Conveniently situated on the border of POITOU CHARANTES and
the LIMOUSIN departments and only one hour in each direction
to their capital cities of Poitiers and Limoges, CHEZ TARTAUD
is surrounded by undulating farmland with tree-lined fields, cut into
the dramatic rocky waters of the Gartampe river.

Much of this landscape can be explored on foot or by bike on many of
the leafy lanes (chemins) accessible directly from our smallholding
where an abundance of flora and wildlife abounds. Bird-watchers and
wildlife-spotters will love it here.

You have access to the 12 acres of our organic smallholding. Our
children love the animals, fresh vegetables, pond, fields, trees and
the stream we even have plans to restore the old lake. They build
dens, play hide and seek in the secret area and come home with rosy
cheeks and hearty appetites.

We offer eggs and seasonal vegetables direct from our potager, which
beats supermarket taste with its just picked freshness. Preserved
bottled vegetables, jams and pickles are also available

Lathus-Saint-Remy
About 1.5km by road (or chemin) passing the equestrian centre is the
village of LATHUS with a small supermarket which includes the
butchers, there are two boulangeries (one who deliver direct to our
farm most mornings), florist, doctor, pharmacy, post office,
bar/restaurant and bank.

Lathus dating from Gallo-Roman times, has its granite-built Church of
Saint Maurice (12th 13th Century) plus dolmen (rocks) of Marchain and
several chateaux (e.g. Ouzilly, le Ché and Cluzeau-Bonneau).

The River Gartempe
Heading 1km in the opposite direction to the village from the
cottage, you find the wild beauty of the Roc d’Enfer (Stone of Hell)
astride the rapids of the Gartempe river.

In a quieter part of the river past the chateau de Chez Rogan but
still within 1.5km of Chez Tartaud, is the small swimming beach,
picnic area and an excellent restaurant.

A whole host of activities are on offer locally
on the river and at the neighbouring Centre de Plein Air and
Equestrian Centre such as
* fishing,
* canoeing,
* sailing,
* tennis,
* mountain bikes,
* rock climbing,
* archery,
* horse riding and
* the educational farm.

Lathus is the regional capitol of canoe-kayak and is appreciated for
slalom (class 3 & 4) with regular competitions and training events
throughout the year.

There are a wealth of other activities and sights too long to mention
on this site but are included in the Information Pack in the cottage.
Whether your seeking energetic and sensational sports or simply
wishing to relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty (perhaps with a
helping of local gastronomy and wines) I hope you have gathered a
flavour of the area surrounding Chez Tartaud.

Montmorillon
15 minutes drive north of Chez Tartaud is the main town of
MONTMORILLON where you can find larger supermarkets and shops, the
tourist office, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, cinema, cafes,
restaurants and Wednesday morning market.

If you have a sweet tooth you shouldn’t leave without visiting the
almond and macaroon museum. Steeped in history, the medieval quarters
of Montmorillon host La Cité de L’Écrit et des Métiers du Livre which
provides a host of shops and activities surrounding the world of
words, writing, paper and bookmaking. But you will also want to visit
the Maison Dieu with its ancient octagon, the protected façade of the
Saint Laurent Chapel, the frescos and medieval fortifications and
beautiful gardens which offer a panoramic view of the town over the
river Gartempe.

Montmorillon is also in the centre of the Valle des fresques and
within easy reach of Saulgé (painting of the 19th Century) Jouhet
(frescoes of the 15th Century) Pindray with more frescoes and the
chateau de Pruniers, Antigny, Saint-Germain and finally Saint-Savin
where the abbey has been acclaimed by UNESCO on its World Heritage
List..


Other nearby attractions include
* the Valley des singes (Monkeys) at Romagne,
* the Ilse des Serpents (snakes and amphibians) at La Trimouille,
* Les Géants du Ciel (spectacular bird show within the ruins of an
ancient castle) at Chauvigny.

Futuroscope
A little further a field but little more than an hours drive is one
of France’s most amazing theme parks Futuroscope. This incredible
experience with rides and laser displays is dedicated to the world of
cinema and the moving image, and is a real must-see for all but the
very young.

Poitiers itself also deserves a full day out
although it is only an hours drive from Chez Tartaud, as a bustling
cosmopolitan city with much historical interest the many narrow
alleyways situated around its historic university. The countryside is
delightful, with some of France’s finest cheeses and wines coming
from Poitou Chatentes. A regional speciality is a ripe Charantaise
melon, halved and filled with Pineau, a local aperitif. The
distilleries around Cognac, and the Roman remains at Saintes, are all
worth a day out visit.

Being on the boarder with Limousin
there are also several porcelain factories nearby where you can buy
the world famous Limoges pottery and enamel work. Or why not visit
the porcelain museums in LIMOGES - now a city of greenery and
flowers, only an hours drive south from Chez Tartaud. Pretty villages
dot the landscape in the Limousin, and the area is famous for
cherries and plumbs visit in early spring and the blossoms are
stunning. The local cuisine includes cherry clafoutis a sort of sweet
yorkshire pudding and the liqueure made from local fruit and nuts are
delicious.

A little nearer but still in the Limousin, ORADOUR-SUR-GLANE
is a village like no other, now open as a visitors centre. It is kept
as a memorial to the horrific massacre that was visited on it and its
inhabitants by a retreating German SS Panzer division. Driving into
Oradour you see the ruins of the village decreed as a memorial by
President de Gaulle lest we ever forget. On your return from Oradour
and to lift your spirits, you should stop for a coffee in the lovely
village of MORTEMART, designated as one of the prettiest villages in
France.

In the summer months, our above ground pool in the landscaped gardens
behind the house and cottage is popular with both children and adults
alike.