Attractions

The Loire Valley chateaux make this central region one of the most popular destinations in France for visitors, and with good reason. One hour north, the Loire river flows slowly through a gorgeous landscape where medieval fortresses and Renaissance palaces are strung out like jewels along the banks. Chambord, the biggest of all the châteax in the Loire Valley, was built by François I as a hunting lodge only. Today the whole valley is on the Unesco World Heritage List, along with the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Great Wall of China, and many of the world’s most important places.

It's easy to get to many of the châteaux from La Jariette. Take time to château-hop your way along the Loire, it’s well worth it.

One and a half hours drive away is Chateau of Chambord, the big daddy of them all, making it the biggest attraction in the region. Chambord is a must-see, rivaling Versailles in all its wonderful grandeur.

https://www.chambord.org/en/

Only 20 minutes drive away is the famous Chateau d'Oiron. This château is the background for Charles Perrault's fairy tale, Puss in Boots. Built from the 16th century by the family Les Gouffiers, the Château d’Oiron today houses the contemporary art collection Curios & Mirabilia, loosely based on the theme of the curiosity cabinet in reference to the fabulous art collection of Claude Gouffier, master of King Henry II of France's stables. Visitors are invited to explore "curiosities" and "marvels" following in the footsteps of the Marquis de Carabas - or Puss in Boots, who, it is said, was based on Claude Gouffier.

http://www.chateau-oiron.fr/en/

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its landscapes and chateaux, the Loire Valley has a unique lifestyle and world-famous vineyards. Its 1,000-km wine route reveals historic monuments and prestigious wine districts.

30 minutes drive away is the Domaine de Villemont. Alternatively, enjoy it on a cycle route from La Jariette.

Following a route that passes close to la Jariette, from the Channel to the Atlantic, the cycle route La Vélo Francette allows you to enjoy peaceful and traditional corners of western France as you cross the regions of Normandy, Pays de la Loire and Poitou-Charentes. Discover unsuspected gems along the way and fall for the charms of French country towns and villages as you get to know them by bike. Bespoke road cycling tours offered from La Jariette, led by experienced road cyclists.

https://cycling.lavelofrancette.com/cycle-route/airvault-parthenay

Only 45 minutes drive from la Jariette, one of the best zoos we've ever seen! A wide variety of animals, with conservation at its heart. They give priority to endangered species. A must-see...

https://www.bioparc-zoo.fr/

Take a tour around a local vineyard. Enjoy some delicious wine-tasting, along with a platter of the best local cheese and charcuterie. Stock up on locally produced wine by this rare family-run vineyard. Only 30 minutes drive from la Jariette.

Tourtenay is the only troglodyte town in Deux-Sèvres. The town had up to 500 inhabitants, and many lived in caves. Some of these are still lived in! They reused old quarries to make their homes, or natural cavities then carved by humans, potentially for thousands of years. Well worth a visit, and only a 30 minute drive from la Jariette.

Voted the world's best park, Puy du Fou offers a multitude of great shows and adventures for the whole family.

https://www.puydufou.com/en/spectacles

Just an hour's drive from La Jariette.

Seven gardens within one beautiful park. Only 20 minutes drive from La Jariette.

https://www.jardinsdugue.eu/visite-des-jardins-du-gue/