River Cottage, Moncontour, Vienne - Guidebook
Sightseeing
River Cottage sits in a protected area which is steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful villages, towns and larger cities. If you like the simple life, it’s easy to pass the time walking or cycling around the immediate area to enjoy the open spaces and expansive views.
Combine the beauty of our countryside setting with the excitement of the 2024 Paris Olympics!
Travel to Paris via the high speed TGV in approx 1hr30mins, giving you the opportunity to experience the excitement of the event for a day or perhaps combine with a stay over. We can easily arrange a drop off / pick up service to Poitier Train Station for a small fee.
This is our local village, Moncontour. There are some lovely walks around the village where you can explore the ancient historical sites, Donjon, Laundries ( along the river), and beautiful views. In the village you will find a restaurant (Le Coligny - check opening times), the Donjon bar (serving delicious Pizzas on Friday and Sunday), a well stocked Co-Op, bakery, pharmacy, post office and tourist information. There is also a handy cash point machine and free book exchange.
Discovering the historical heritage of the town begins with its jewel, the Dungeon, one of the elements of the old fortress which was erected from the 11th century. The Keep itself dates from the 12th and 15th centuries. The roof has been reconstructed like the staircase integrated into the walls. The view and the panorama offered from the esplanade halfway up and the top of the building are remarkable. Other remains of the old church and the castle, with characteristic elements (machicolations, gatehouses, loopholes) are also visible. Open all year. Guided tour in July and August on Friday, Sunday and Monday at 6 p.m. or by appointment at the tourist information office.
See next, the Saint-Nicolas de Moncontour church, in Romanesque style, with a low bell tower crowned with a sharp spire. If the transept has disappeared, there remains a nave and a choir extended by a semi-circular apse. The western façade has a 12th century portal.
In Messais, the Saint-Philibert church was linked to a priory established in the 9th century. The current building was rebuilt in the 12th and 14th centuries, and there is a portal on the facade whose columns support a pointed arch.
In Saint-Chartres, the Sainte-Juliette-et-Saint-Cyr church dates from the 12th century and was restored in the 19th century. We notice a square tower of Romanesque style serving as the base of the bell tower. Inside, tombstones line the central aisle.
Finally, still in terms of religious heritage, to see in the cemetery of Messais, an astonishing "hosannière" cross 4 meters high which was used during the Palm Sunday procession. Another, dating from the 14th century, is in Saint-Chartres.
However, the most picturesque piece of heritage is the village of Ouzilly-Vignolles with its "Terra Villa" museum and its Marais de la Dive interpretation centre. There are still around a hundred houses in the hamlet that have been built with mixed materials from the marsh: earth, reeds, aggregates. The houses had no foundations and this know-how called "cob technique" which lasted until the beginning of the 20th century is of real ethnological interest. The entire site is protected. The museum offers home visits and the discovery of this ancestral know-how. Open from the beginning of July to the beginning of September from Friday to Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A large part of the municipal territory of Moncontour, strongly influenced by the many rivers, therefore includes marsh areas for the most part protected for their ecological interest (remarkable fauna and flora).
All of these historic, heritage and natural sites are included in themed walks marked out with panels. One of them, the washhouse path, includes no less than 35 washhouses, some of which are very old. Others focus on the discovery of fauna (birds, amphibians) and flora.
On the leisure side again, the locality has a 10-hectare body of water, the Gué du Magne lake, with an activity base and a beach. You can swim there in summer, and enjoy fun (water slide) and sports (canoe, beach volleyball, paddle) equipment.
In addition, via a unique device, you can practice water ski lift thanks to a circular cable which allows you to slide on the water (on boards or aboard buoys).
12 moradores locais recomendam
Moncontour
This is our local village, Moncontour. There are some lovely walks around the village where you can explore the ancient historical sites, Donjon, Laundries ( along the river), and beautiful views. In the village you will find a restaurant (Le Coligny - check opening times), the Donjon bar (serving delicious Pizzas on Friday and Sunday), a well stocked Co-Op, bakery, pharmacy, post office and tourist information. There is also a handy cash point machine and free book exchange.
Discovering the historical heritage of the town begins with its jewel, the Dungeon, one of the elements of the old fortress which was erected from the 11th century. The Keep itself dates from the 12th and 15th centuries. The roof has been reconstructed like the staircase integrated into the walls. The view and the panorama offered from the esplanade halfway up and the top of the building are remarkable. Other remains of the old church and the castle, with characteristic elements (machicolations, gatehouses, loopholes) are also visible. Open all year. Guided tour in July and August on Friday, Sunday and Monday at 6 p.m. or by appointment at the tourist information office.
