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Chenevaux

Holiday cottage in the French countryside

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Welcome to Chenevaux

Emma and Ian warmly welcome you to stay at their pretty self-catering holiday cottage at Chenevaux. The cottage forms part of our beautiful 300-year-old former hamlet located in the peaceful, bucolic countryside of the Vienne, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France.

This charming holiday cottage, (known in France as a gîte) is a peaceful home-away-from-home,  making it an ideal destination for relaxing with family and friends, or for enjoying a romantic couples trip. Set within the 3-hectare property, the gite offers private gardens, an outdoor charcoal barbecue area, and a choice of outdoor dining spaces, all surrounded by the tranquil natural landscape of open fields, woodland and charming French villages.

On hot Summer days, enjoy a refreshing dip in the heated swimming pool, or cosy up on the comfortable sofas with the log fire on cooler Autumn evenings.

With no light pollution, Chenevaux is a wonderful spot for stargazing. Clear nights are perfect for grabbing a blanket and settling down to admire the night sky, observing planets and constellations.  If you’re lucky, you may even glimpse a shooting star!

What we offer

  • Self-catering holiday cottage

  • Sleeps 5 guests (+ cots)

  • Heated swimming pool

  • Private gardens

  • Outdoor dining areas

  • Covered seating area

  • Charcoal barbecue area

  • 2 bedrooms

  • 1 bathroom

  • Log fire

  • Free parking

  • Free WIFI

  • Peaceful countryside setting

  • Stargazing & dark skies

  • 5 minutes to village amenities

  • Walking, cycling & kayaking nearby

  • Ideal for families, couples & friends

  • Petanque, mini golf & croquet on site

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Meet your hosts

Hosts at Chenevaux Emma & Ian

Hello, we're your hosts Emma and Ian, and we've lived in France since 2021.  After touring the country in our motorhome for several years, we fell in love with the Vienne region and found our dream home with separate self-catered holiday cottage here at Chenevaux.  We're English and currently learning to speak French.  I'm a passionate and dedicated host who enjoys creating a peaceful retreat for our guests.  Our love for gardening enhances the tranquil atmosphere, making it a beautiful place for guests to enjoy immersed in nature.


Ian and I are always happy to assist our guests.  If you need to get in touch, simply send us a message or knock on the farmhouse door.  We know each guest is unique and looking for something different.  Some may want total seclusion and we always respect that, while others enjoy a friendly chat over a cup of coffee or a bottle of wine. Either way, we adapt to ensure your stay at Chenevaux is exactly as you wish. 

Chenevaux Gite

From the 2 car gravel parking area in front of this charming cottage, follow the path through the private garden to the front door.  Step inside to discover a spacious open-plan lounge to the right, and to the left, a well-equipped kitchen and dining space complete with a log burner that adds warmth and character to the space.  This self-catering gite has been sympathetically renovated, preserving its farmhouse aesthetic throughout.  Exposed oak beams and rustic features highlight the building’s charm, giving the space a welcoming, authentic feel.

The central staircase leads to the upper level where you'll find the shower room with an enclosed shower, wash basin and toilet directly in front.  To the left is the larger of the 2 bedrooms with a 150 cm large double bed, dressing table, bedside tables with lamps, armoire and an armchair.  Across the landing is the second bedroom which has a double bed, a single bed, bedside tables with lamps and clothes storage area.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing countryside getaway or an immersive trip exploring medieval villages, this charming self-catering holiday cottage is an ideal place for families, couples, or friends. Located in the heart of the Vienne countryside, Chenevaux is within easy driving distance of Futuroscope theme park, close to La Brenne National Park and Haute Touche Zoological Reserve, making it an excellent base for both nature lovers and family adventures.

