More and more people are discovering the delights of holidaying in South West France. The Domaine Les Granges, originally a 17th century farm owned by the Benedictine order, is now arguably the premier gite and leisure complex in France. We chose our property for reasons that we believe will also appeal to you - full of character, situated in gentle Cognac country in the heart of Pays de Saintonge, Charente Maritime, looking down on the poplars which line the fish-filled River Boutonne, yet only a gentle walk from the medieval town of St Jean d'Angély, with its magnificent abbey, formerly home to the Benedictine monks and a nominated Centre of European Culture.

Our unique location, close to La Rochelle, Saintes and Rochefort (benefiting from a well documented micro climate, which makes it officially the second sunniest region of France), together with our 16 well-equipped character cottages and numerous leisure and sports facilities (see Activities section below), ensures the ideal self-catering holiday for guests of all ages. This is your chance to become, as we already have, totally captivated by Domaine Les Granges and its leisurely lifestyle.

On-site activities include a fitness gym, 2 swimming pools, paddling pool area for children, squash and mini tennis courts, table-tennis, games room and a children's play area nearby. 

Domaine Les Granges also has a bar and restaurant offering a great choice of wines.

In the immediate vicinity are numerous outside activities: water skiing, go-karting, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, Atlantys - the town's aquatic centre, horse riding, excellent fishing, international moto-cross, golf, hot-balloning and sailing.

Les Granges cottages are grouped around our courtyard and Les Ecuries cottages overlook a second swimming pool. All cottages are comprehensively furnished and equipped. Although Domaine Les Granges is for the gregarious by nature. As "flies on the wall" we have observed with great pleasure the forming and cementing of numerous friendships over the odd glass of wine or three, while children of all ages meet new friends in the games room. The buildings, with their exposed beams and stone walls, add to the character of Domaine Les Granges, as do the masses of shrubs and flowers, but it's the ambience created by our sports and leisure barn that give the place that certain "Je ne sais quoi!!!".

During school holidays, Domaine Les Granges caters largely for families with children. On the other hand, if you are not absolutely tied to school holidays, then spring, autumn, early or late summer offer exceptional value with many of the following advantages:

• Cottage prices reduced compared to Peak!
• One of the sunniest parts of France - 2600hrs each year!
• Our 2 swimming pool.
• No crowds or traffic and fewer or no children.
• Flexible start and finish days.
• Although so far south we are just 3½ hours from St Malo.
• Flights to La Rochelle, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Nantes, Tours & Limoges.

The Farmyard cottages, created in 2000 beneath an original 17th Century open stone hangar, combine the charm of old beams and stone walls with the advantages of modern building and design techniques. All measure approximately 7.2m x 4.6m, have exactly the same open plan layout upstairs and downstairs and overlook the fenced 2nd pool from the woo terrasse.The farmyard cottages are called Camomille, Fenouil, Marjolaine, Hysope and Laurier sleep 6 maximum and comprise:

• Kitchen - fitted with self-cleaning oven, hob, ceramic sink/drainer, fridge/freezer, microwave. washing machine dishwasher.
• Lounge area - with a six-seater corner suite, coffee table, TV point and built-in tiled dining area.
• Double bedroom - en-suite shower & WC
• Twin bedroom
• Bunk bedroom - small
• Bath/shower room - with WC on 1st floor
• Wood terrasses - with parasol, table, chairs