See next, the Saint-Nicolas de Moncontour church, in Romanesque style, with a low bell tower crowned with a sharp spire. If the transept has disappeared, there remains a nave and a choir extended by a semi-circular apse. The western façade has a 12th century portal.
In Messais, the Saint-Philibert church was linked to a priory established in the 9th century. The current building was rebuilt in the 12th and 14th centuries, and there is a portal on the facade whose columns support a pointed arch.
In Saint-Chartres, the Sainte-Juliette-et-Saint-Cyr church dates from the 12th century and was restored in the 19th century. We notice a square tower of Romanesque style serving as the base of the bell tower. Inside, tombstones line the central aisle.
Finally, still in terms of religious heritage, to see in the cemetery of Messais, an astonishing "hosannière" cross 4 meters high which was used during the Palm Sunday procession. Another, dating from the 14th century, is in Saint-Chartres.
However, the most picturesque piece of heritage is the village of Ouzilly-Vignolles with its "Terra Villa" museum and its Marais de la Dive interpretation centre. There are still around a hundred houses in the hamlet that have been built with mixed materials from the marsh: earth, reeds, aggregates. The houses had no foundations and this know-how called "cob technique" which lasted until the beginning of the 20th century is of real ethnological interest. The entire site is protected. The museum offers home visits and the discovery of this ancestral know-how. Open from the beginning of July to the beginning of September from Friday to Monday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A large part of the municipal territory of Moncontour, strongly influenced by the many rivers, therefore includes marsh areas for the most part protected for their ecological interest (remarkable fauna and flora).
All of these historic, heritage and natural sites are included in themed walks marked out with panels. One of them, the washhouse path, includes no less than 35 washhouses, some of which are very old. Others focus on the discovery of fauna (birds, amphibians) and flora.
On the leisure side again, the locality has a 10-hectare body of water, the Gué du Magne lake, with an activity base and a beach. You can swim there in summer, and enjoy fun (water slide) and sports (canoe, beach volleyball, paddle) equipment.
In addition, via a unique device, you can practice water ski lift thanks to a circular cable which allows you to slide on the water (on boards or aboard buoys).
A larger town about 30 minutes drive away. Very historic with an ‘out of town’ shopping area, vegetable market every Tuesday and General market every Friday. The Cafe des Arts is the oldest cafe in the town with a beautiful period interior and courtyard area.
32 moradores locais recomendam
Thouars
A larger town about 30 minutes drive away. Very historic with an ‘out of town’ shopping area, vegetable market every Tuesday and General market every Friday. The Cafe des Arts is the oldest cafe in the town with a beautiful period interior and courtyard area.
About 20 minutes from River Cottage and useful for supermarkets, cafes and sightseeing. The centre is very historic and narrow winding streets with hidden gems of houses and courtyards.
33 moradores locais recomendam
Loudun
About 20 minutes from River Cottage and useful for supermarkets, cafes and sightseeing. The centre is very historic and narrow winding streets with hidden gems of houses and courtyards.
Beautiful Medieval town by the River Vienne overlooked by Chinon Castle on the hill top. Lovely bars and restaurants, weekly market on Thursday morning and a well attended antiques market on the third Sunday of every month.
139 moradores locais recomendam
Chinon
Beautiful Medieval town by the River Vienne overlooked by Chinon Castle on the hill top. Lovely bars and restaurants, weekly market on Thursday morning and a well attended antiques market on the third Sunday of every month.
Beautiful architecture and quaint streets full of cafes, bars and shops. Great market on Saturday morning. Drive west along the river to view the incredible examples of Troglodyte caves and houses.
164 moradores locais recomendam
Saumur
Beautiful architecture and quaint streets full of cafes, bars and shops. Great market on Saturday morning. Drive west along the river to view the incredible examples of Troglodyte caves and houses.
An ancient site for some of the oldest dwellings in the area. Excellent exhibits to get a feeling for life in the area hundreds of years ago.
Logis Terra Villa
An ancient site for some of the oldest dwellings in the area. Excellent exhibits to get a feeling for life in the area hundreds of years ago.
About 40 minute drive from River Cottage
https://www.futuroscope.com/fr/
492 moradores locais recomendam
Futuroscope
Avenue René MonoryAbout 40 minute drive from River Cottage
https://www.futuroscope.com/fr/
Moncontour XIth century Donjon
Rue du DonjonIncredible history and breathtaking views from the top of the tower.
