The Area
Rimbard Manor is situated in the Poitou-Charantes region of France, and in the Department of the Vienne, with the Department of the Deux-Sevres only a couple of miles away. We are literally on the border of the two departments.
The Manor is surrounded by 10 acres of garden, meadow and woodland, which is in it’s self perfectly placed, with lush green meadows, and fields all around. Tranquillity at its best.
The Manor was built in 1192, which makes it over an incredible 800 years old. This 12th Century Manor dates back to the time of King Richard The Lionheart’s Crusades. King Richard was a frequent visitor to Poitiers, as his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine lived in Poitiers. Who knows, King Richard may well have rode in the fields around Rimbard, or even visited the Manor.
The gite in the grounds of the Manor, started life 200 years ago as a cow shed and milking parlour.
Both the Manor and the Gite have been lovingly restored and tastefully renovated, and offer the very best in holiday accommodation for tranquillity, relaxation and recreation.
WHAT DOES OUR AREA OFFER YOU?
Our own village of Lavausseau is five minutes drive away, or a pleasant thirty-minute walk.
The village has a restaurant and bar serving traditional french cuisine, traditional French bakery and pharmacy. Lavausseau boasts one of the last remaining tanneries in France, with regular guided tours, visitors centre and gift shop. Find out more at
Vouille is 20 minutes drive away, and is a very attractive small town. Here on a Saturday morning you can visit a traditional French market. later relax with a coffee in one of the bars and watch the world go by, or have a meal in one of the restaurants. Vouille also has two large supermarkets on the outskirts of the town.
The immediate area has numerous small pretty villages, all with something different to offer.
Below is just a selection, there are many more for you to explore.
Beruges is proud of its connections to the ancient Abbey du Pin, which is mentioned in our history section.
The village of Vasles has a cinema, bar/restaurant, bakery and Spar shop. Vasles is most famous for the tourist park called the Mouton Village – Sheep Village. Find out more at
Sanxay – one of the best-preserved and most interesting Gallo-Roman sanctuaries of the world, including the remains of a temple, amphitheatre (where opera’s are held in the summer) and baths.
Find out more at
LARGER TOWNS IN OUR AREA
Poitiers is just thirty minutes away by car. Here you will find a rich architectural heritage. The old town has a unique charm all year long, with its pedestrian precincts, shops, restaurants and cafes. There are numerous museums to visit, and during the summer months many free concerts, and events in the streets. Find out more
Parthenay is forty minutes drive away. This beautiful walled town has a splendid mediaeval quarter and is well worth a visit. July is Jazz festival month in Parthenay. Find out more at
VILLAGES AND TOWNS FURTHER AFIELD
Angles-sur-L’Anglin, one of the “most beautiful villages in France” The mediaeval castle offers you an unforgettable view of the valley and village below. It is at Angles-sur-L’Anglin, in an underground cave , where prehistoric man carved a spectacular 20 metre parade of bison, ibex, horses and female figures. The interpretation centre presents reconstructions of this unusual discovery.
Find out more at
Montmorillon –“ The town of the written word” As you walk over the 14th Century gothic bridge you will discover a timeless place that is popular with bookworms, art lovers, and collectors of rare editions.
Find out more at
La Rochelle – Famous harbour, elegant shopping and restaurants galore. Take a boat trip, visit Fort Boyard (famous for the T.V game staged within it’s walls) or simply soak up the chic cosmopolitan atmosphere of this sea side town, where mediaeval and renaissance architecture meets you at every turn.
Find out more at
Roche-Posay – European Capital for dermatological spa treatments. This beautiful town also has a casino and a race track. Find out more at
THINGS TO DO WITH THE YOUNG, OR YOUNG AT HEART.
Futuroscope – Thirty minutes away by car . Futuroscope offers a different type of theme park with more than 25 original multimedia and audio-visual experiences, including 3D IMAX and computer simulator rides. Admission to the spectacular nightly evening show is included in the price of the entry ticket.
Find out more at
Puy du Fou – Slightly further away, but well worth a visit. This 50 hectare theme park offers breathtaking shows throughout the day. Watch Gladiators fight, a Viking battle and more. The night show is the largest in the world with 1200 actors, 6000 costumes and almost an hour and a half of intense emotion.
Find out more at
La Vallee des Singes (Monkey Valley) Discover 350 primates, 30 species, in a very natural setting. Here you can experience direct contact with the animals. Find out more at
La Planete des Crocodiles (Crocodile Planet) Set in a huge tropical greenhouse, which holds over two hundred reptiles and animals. Visitors are able to walk through lush tropical vegetation, between pools and waterfalls, and see the animals in an environment close to their natural habitat.
Find out more at
Les Geants du Ciel (The Giants of the Sky) Set in the ruins of the Chateau des Aigles in Chauvigny’s upper town, this bird centre houses many rare and interesting birds from all corners of the world. The 45 minute show, which is staged daily from 1st April to 30th September, offers juggling, fire acts and a mediaeval themed show. Eagles, vultures and condors fly just above your head for the free flight demonstration. There is also a mini farm that has been laid out in the moat of the castle. Find out more at
In the area there are also many wildlife parks, adventure and activity farms and gardens. Here are just two sites, of many, for you to find out more.
The Poitou-Charantes region has a rich architectural heritage. There are so many castles (chateaux), abbey’s , churches and listed ancient monuments that it would be impossible to list them all here. If I had to pick just one of each, I would suggest you look at Le Chateau de Touffou
The Abbey of Saint-Savin
Notre-Dame-La-Grande in Poitiers centre.
FAYRES AND MARKETS
Throughout the year, the fairs and markets that are popular with locals and visitors alike, are a regular part of life in the region’s town’s and village’s. They are great places to taste and buy local produce, or search out collectibles. We would be delighted to help you choose the markets that are of interest to you.
Le Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) No visit to this part of France would be complete without seeing this wetland, which is on of the strangest areas in France. Between Niort and the Atlantic ocean, the ancient Poitou Gulf was reclaimed from the sea from the 11th Century onwards. This created a maze of fields and meadows between green creeks, and channels lined with poplars, ash trees, elders and willows.
Moored beside cottages you will find punts which are manoeuvred with a pole. They were traditionally used every day to transport people, cattle and harvests. Find out more at
FOOD AND WINE
La Vienne has a rich and diversified gastronomical heritage, and numerous restaurants for you to sample the local specialities, at prices to suit your pocket.
Gamay, Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon are all the grape varieties of the Haut Poitou vineyards. Many vineyards offer tours and tasting. Take a look at
or our personal favourite
SPORTS AND RECREATION
At Rimbard Manor your stay can be as tranquil and restful, or as energetic as you wish. In the area you can partake of any sport that may interest you. The comprehensive list below is not exhaustive.
Golf Club Chateau des Forges. A unique 27 hole golf course, with three distinct, nine hole courses. Suitable for all levels. Find out more at
The area being mostly flat and rural is perfect for walking and cycling. We can advise you on cycle hire if necessary, or help you plan your route for the day.
Look at
Fishing –
Horseriding
Bowling -
Laser Game –
Water ski-ing, sailing, rowing, canoeing and scuba diving.
For the thrill seeker :- Track, quad and kart racing. 4x4 off roading, windsurfing, rock climbing, pot holing, adventure trails in the trees and hot air ballooning.