EXPLORE THE REGION
Chenevaux sits in a wonderfully unspoiled part of the Vienne, surrounded by quiet country roads, rivers, woodland and villages. There is plenty to discover within a short drive, from beautiful historic villages and local markets to riverside walks, nature reserves and places to explore further afield.
Some days you might simply wander around a nearby village, or spend a few hours beside the river. On others, you might set off to explore somewhere new. However you choose to explore, we're always happy to share our favourite places and help you make the most of your time here.
Close to Chenevaux
You don't have to go far to find somewhere worth exploring. Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé is just minutes from Chenevaux, with a boulangerie, café, restaurant, small shops and village life.
A little further on, Angles-sur-l'Anglin is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, with its dramatic setting above the river, historic streets and castle ruins. The spa town of La Roche-Posay is also nearby, known for its thermal waters, elegant streets and relaxed atmosphere
The surrounding countryside lanes are made for slow drives, cycling and getting pleasantly lost for an hour or two.
Villages & Historic Places
There are plenty of beautiful places to discover beyond Chenevaux. Saint-Savin is home to its remarkable UNESCO-listed abbey, while the market town of Chauvigny combines medieval history with the spectacular setting of the Vienne river.
Montmorillon is a lovely historic town known as the City of Writing. Visit some of the artisan workshops along the cobbled streets, while further afield, Poitiers offers a lively contrast, with a rich historic centre, Romanesque churches and cafés.
You'll find lots of old stone villages, small museums and places where history is simply part of the landscape. It's worth leaving the itinerary loose and seeing where the road takes you.
Nature & Outdoors
The countryside around Chenevaux is made for being outside. The rivers Anglin, Gartempe and Creuse offer beautiful places to walk, picnic, fish and simply sit for a while, while the nearby Brenne Regional Natural Park is a protected wetland which is a wonderful destination for anyone who enjoys wildlife and open landscapes.
The Pinail nature reserve is another wonderful place to explore, with its network of paths through a distinctive landscape of ponds, heathland and woodland.
There are walking and cycling routes to suit different levels of enthusiasm, as well as places for kayaking, paddleboarding, horse riding and other outdoor persuits.
Bigger Days Out
If you're looking to venture a little further, there is plenty to keep curious visitors busy. Chauvigny is home to the remarkable Giants of the Sky, while theme parks Futuroscope and Aquascope offer a very different kind of day out for families and anyone who enjoys something a little more adventurous.
The Haute-Touche zoological park and the wider Brenne area are also within reach, with plenty more to discover as you explore further into the region.
For wine lovers, a visit to Domaine de Villemont offers the chance to discover this local vineyard, learn a little more about the wines produced in the area and enjoy a relaxed tasting. It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon while getting to know another side of the region.
A Few of our Favourites
These are some of the places we return to again and again for a good lunch, a beautiful walk, a market worth browsing or simply somewhere we enjoy spending time.
Take Your Time
There is plenty to see around Chenevaux, but you don't need to fill every day. Some of the loveliest days are the ones where you set off without much of a plan. You might spend a morning exploring a market or village, head out for an afternoon on the river, and then return for a swim and dinner in the garden. Or you might find that, after a few days, staying closer to home is exactly what you feel like doing.
Whether you come for a Hosted Stay or a Cottage Stay, we hope you'll have time to see some of the places we love, as well as spending time simply enjoying Chenevaux itself.