Cottage in Indre, France

Le Four a Pain details

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Relax in our fabulous heated pool

Enjoy the 1.5 acres gardens

Wondeful Mature Garden gives total privacy

A Great Space for outdoor games

Plenty of room to park

Home description

Le Four a Pain has just arrived at its 100^th year in existence and has been lovingly restored and cared for by the owner. It was once the local bakers for the village and during its renovation many stories were told of how the children of the village used to dry the fruit in front of the oven to keep over the winter, and how they used to bake their bread. The oven is now situated in the lounge.

There is private parking off the road, and in the recently landscaped garden there is garden furniture and a barbecue.

Coupled with its own wine cave it is the perfect retreat for the holidaying family or group in France. It has been carefully converted and lovingly restored by the owner with the help of local craftsmen, being careful not to destroy its character and charm.

On arrival at Le Four a Pain you will be able to browse through at your leisure the house book which provides you with more information of things available in the area. Restaurants, doctors, dentists, chemists, opening hours of supermarkets, banks etc.

Accommodation detail

The elegant bathroom

One of the bedrooms

The kitchen

Cosy Sitting room to relax in

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The kitchen has its original fireplace which is in full working order and deliciously warm and cosy in the winter. It has original tiles and beams and contains all modern kitchen conveniences, gas cooker, washing machine and fridge freezer. Also in character it has been restored with pine dressers and kitchen table.

The bedrooms are spacious and warmly furnished. A cast iron hand painted double bed is in the 30 sq. m Granary bedroom, and there are twin beds in the mezzanine bedroom which overlooks the lounge. Bedlinen is included.

The bathroom is large and equipped with a deep cast iron bath and shower. There are storage facilities for clothes and towels.

About the location

Situated in the middle of France, where you are surrounded by the magnificent Chateaux and gardens of the Loire. The hamlet of Thais is ideally placed within easy reach of many of these famous attractions, rich in French history and tradition. A 15 minute drive away is the famous spa town of La Roche Posay, renowned throughout Europe for the spring waters healing properties and where it can be freely collected at the towns source.

La Blanc is 15/20 minutes in the other direction from La Roche Posay where the road to this pretty little French town is sided by high cliffs with curious openings on its face. The river Creuse runs along side this road and when the sun shines it creates a wonderful sight. There are some good spots to sit and paint or take photographs. Before arriving in Le Blanc the road goes through the village of Fontgombault where it is possible to visit a working monastery and take Mass.

Angle sur L'Anglin has, it is said, been voted one of the most beautiful villages of France (as well as being the last outpost of the English in the hundred years war). Whether it is fact or just the locals elaborating a well told story, it is indeed a beautiful village, with its ruined castle and abundance of flowers – and, if you know where to look there are some quiet secluded spots to fish or relax and paint and where the only thing likely to break the silence is the sheep grazing nearby.

Another feature of this region is the 'Parc Natural region de la Brenne' It is an awe inspiring area full of valleys, hills, vast lakes and expanses of forests as far as the eye can see. This in turn offers beautiful walks, cycling, horse riding, climbing, golf, fishing, hunting, gliding, water-skiing and canoeing. The blue guide to France or the Michelin Green Guide can tell you all you need to know about the area, the Chateaux, and the wine.

Chinon is one of the better known and closest wine growing villages in the area. An hour away it welcomes visitors to its wine caves and of course to taste. It offers good red wine along with another village Bourgueil. The area of Vouvray and Montlouis just east of Tours offers a crisp Muscadet from Sevre et Maine. Sancerre and Pouilly offer a fruity dry wine.

Many of the surrounding villages and towns offer excellent but inexpensive menus and of course I can recommend personal favourites.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Fishing, Swimming

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

Access could not be better. The Paris – Bordeaux Autoroute (A10) is less than 30 minutes away and I can provide a direct route if you require. The TGV (high speed train) stops at Chatellerault which is 30 minutes away from Thais. The journey from Le Havre or Caen is approximately 5 hours.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.