A WALKER’S DELIGHT

PERFECT WALKING COUNTRY

Le Moulin is situated in a leafy valley, deep in the pastoral region of France known as the Pays de Gâtine. This idyllic rural paradise has miles of secluded paths and lanes in an unspoiled and varied landscape. There are oodles of birds, butterflies, wild flowers and wild animals to see. Plenty of interesting walks start and finish at le Moulin – one for each day of a six-night holiday, and some more.  And for even more variety, there are no end of other interesting walks within a short drive. In two words, le Moulin is a Walker’s Paradise.

Le Moulin is 80km inland from la Rochelle, and 60km south of the Loire. It is a convivial auberge, where wonderful walking holidays are hosted by the proprietors, Carolynn Grimaldi and Peter Roche. The number of Moulin guests is never more than ten, so you are not merely just another client, but you are made welcome as a respected house-guest.

"A wonderful holiday - quiet, beautiful countryside; comfortable rooms; attentive, friendly hosts; and rounded off each day by convivial evening dinner parties with excellent food and drink.  Thank you."

David Vickery, Petersfield, Hants, UK - 28 September 2008

TYPICAL DAY AT LE MOULIN

Traditional continental breakfast of freshly baked crusty French bread, warm croissants and steaming hot fresh coffee, tea,  chocolate or tisane. A generous selection of seasonal fresh fruit is also served with breakfast.

We provide you with a first-class packed lunch comprising a baguette sandwich (with bread baked the same morning - of course, what else would you expect - and different delicious fillings each day), crisps, little French cakes, chocolate bars, cereal bars and a generous selection of seasonal fresh fruit (you choose which and how many of these goodies you want to take) and drinks (again, you choose your own from the drinks fridge – water, soft drinks, beer, cider and/or wine).

If you get back early, the rest of the afternoon will be free for relaxing by the pool, exploring by car or whatever else takes your fancy! Le Moulin has a sizable library of popular books, table tennis, boules, etc, to help keep you occupied when you are not walking. The pool is heated to 29°C to ensure is it pleasurable even in early spring and late autumn.

After the efforts of your day we make you welcome with aperitifs-at-seven followed by a leisurely four-course evening meal – made with wholesome ingredients and served with flair, comprising an appetizing starter, mouth-watering main course, superb cheese-board, artisanal dessert and coffee, tea or tisane. Guests and hosts sit at one table for the leisurely evening meal. Plenty of good wine (included in the price) flows and a lot of lively conversation ensues.

all wine, beer, soft drinks, etc, are included in the price

The menu is varied and the cuisine is of a very high standard. The food is excellently prepared on the premises and beautifully presented in agreeable surroundings.

THE WALKS                                                                                        OpeN APRIL TO oCTOBER

High-lighted maps and clear, professionally produced route notes as well as plenty of useful and interesting information are provided in respect of each le Moulin's varied and appealing walks. We use IGN Série Bleue maps 1:25,000 (1cm = 250m) www.ign.fr. See an example of le Moulin's high standard of route notes:

Three attractive paths converge at le Moulin which, after a short distance split into several other delightful and little-used byways. In addition, a number of waymarked walks taking-in nearby places of interest can be found within a short drive of le Moulin.

A guest recently said how much she appreciated the fact that many of le Moulin's paths are wide, enabling people to walk abreast and thus making for conversational walks. Her husband was heard to mumble words to the effect that he was not at all sure about this point.

A typical week’s walking at le Moulin could start with a short Sunday afternoon walk to stretch your legs after the journey.  The recommended Sunday afternoon walk is 6km/4miles. A variety of walks are proposed for each of the following days ranging in distance from as short as you like to 26km/16miles. The length each of the walks can be tailored to suit you.

The walks meander past timeless cattle pastures, orchards, woods, lakes and rivers and give way to Renaissance Châteaux, Gothic Abbeys, Fortified Farms and Medieval Ramparts. And the majestic deciduous forests of the region are great for shade in the height of summer. The variety of scenery is an obvious attraction.

Tuesday’s suggested walk takes in a colourful country market where local-produce is sold, including local farm produce and fresh seafood from the nearby Atlantic Ocean as well as live chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits. Fresh garlic is a good buy from mid-summer onwards and the local honey (particularly ronce - ie bramble) is always a favourite.

Another nearby region with several walks and much enjoyed by Moulin Guests is the Marais Poitevin. The Marais was transformed in medieval times by monks and Dutch engineers from a vast river delta into a patchwork of tiny paddocks and canals. The picturesque village “ports” of the Marais have a holiday atmosphere about them in summer. The Marais Poitevin is also aptly known as Venise Verte which means Green Venice.

Mervent Forest provides a number of walking options among rivers and lakes set in a magnificent forest of oak, beech and chestnut. On the way back don’t miss Vouvant, a pretty medieval fortified village with pavement cafés, English (and French) newspapers as well as plenty of folk-lore and history.

PICNIC

One day each week, le Moulin usually lays on a wonderful picnic, where walkers meet the other Moulin guests at a prearranged spot. The other guests arrive by bike - le Moulin also hosts Cycling Holidays and Simply Relaxing Holidays as well as Birdwatching. It is a “proper” picnic, at a table with a table-cloth, three courses and chilled Cabernet d'Anjou rosé.

LE PUY DU FOU  http://www.puydufou.com/uk/

Many guests find that they need a day off walking during their holiday and we strongly recommend Puy du Fou as a very satisfactory visit in case such a need arises. Puy du Fou is a spectacular series of world-class entrainments. For example, there is a 6,000 seat Roman Stadium with live chariot racing, a stunning falconry display (upwards of 200 raptors from hawks to condors) set in a medieval citadel with a spine-tingling music system and many other similarly exciting attractions.  Puy de Fou is situated among pleasant lakes and cool woods. It is less than one hour’s relaxed drive from le Moulin on quiet country lanes.

At weekends during the summer the Château de Puy du Fou engages 2,700 actors, 60 horsemen and a huge amount of the latest technology in what can only be described as an incredible show.  It starts at nightfall, never fails to move and delight, playing to capacity audiences of 14,000 (after the show the car park is clear within one hour - it's very well organised). The backdrop of the 23 hectare stage (true, not a typo) is the ruined château of Puy du Fou. It’s necessary to book in advance (internet) or you’ll be lucky to get a place. 

Puy du Fou is splendid by day or night and the website is well worth a visit: http://www.puydufou.com/uk/

To fairly judge if a Moulin holiday is suitable for you, the website as accurate as possible. All photos are local (including the one from space!). Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like further information .

website by Peter Roche with support from Studio360 - optimised for Windows Internet Explorer