Things to do nearby

 

  • Explore Medieval villages

  • La Brenne national park

  • Terra Adventura

  • La Guignoterie Escalade

  • Futuroscope

  • Beaval Zoo

  • Roc aux Sorciers

  • Forteresse d’Angles‑sur‑l’Anglin

  • Prehistoric Roc‑aux‑Sorciers centre

  • UNESCO Saint Savin Abbey

  • Géants du Ciel falconry show

  • La Vallée des Singes

  • Terre de Dragons

  • La Roche‑Posay Thermal Spa Town

  • Village Flottant de Pressac

  • Château de Monts‑sur‑Guesnes

  • DéfiPlanet

  • Haute Touche Zoological Reserve

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Offering open-plan living, this gîte has a spacious and comfortable lounge area with a large corner sofa and a two-seater sofa, creating a relaxed space to unwind. The dining table is set beside the log-burning fire making this area ideal for cosy evenings and shared meals.

The well-equipped kitchen has everything needed for a self-catering stay, including a fridge and separate freezer, kettle, microwave, cooker, dishwasher, toaster, air fryer and a Senseo coffee machine.

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This comfortable bedroom features a 150 cm UK king-size bed, bedside tables with lamps, vintage armoire, a dressing table and an armchair.  Fresh bed linens are included and all the beds will be made ready for your arrival.

For guests travelling with a baby, a travel cot can be provided on request, complete with sheets and blankets, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free stay.

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This restful bedroom has a UK double bed and a 90 cm single bed, making it ideal for families or friends sharing. There is a clothes storage area and bedside tables with lamps for added comfort and convenience.

Extra blankets, pillows and fans are available on request to ensure a comfortable stay.

In the bathroom, you’ll find a heated towel rail, hairdryer, towels and toiletries, all provided for your convenience.

Outside Spaces

The private garden is an idyllic spot to enjoy the outdoors.  The lawn is perfect for a game of badminton and is complemented by a variety of comfortable seating options, creating inviting spots to relax and unwindThere is a dedicated charcoal barbecue area with a picnic table, ideal for al fresco dining with family and friends.  We have a secure heated swimming pool with loungers and parasols on the terrace for your comfort providing a peaceful place to enjoy warm summer days. You'll also find a petanque court, a croquet lawn and a mini golf course with all the equipment provided for your enjoyment.

Chenevaux Gîte, together with our private home, is set within three hectares of beautiful countryside, amongst fields and trees and located on a quiet country road between the villages of Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé and Angles-sur-l’Anglin. Guests are welcome to explore the wider grounds, where you’ll find a small woodland walk and a meadow walk, with picnic tables dotted along the way.  Perfect for soaking up the peaceful rural surroundings.

Garden dining area

The private gite gardens with pretty traditional metal table and chairs provide a charming and comfortable spot to enjoy your petit déjeuner.  There's shaded and sunny areas to choose from and the lounge chairs offer additional relaxing seating for guests to spend some time enjoying the beautiful surroundings. 

Pool and sun loungers

Our heated swimming pool is open daily from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm from May to the end of September (weather permitting).  The terrace with sun loungers and parasols offers guests a comfortable place to relax and soak up the sunshine.  Pool towels are provided for your convenience.  To ensure the safety of our guests, the entire pool area is enclosed with secure fencing and a lockable gate.

Petanque court

In the 3 hectare grounds at Chenevaux, you'll find plenty of activities including a rustic petanque court, a croquet lawn and even a mini golf to keep you busy.  All equipment is provided for your convenience and enjoyment.  We have a charcoal barbecue area and covered seating available for guests' use.  Bring your own charcoal and lighters or purchase some from us.

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At Chenevaux you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable, enjoyable stay.  We’ve made sure that all the important stuff, along with the little details, are taken care of.  No need to overpack or worry.  We’ve got you covered.

 

We want to make your stay as comfortable as possible so before you arrive, we will take care of making the beds.  We provide bath robes, bathroom towels, pool towels, tea towels, and cleaning products including dishwasher tablets, surface spray, sponges, and bin bags.  Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and hand soap are provided for you.  We also offer some basic grocery items for your convenience, such as sugar, salt, pepper, a selection of dried herbs, cooking oil, various teas, and coffee.  The coffee machine is a Senseo.

