Description
Welcome to Maison de Figues, a charming converted barn, which dates back to the 1600s. This is a wonderful part of France and a great place to bring family and friends. The property is on two levels, with a large kitchen/diner lounge, two bedrooms (a king-size and twin) and bathroom on the ground floor. The upper floor is a spacious mezzanine, with a double bed and dressing area. To the rear of the property is a large garden with wooden decking and a picnic bench. In the front of the property there is also another picnic bench.
We hope that you enjoy visiting the site and look forward to you making contact.
If you would like to follow us on instagram you can see the progress of the barn since 2018, when we became the owners https://www.instagram.com/maison_de_figues/
Please note the following important information, prior to any enquiry regarding availability:
• Booking periods are Saturday to Saturday. Check-in time is after 4pm CST and check-out time is 10am CST. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate early check-in or late check-out.
• This is a no smoking and no vaping property
• Pets are are not permitted at the rental property
Travelling to Maison de Figues: The two nearest airports are Nantes Atlantique (international) and La Rochelle.
Safety Features :
Fire Extinguisher (kitchen)
First Aid Kit (kitchen)
Fire blanket (Kitchen)
Three Smoke Detectors
Spacious open-plan lounge:
Wifi
Large L-shaped sofa
Large TV (English satellite TV, DVD player and large selection of DVDs)
European Satellite channel box
2 easy chairs, and footstool
Standard lamp
Coffee Table
Wii and X box with a selection of games,
Sound system
Modern Kitchen:
Washing machine
Induction Hob
Oven
Large Toaster
Kettle
Microwave
Fridge/Freezer
Coffee machine (paper filter)
Slow cooker
Island bar with seating for six.
High chair (available on request)
here is a Cool bag and ice packs, if you want to have a day out on the beach, or sightseeing
Downstairs Bathroom:
Wash basin and toilet
Large 900 x 900 shower.
Shaver power point
Downstairs Master bedroom (west facing):
King size double bed
Bed side lamps
Triple wardrobe (with safe).
Dressing table/washstand
Cooling Fan
hairdryer
Ironing board & steam iron
Downstairs twin bedroom (west facing):
Two single beds
Double wardrobe
Cooling fans
hairdryer
Mezzanine bedroom : Double bed
Bedside table lamps
Dressing table and chair
Hairdryer
Cooling fan
Velux roof window
Travel cot x 2 (available on request)
Clothes airer
Front Courtyard :
Picnic table (seats 8) with parasol
Chairs x 2, with small table
Rear Garden:
BBQ
Rotary washing line with pegs
Outdoor light
Large decking area (illuminated)
Large table and 8 rattan chairs (cushions are in the bags under the stairs)
4 Sun Loungers
Outside courtyard:
Front of the gite has two chairs with eight seater round picnic table.
Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits is the nearest village, to the property and is located 20 km from La Roche-Sur-Yon, 19 km from La Tranche-sur-Mer and 30 km from Les Sables d'Olonne. Moutiers comes from the old French "mosier" = monastery. In the Middle Ages, there were two monasteries in the area. One disappeared at the beginning of the 13th century, the other during the 18th century. The village has retained a strong commercial and artisanal tradition but the activities have evolved over time. Being located in a retro-coastal area, tourism now plays a significant role in the local economy.
Events and Festivals:
• Market on the last Monday morning of the month
• Market every Friday morning
• Fireworks and Party on July 14th.
• Flea market in August in the town centre and the adjacent streets.
• Farmers' market in August.
• In July and August, every Thursday, free guided tours of "old Moutiers".
• In August, night guided tours of "old Moutiers".
• From May to September, there is an exhibition of works by different artists at the Tourist Office.
Beaches
There are so many wonderful beaches along the coast of the Vendee
Locally, our favourites are Plage des Conches, Plage de la Terrière, La Tranche-sur-Mer, Plage de la Grière and Les Sables d'Olonne. We suggest that you go and explore, and decide which is your favourite.
