Notes from the host
Riverfront Cottage & Watermill
We are located in the centre of town so you can walk to the bars and restaurants without having to drive. However we still have 4 acres of land surrounded by the river and countryside so it feels very secluded and private.
Brand new 6 metre heated swim spa. It is fully heated all year round with luxury decking and sun loungers. The spa area includes 5 spaces for a spa experience and 5 turbo jets to swim against for a torrent effect.
In the region of sunflowers and vineyards, midway down the Atlantic coast, Le Moulin Chaillou nestles perfectly between the historic port of La Rochelle, the scintillating city of Bordeaux, the soft sandy beaches of Royan and the rolling countryside of there Cognac vineyards. Set in delightfully natural surroundings, Le Moulin Chaillou offers a quality waterside cottage/gite with separate access, in the ancient and medieval town of Pons, ion the Charente Maritime region. Renovated to a high standard, the cottages are attached to the recently renovated 14th century watermill, brimming with character features such as Charentaise stone walls and huge oak beams, pleasantly contrasting its modern facilities. Family friendly with baby equipment, gym and games area, bikes, fishing, canoeing and outdoor and indoor games. NEW FOR SUMMER 2018 a luxury 6 metre heated spa and swimming pool, fully heated all year round with luxury decking and sun loungers. The spa area includes 5 spaces for a spa experience and 5 turbo jets to swim against for a torrent effect/calorie burn fitness exercise.
Nearest airport: La Rochelle 90km
Nearest golf: Saintes 20km
Nearest restaurant: Pons 1km
Nearest bar: Pons 1km
Nearest train/coach/bus station: Pons 1km
Nearest ski resort: Pyrenees 450km
Nearest ferry to UK: St Malo: 440km
Nearest motorway: A10 3km
Nearest beaches: Meschers sur Gironde 35km
River fronted: the cottages are alongside the beautiful River Seugne, so you can enjoy canoeing, boating, pedals and fishing on your doorstep.
Cycling: there are many beautiful cycle route nearby and we provide free use of bikes for all ages and a 2-child trailer and infant bike seat.
Aire de Loisir de Pons: a picturesque restaurant and leisure complex on the River Seugne, 10 mins walk or bike rode away. Just down from the Pilgrims roundabout in Pons. Serving all day and evening a selection of french cuisine and freshly made pizzas. There is an outdoor play area and park, canoe and pedal hire, pony rides, crazy golf, outdoor ping pong, river walks and picnic areas, indoor pool and games machines and karaoke evenings once a week in high season.
Chateau des Enigmes: 5 minutes drive from us is a new kind of theme park where you can discover a magnificent Renaissance castle and its parklands through a 3 hour interactive treasure hunt. You will have to solve any clues in a maze, the Orangery, the park and the most beautiful rooms of the Usson Castle. All activities are available for English speaking visitors.
Coast/beach: nearest beach 30 minutes drive, Royan, Saint George de Dionne, Pontaillac, Meschers, Saint Palais sur mer.
Travel: Bordeaux or La Rochelle airports, 60 minutes
Angouleme airport, 50 minutes
Pons train, bus and coach station, 5 minutes
Saintes train station: 20 minutes
Distances: We are located within the town of Pons but due to its ideal location, it feels as though we are in the rolling countryside. The Moulin Chaillou has four and a half acres of private land and river frontage, and it takes just 3/5 minutes to walk over the watermill islands and pretty stone bridges to find the nearest boulangerie.
Further details: Pons itself is a pretty medieval town, complete with castle keep, (the first "Donjon" was raised to the ground by Richard the Lion Heart in 1179), Pilgrims Hospital and the Chapel Notre Dame Marie.
At the Moulin Chaillou you can enjoy the relaxing sounds the River Seugne, walk along the numerous islands and explore the area. Heading inland are the beautiful and historic towns of Saintes to the North and Cognac to the East, both about 15 miles/ 20 minutes drive away. There are many fine sandy beaches in Royan, Meschers and La Palmyre, which also hosts an outstanding zoo which is said to be the best in France. La Rochelle is a fabulous 11th century port which is now the biggest yachting centre on Frances Atlantic coast. Within an hours drive ~North are the offshore islands of Ile de Re, Oleron and Aix, and to the South, the enchanting and multi cultural city of Bordeaux.
The first recorded date of our watermill was in 1340 when all the watermills of Pons were individually named. The name chaillou is derived from an old french word meaning foundation, the rock that the watermill is actually built on. In fact the Romans brought the mechanics of the watermill to France when they first invaded and settled in the Poitou Charente, and there is some evidence to suggest that the very first watermill on site would have been Roman. The area does boast of a Gallo-Romanpast and the architecture of many of the towns and villages blossom with shining examples.
L
Hosted byLouise & Michael Power, Le Moulin Chaillou, 17800 Pons, Charente Maritime, Franc