What we include

Elevate Your Stay

At Chenevaux, we know lots of our guests come to us for special occasions so we offer a range of extra little luxuries for your convenience to help you make the most of your time with us.  Why not treat yourselves to a freshly baked French breakfast tray with a selection of delicous pastries from our award-winning local boulangerie.  Maybe you would prefer to indulge in a tasty selection of locally sourced french cheeses, bread and a bottle of wine?  If guests prefer,  an alcohol free alternative is available. Perhaps a packed picnic full of goodies to enjoy down by one of the nearby rivers?  You could even live like the locals and enjoy apéros, normally a bottle of wine and picky bits like saucisson, cornichons, olives and pâtés.  Best served in the garden around 6 pm.

breakfast hamper

French Breakfast Tray

 8 per person

Selection of freshly baked pastries, bread, jams, marmalade, butter and orange juice.

apero hamper

Apéro board

15€ (serves 2)

30€ (serves 4)

Saucisson, cornichon, crackers, marinated olives, pâté and a bottle of red wine or alcohol free red wine.

cheese board

Cheese platter

15€ (serves 2)

30 (serves 4)

Delicious selection of local cheeses, fruit, nuts, fresh bread and a bottle of red wine or alcohol free red wine.

Champagne & chocolates hamper

Luxury Chocolates & Crémant

40€ 

70cl bottle of sparkling crément or alcohol free sparkling wine with a selection of indulgent chocolates for a romantic evening or celebration.

*PLEASE NOTE * Pre-ordering at least 2 days before your arrival is essential to avoid disappointment.

Gallery

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House Guidelines

We hope you enjoy your stay at Chenevaux Gîte. To help ensure a comfortable and harmonious stay for everyone, we kindly ask that you follow these guidelines.

Arrival & Departure

  • Check-in: 15h00–21h00 (unless agreed in advance)

  • Check-out: by 10h00 promptly

  • Late check-out may be available at an additional cost if requested before or on arrival.

Guests

  • Only guests listed on the booking may stay at the property.

  • No parties or events are permitted.

  • An additional single bed is available by prior arrangement at €30 per night.

Pets

  • Unfortunately, pets are not permitted. Please do not arrive with animals.

Care of the Property

  • Accidents do happen — please report any breakages or damage as soon as they occur so they can be dealt with promptly.

Smoking

  • Smoking is not permitted inside the gîte.

  • Smoking may be allowed in a designated outdoor area at the owner’s discretion.

  • During periods of extremely dry weather, smoking may be prohibited anywhere on the property for safety reasons.

  • Guests are asked to follow any instructions regarding smoking provided by the owner.

Recycling & Departure Cleaning

  • Please sort recycling using the bins provided.

  • Leave the property clean and tidy as found.

  • Wash and put away dishes and empty the dishwasher.

  • Remove rubbish and empty the fridge and cupboards of personal items.

Laundry

  • On departure, please place all used bedding, towels, tea towels and dishcloths in the laundry basket near the front door.

  • For longer stays, use of the washing machine is available at €8 per load, including detergent.

  • Washing lines and pegs are provided.

Swimming Pool & Gardens

  • The swimming pool is open daily from 09:00 until dusk (seasonal).

  • Children must be supervised at all times in the pool and gardens.

  • Please ensure the pool security gate is closed at all times.

  • No compensation can be offered if the pool must close due to government or local water restrictions.

Welcome Hampers

  • Welcome hampers are not routinely provided due to allergy considerations and personal preferences.

  • However, a bespoke welcome hamper can be arranged on request, with prior notice and at the guest’s expense.

