirondelle - Angouleme
Situated in the heart of the town of Angoulême, with stunning views over the ancient city formerly ruled by the Valois, the 18 hole, par 70 course is undulating and technically demanding. Created in 1955, the club is one the oldest in the region and welcomes visitors all year round.
www.golf-angouleme.com

Cognac
Cognac Golf Course contains long and undulating fairways with fantastic views of the vineyards and the river. There are some difficult water hazards that have been positioned in very cunning positions. Every hole betters the latter and all 18 holes, offer a great day of golf for all abilities.
Tel: 00 33 (0)5 45 32 18 17

Saintes
A few kilometres north of Saintes, a golf course of valleys and woods and a real pleasure to play. Wonderful views of the town of Saintes and its old Roman aqueduct.
www.ville-saintes.fr/ext/golf/golf_site.html

La Rochelle
A typical Scottish links course with numerous bunkers, 8k from La Rochelle. It overlooks the Ile de Ré and 5 of the holes follow the coastline. Built on dried up swamp land, it is a flat course swept by sea breezes and offers several water hazards. This pretty course will be enjoyed by all golfers
www.golflarochelle.com

Contact:  Lisa Dalwood
Tel: 00 33 (0)5 49 27 13 49
From UK: 0844 2326368
E Mail:  maisondelavande@orange.fr
 

Cognac Country is where you can find our home, La Maison des Grands Bambous, which offers luxury Chambres d'Hotes / Bed and Breakfast and Gites / Self-catering holidays and short breaks out of high season. Relax in tranquil surroundings, with heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, gourmet dining using fruit and vegetables from the garden and local produce. 

We are within easy reach of Cognac (20 mins), Saintes (35 mins), Angouleme (35 mins), Royan (50 mins), La Rochelle (70 mins), Poitiers (70 mins), Bordeaux (95 mins) where you can find beaches, golf, fishing, seafood, cognac, wine, pineau the local speciality and much more. 

GITES / SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION
We have three cottages available. Each cottage has been recently renovated to a high standard to provide extremely comfortable and well-appointed accommodation with electric central heating. They comprise of two double en-suite bedrooms (1 double, 1 twin) with Italian bathrooms, excellent mattresses, bedside lamps, clock radio and hair dryer. The spacious open-plan living room, dining area and fully equipped kitchen. Each cottage has its own private terrace, garden with garden furniture, barbecue facilities and private parking. 

OLEANDER COTTAGE
Oleander Cottage provides accommodation for either two or four people and adjoins the main house. This cottage is located on three levels. The twin bedded room has its own separate entrance and is linked to the open plan living room up a few steps. The double bedroom is up a few steps from the living area. The entrance to the living room is situated at the front of the main house with its own terrace, garden with garden furniture, barbecue and private parking.

BAMBOO GARDEN and BAMBOO GROVE 
Bamboo Garden and Bamboo Grove  provide accommodation for four people each and are set in the grounds of the main house overlooking a small courtyard and pool area. The en-suite bedrooms, one double and one twin are both on the first floor. The entrances are located in a small courtyard in the grounds behind the main house with their own terrace, garden with garden furniture, barbecue area and private parking. 

Both Bamboo Grove and Bamboo Grove have spacious open-plan living rooms, dining areas and fully equipped kitchens and can be linked together for larger groups.

All accommodation has the following:-
· Internal facilities: Radio/CD player/Either Video or DVD Player
All linen, towels and cleaning materials/Luxury welcome pack
· Kitchen facilities: Full size cooker, hob and extractor fan, Fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, Microwave, toaster, kettle and coffee maker
Extensive range of crockery, cutlery, utensils
Leisure facilities: Heated swimming pool (April to October)
Pool furniture and eating area/Jacuzzi/Bicycles/Barbecue/Comfortable Bar area/Croquet lawn

Optional Extras: Jacuzzi(prices on request) 
Beach Towels
Additional linen – by arrangement
Mid-week maid service
Cleaning service on departure

Evening Meals
If you are tired or want a break from the kitchen, you can dine with our other guests, provided you let us know by 10 o'clock that moring. Special dietary requirements can also be catered for. Meals are served in the elegant dining room on colder days in winter or on the terrace at the front of the house. If you are staying in our guest rooms or the self-catering accommodation and would like to dine with us, please let us know by 10 o'clock that morning. Sally provides essentially french cooking, using seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden. Fresh fish, meat and other produce is sourced from local markets and suppliers. 

GOLFING BREAKS

La Maison des Grands Bambous is fortunate to be situated in an area where there are six golf courses within an hour's drive.  We would like to offer flexible breaks between September and May as follows:
Mid Week Breaks - Monday to Friday
Weekend Breaks - Friday to Monday

Cognac Golf Club (20 minutes)
18 holes 6142 metres par 72
Cognac Golf Course contains long and undulating fairways with fantastic views of the vineyards and the river. There are some difficult water hazards that have been positioned in very cunning positions. Every hole betters the latter and all 18 holes, offer a great day of golf for all abilities.
Tel: 00 33 (0)5 45 32 18 17
 
Golf Club de l'Hirondelle (35 minutes)
18 holes 5365 metres par 70
Golf course with plenty of valleys and a spectacular view of the Cité des Vallois.
www.golf-angouleme.com
 
Golf de Saintes Rouyer Guillet (35 minutes)
18 holes 4790 metres par 68
A few kilometres north of Saintes, a golf course of valleys and woods and a real pleasure to play.  Wonderful views of the town of Saintes and its old Roman aqueduct. 
www.ville-saintes.fr/niv2/golf 

Golf de Royan (50 minutes)
18 holes 5970 metres par 71
Traced through the pine forest of La Courbe this remarkable 18 hole golf course that caresses the natural sand dunes of this outstandingly beautiful site.
www.golfderoyan.com

Chateau des Forges Golf Club (Niort) (50 minutes)
18 holes 6400 metres par 74/9 holes 3200 metres par 37
The golf des Forges is the only 27 hole golf course of the department playable all year round thanks to the investment in a drainage system. Made up of three 9 hole courses, it offers different difficulties to challenge every golfer.The blue course fairly flat with woodland will suit all levels. 
Tel: 00 33 (0)5 49 69 91 77

Golf de la Prée - La Rochelle (60 minutes)
18 holes 6012 metres par 72
A typical Scottish links course with numerous bunkers, 8k from La Rochelle. It overlooks the Ile de Ré and 5 of the holes follow the coastline. Built on dried up swamp land, it is a flat course swept by sea breezes and offers several water hazards. This pretty course will be enjoyed by all golfers.
www.golflarochelle.com

Mignaloux Beauvoir Golf Club (80-90 minutes)
18 holes 6032 metres par 71 
Tel: 00 33 (0)5 49 46 70 27
 
Haut Poitou Golf Club (North of Poitiers) (80-90 minutes)
18 holes 6590 metres par 75/9 holes 1800 metres par 31
www.golfduhautpoitou.com