We also enjoy visiting:
• Jard-sur-Mer, an old fishing port, now with a modern marina
• Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez: especially the water park https://atlantic-toboggan.com/, as we prefer it to O’Gliss. It’s definitely worth the drive up along the coast
• Île de Ré: Catch the ferry from La Tranche-sur-Mer or drive across the bridge at La Rochelle.
There is a nudist beach to the south of La Faute sur Mer, towards the point.
Restaurants and Bars
La Tranche-sur-Mer
• La Paillote: https://www.facebook.com/lapaillotelatranchesurmer/ the best pizza and moules in La Tranche-sur-Mer.
• Le Blue Mob: https://www.blue-mob-restaurant.fr/ A great family restaurant, with wonderful burgers and Tapas.
• Les Isles ice-cream https://www.facebook.com/lesislesglacier/ : Words cannot describe how wonderful the ice-cream is here, you have to trust us!
• La villa – Bar Resto: The best place to watch the sun go down https://www.facebook.com/LaVilla.Bar.Resto.Lounge/about/
• Starfish and Coffee: https://www.barstarfish.fr/ is a great sports bar, with a wonderful choice of beers and cocktails.
Outside of La Tranche-sur-Mer:
• Moments Café https://www.facebook.com/moments.cafe.lebouil/ la Plage du Bouil , beachside to Veillon in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire or on the beach of Bouil in Longeville-sur-mer. https://www.oceanplayers.fr/?fbclid=IwAR1uZWDKLUerB39mSyJZEFBe97yjyvd1oLvu7bN5hk30e4PKLTgZLSM9S6Q . Food, relaxation, yoga. It’s all here.
Fun Activities for all the family:
• O'Fun Park at Le Bernard: Accrobranche, waterjump, paintball. This is a short drive from Les Petites Rabretieres
• O'Gliss Park at Le Bernard: Water park. This is a really fun waterpark with lots to do for all the family. It is only a 10 minute walk from Maison de Figues. Very near to the end of the driveway is a small dirt track to the right. This will bring you out to the road near to O’Gliss. *Please take care if you walk as part of the road does not have pavement and will be busy with traffic*
• Floral park of La Court d'Aron, botanical garden in Saint-Cyr-en-Talmondais.
• Golf: Anywhere in the Vendee, you are not far from a good golf course - La Domangere (Nesmy), Coex, Port Bourgenay, La Rochelle, Cholet, Niort. See Formule Golf.
• Fishing: Freshwater fishing is available on many rivers and lakes (permits available locally). There are sea fishing trips from most of the coastal ports and resorts. 'Pescalis' fishing park, near La Chataigneraie.
• Cycling: You will find a well signed trail along the coast and several inland itineries - ask at the nearest tourist office. The forest of Mervent/Vouvent offers excellent possibilities.
• Sailing: Beginners and children can take lessons at La Tranche-sur-Mer on a specially prepared lagoon.
• Windsurfing: The coast is well loved by windsurfing enthusiasts, particularly around Jard-sur-Mer and la Tranche-sur-Mer. Several of the inland lakes also offer possibilities for windsurfing.
• Surfing: Les Conches, or La Pointe du Payre are popular sites. https://www.manusurf.com/
• Micro-lights: Initiation available near La Tranche-sur-Mer. Also light aircraft flights over the coast and islands. https://www.manawa.com/en-GB/activity/france/la-tranche-sur-mer/microlight-flying/microlight-flight-over-la-tranche-sur-mer-vendee/13274?_cid=406&cmp=hatlascitypage-cityexperiences&utm_medium=Hatlas%20Maps
• Hot-air ballooning: Initiation flights available in the north of the Vendee. Montgolfiere du Bocage can also offer to arrange individual flights starting near your holiday property - ideal for a special celebration. https://www.niortmaraispoitevin.co.uk/prepare-your-stay/to-do-to-see/2712652-montgolfiere-du-bocage
• Go-karts: Just inland from La Tranche sur Mer at La Noziere / La Jonchere. Children from 7 years upwards. https://vendeekart.fr/
Places to visit:
• Le Puy du Fou - This famous history theme park is unique in Europe, offering a full day out, packed with fun for all ages, including a Roman amphitheatre with chariot races and gladiators, falconry displays and recreated villages from several different periods of history. The 'Grand Park' with its day-time attractions is open to visitors, without reservation, throughout the season and there is night-time 'son-et-lumiere' open air theatre for which you need to book months in advance (but well worth it!). See their web site https://www.puydufou.com/france/en
• Perfumed Gardens at Coex - Unique collection of fragrant plants from all over the world, boutique of natural perfumes. See site.
