Gite - Le Vignault

	*These are some of the activities available within 30 minutes of Le Vignault - there is a large folder in the gite listing these and many other places.*		Places To Visit
	Lake Lambon Just 10 minutes away is this picturesque large inland lake offering a variety of water sports. There is a super sandy beach, with swimming and diving platforms, a large play area for younger children, a rope bridge for older children and a great track for walks and cycling. Restaurant on site, riding and fishing also on offer.
	The Abbey and Church at Celles-sur-Belle Take a tour around the beautiful 17th century abbey and its surrounding formal gardens. You can also see the Gothic bell tower of the church, part of which dates back to the 12th century.
	Niort Niort is the capital of the Deux-Sevres departement. Enjoy its impressive architecture and churches, visit the medieval Donjon housing an archaeological museum. Next to it stands the fabulous 19th century covered market (food and flowers – open Thursday & Saturday mornings. Take a walk along the banks of the Sevre Niortaise river or pass the day shopping in one of the many boutiques off the main square and stop for a café or meal at one of the many restaurants.
	Zoodyssée Enjoy this natural environment of European wild fauna in the beautiful 60 acre Chize forest with over 600 animals . There are wolves, European bison, wild boar, reptiles, lynx, birds of prey and many others to be seen. Enjoy this interactive adventure and discover some surprising aspects of animal life!
	Silver Mines at Melle Discover the silver mines of Melle used by the kings from the 5th to the 10th centuries to mint their coins. There is an exhibition explaining the geology of the area and the methods used in the mining and minting of the silver where you will be able to stamp your own coin! The guided tour takes you underground to see 250m of these extraordinary mines. You will also be able to visit the amazing Carolingian garden on the same site which displays plants grown in the area at the time when the mines were in use.


	*These are some of the activities available within 1 1/2 hour of Le Vignault :*
	La Rochelle The coastal town of La Rochelle has a rich history which is visible in the beautiful 10th century old port with its three medieval towers. You can enjoy the winding back streets with a variety of boutiques and restaurants or stroll along the quayside and enjoy the markets, buzzing pavement restaurants, great evening entertainment and trendy bars. For a guided tour of the town take a horse drawn carriage ride. The coastline offers a number of beautiful beaches, many secluded, or enjoy a boat trip to one of the offshore picturesque islands.
	Marais Poitevin Created in the 13th century by the monks, this 150,000 acre regional national park of fen land, canals and meadows is one of outstanding beauty and tranquility. Explore this maze of waterways by boat, on foot or by bike and pass through many picturesque villages. In the height of summer there is also a floating market. Boat rides can be guided or unguided lasting from 30 minutes up to 3 hours.
	Futuroscope A full day is needed to enjoy this huge European theme park of the moving image which is on the outskirts of Poitiers. Experience space missions and 3D cyber space trips, visit the Imax cinema with virtual experiences using the latest projection systems on giant flat, circular and spherical screens to view films. There are a variety of shows, music and many outside activities and rides. Suitable for all ages, finish the day with the spectacular water fountains and light display. Several restaurants to choose from.
	La Vallée des Singes The valley of the monkeys near Romagne provides a fascinating opportunity to interact with many different species of monkey and gorilla. There are over 200 animals roaming freely through the wooded isles and new additions are born annually. The whole complex has been developed to encourage conservation of the species. There is a children’s farm and playground as well. You can take a picnic or buy lunch at the restaurant nestling in the wood.
	Puy du Fou This huge medieval theme park has something for all the family to enjoy. Roman Circus games, Viking attacks, jousting knights and the amazing ballet of the birds of prey. This is an unforgettable journey through 2,000 years of history and with shows day and night you will need to arrive early to make the most of your day out!