Beautiful chateau only 20 minutes away from River Cottage. Rooms feature art installations set in stunning original interiors. Beautiful gardens, gift shop and a lovely cafe with a simple lunch menu.
70 moradores locais recomendam
Castelo de Rivau
9 Rue du ChâteauBeautiful chateau only 20 minutes away from River Cottage. Rooms feature art installations set in stunning original interiors. Beautiful gardens, gift shop and a lovely cafe with a simple lunch menu.
Beautiful Abbey and resting place of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard I. Entrance also includes permanent gallery and exhibition space and small cafe. The Village is very quaint with cafe and restaurants if you wish to dine. About 35 minutes from River Cottage.
142 moradores locais recomendam
Abadia Real de Fontevraud
Beautiful Abbey and resting place of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard I. Entrance also includes permanent gallery and exhibition space and small cafe. The Village is very quaint with cafe and restaurants if you wish to dine. About 35 minutes from River Cottage.
Fascinating and historic ancient walled village with former gardens belonging to Cardinal Richelieu. About 35 minutes from River Cottage.
Richelieu
Fascinating and historic ancient walled village with former gardens belonging to Cardinal Richelieu. About 35 minutes from River Cottage.
Food scene
Listed here are a selection of local places to eat. Opening times and menu options change with the seasons and other local variations so always check with the venue for opening times, reservations etc.
A wider selection of eating places are available in the larger towns and cities in the region if you are visiting them for a longer stay.
Le Donjon
2 Pl. du Souvenir FrançaisLocal Tabac and bar serving pizzas at the weekend.
Close to River Cottage and serving lovely food, this bar and restaurant has great views of the leisure lake.
L auberge du lac
Close to River Cottage and serving lovely food, this bar and restaurant has great views of the leisure lake.
La Taverne d'Epicure Loudun
20 Pl. Sainte-CroixLovely food, great value.
A local restaurant with tasty food and very friendly staff. Always book ahead as it is usually full particularly at weekends.
le saint jean
A local restaurant with tasty food and very friendly staff. Always book ahead as it is usually full particularly at weekends.
Situated on the main road in Moncontour, this is a family run restaurant serving traditional cuisine and 'specials'. Always check for opening times.
Restaurant Le Coligny
Situated on the main road in Moncontour, this is a family run restaurant serving traditional cuisine and 'specials'. Always check for opening times.
Delicious menu and great pizzas served in a cool contemporary setting in the centre of Loudun
13 moradores locais recomendam
Le Ricordeau
6 Pl. de la BoeuffeterieDelicious menu and great pizzas served in a cool contemporary setting in the centre of Loudun
AU BON ACCUEIL
2 Rue de l'ÉgliseVery nice restaurant in pretty village - try the Menu du jour.
Horse riding
Ecuries de Primery - a few kilometres from River Cottage and run by mother and daughter as featured on UK TVs ‘A New Life in the Sun’. Horse riding lessons can be booked in advance - please contact us if you require further information or wish to arrange a visit during your stay.
Ecuries De Primery
4 Rte du MoulinWater sports
Téléski Nautique de Moncontour
After a period of closure and renovation our local Téléski lake and restaurant/bar is now ready for visitors.
This is a 15 min walk from River Cottage and a lovely spot to swim, enjoy the water sports and other facilities.
The restaurant/bar with lovely terrace is recommended if you want to sit back and enjoy the view xx
16 moradores locais recomendam
Teleski Nautical Moncontour
Téléski Nautique de Moncontour
After a period of closure and renovation our local Téléski lake and restaurant/bar is now ready for visitors.
This is a 15 min walk from River Cottage and a lovely spot to swim, enjoy the water sports and other facilities.
The restaurant/bar with lovely terrace is recommended if you want to sit back and enjoy the view xx
Brocante
A few kilometres from River Cottage - a huge selection of stock.
http://www.bracobroc.com/
Bracobroc
Les MalaquetsConselho para os viajantes
Transporte
Cycling
The countryside around River Cottage is perfect for cyclists as the land is flat with expansive views and quiet roads that meander through the many villages and hamlets of the area.
Bike hire is available from River Cottage either for a day or for the full duration of your stay - please ask if this is of interest to you
Costumes e cultura
Local events
There are many local events, Vide Greniers, Vide Maisons etc during the Spring and Summer months. You’ll find a useful guide and current calendar in River Cottage.