• Museum of Prehistory, St Hilaire la Foret - Reconstructions of stone-age life, museum. http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/cairn.htm
• Steam Railway, Mortagnes sur Sevre - 22km of train ride between Mortagnes & Les Herbiers through picturesque valleys and over impressive viaducts. http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/chemin-de-fer.htm Velo-Rail, Commequiers - 10km ride through the countryside on a pedal-driven rail cart along the former railway lines. https://www.velorail-vendee.fr/
• Also at Commequiers - medieval chateau https://www.payssaintgilles-tourisme.fr/destination/temps-forts/les-medievales-de-commequiers/
• Automobile Museum, Talmont St Hilaire - Over 200 vehicles from 1885 to the present day, including several unique prototypes http://www.musee-auto-vendee.com/en/pages/pr.html
• Chateau de la Guignardiere, Avrille - Furnished Renaissance chateau to visit, children's treasure trail, vast park. http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/chateau-de-la-guignardiere.htm
• Salt Marshes, Les Sables d'Olonne - Guided boat trips through the salt marshes, see traditional salt production and fabulous wild-life. http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/les-salines.htm
• Zoo, Les Sables d'Olonne - Over 200 animals in semi-liberty in this attractive, well-maintained park.
• Aquariums - At Port Bourgenay and, of course, at La Rochelle.
• Green Venice - Many villages in the south-east corner of the Vendee offer punt hire or guided trips (Velluire, Vix, Damvix, Maillezais). Maillezais offers a good restaurant next to the embarcation as well as the ruined abbey to visit. https://www.in-vendee.com/distinctive-landscapes/marais-poitevin-and-green-venice
Have a look here:
• http://www.vendee-guide.co.uk/
• https://www.in-vendee.com/
• https://www.francethisway.com/regions/vendee.php
Historic towns and villages:
• Fontenay-le-Comte: Has a splendid boulevard, the river Vendee, an historic old quarter and a chateau to visit.
• Lucon: Charming town, with an impressive cathedral and gardens to visit.
• Pouzauges: Existing since medeival times, one of the most fascinating towns in the 'Bocage'. Remarkable 12th century chateau.
• Clisson: Very picturesque, with its chateau on the river bank.
• Tiffauges: 'Blue Beard Chateau', (medeival warefare displays), model village, picnic spots on the river bank.
• La Rochelle: Just south of the Vendee, in Charente Maritime. The old port with its famous street cafés and restaurants and the historic town centre are well worth a visit, as is the fabulous aquarium. Boat trips to La Rochelle from some of the Vendee's coastal resorts.
• Nantes: Well worth a visit, for its splendid architecture, great shopping and the excellent choice of restaurants in the old quarter.
• Vouvant: Art exhibitions throughout the village in the summer. See this site for details (French) Vouvant
Islands
• Island of Ré: Reached by bridge from La Rochelle, or by boat from some of the coastal resorts. Charming port of St Martin-sur-Re, beaches, lighthouse to visit, cycling in the salt-marshes.
• Island of Yeu: 1 hour by boat from St Gilles Croix de Vie or Fromentine. Really beautiful. You can travel around by bicycle in a day (hire available), passing sandy beaches, wild moorland and rocky coves. Noirmoutier: Linked to the mainland by bridge and by the famous causeway (Le Gois), exposed at low tide.