Places to Visit Around Chenevaux

Located in the picturesque Vienne countryside, Chenevaux gite is a tranquil and peaceful home away from home surrounded by open fields, woodland and charming French villages. We're 5 minutes by car from Saint Pierre de Maille with an award-winning boulangerie, cafe bar, convenience store and restaurant & 6 minutes from one of Frances' "Plus Beaux Villages", Angles-sur-l'Anglin where you'll find places to eat and boutique shops to browse as well as a prehistoric museum and castle ruins to explore.  The famous limestone climbing cliff face of La Guignoterie which runs along the river Anglin is 6 minutes drive through quiet country lanes from Chenevaux.

 

This unspoiled region in Poitou-Charentes is an ideal destination for walkers, cyclists, and lovers of nature.  Offering many trails to explore, varying in distance and difficulty, each one reveals truly beautiful landscapes to enjoy. It is a great location for anglers too, being positioned between the river Gartempe and the river Anglin and near the river Creuse. For those who prefer lake fishing, the Brenne national park is nearby.

 

Horse riding, watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking, and hot air ballooning are among the many activities on offer within a short drive.  The remarkable medieval towns of Montmorillon, known as the city of books and writing, Chauvigny with it's rich history, impressive architecture and bustling weekly markets, and Saint Savin with it's UNESCO world heritage Abbey are interesting places to visit. The spa town of La Roche Posay is only 20 minutes drive away and has a casino, restaurants, a horseracing course and of course spas where visitors receive 'the cure'. For thrill seekers we're just 45 minutes from Futuroscope theme park or the Escape Rooms.  Beauval Zooparc, one of the top 5 zoos in the world, is just over an hour away and is a not-to-be-missed experience for animal lovers.

Located in the heart of the Vienne countryside, it combines modern comfort with rustic charm and is ideally situated close to La Brenne National Park, the La Guignoterie Escalade, and Futuroscope theme park, making it an excellent base for both nature lovers and family adventures.

What our guests say

We loved our stay. Emma is super friendly and helpful, the garden is peaceful and beautiful, the house is lovely, comfortable and well equiped and the pool is fabulous too. Definitely recommend for a relaxing and peaceful holiday!
Sarah, UK

A very beautiful house, well laid out and very comfortable! In the middle of the countryside, we enjoy the stars and the nocturnal silence. The wood stove promises you beautiful evenings. And the owner is very welcoming!
Clément, France

Lovely cottage surrounded by nature in magnificent countryside. Emma knows how to tastefully decorate both the house and the exteriors. Everything is perfect, from the welcome to the advice, including the exit. Impeccable address!
Marie, France

We had a great stay with the family in Emma's cottage.  This one is really excellent!  The cottage is spacious and has all the amenities you need, and the decor is very nice.  The exterior is very peaceful in the middle of nature, with hosts who take care of everything.  As for the pool, it's just perfect!
Laurent, France

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Lavender from the garden

Rates & Availability

Payments

  • A 25% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking

  • The remaining balance is due 30 days before arrival

  • For bookings made within two months of arrival, full payment is required at the time of booking

  • Payment instructions will be provided by email

Security Deposit

  • A refundable security deposit of €300 is required by bank transfer no later than 7 days prior to arrival

  • The deposit will be refunded within 48 hours of departure, following inspection of the property, provided no damage has occurred and house rules have been followed

  • Any deductions will be communicated promptly with explanation

  • The security deposit is requested as a precaution and is expected to be returned in full

Minimum Stay

  • 2 nights throughout the year

  • 4 nights in July and August

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations made more than 14 days before arrival will receive a refund of any payments made excluding the non-refundable deposit

  • Cancellations made within 14 days of arrival are non-refundable

Additional Charges

  • Cleaning fee: €40 per stay

  • Taxe de séjour (local tourist tax): 3% of nightly rate per adult per night, charged separately as required by law

Returning Guests

Returning guests receive a 10% discount on the base accommodation rate

Chenevaux Holiday Stays

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