Gites in Vouvant - just a wonderful place to take a holiday...
Vouvant, a real gem of a village in Vendee. A petit citie de character and a Belle Plus Village (one of France`s most beautiful villages), its just a great place to spend a holiday. Steeped in Medieval history as a walled (Bastide) town with historic towers, a stunning church plus a river that surrounds it on three sides - not to mention the traditional Vouvant village Boulangerie, shops, bars, cafes and restaurants - all within a gentle stroll so you can enjoy a fine evenings meal taking in the historic streets then watching the sun set over the church spire - all without needing a car...
Vouvant and the gites:
No14 - a real gem of a holiday home...
Nestled within Vouvant itself and an easy stroll for the daily bread from the Boulangerie or a drink at one of the bars, this charming period village house sleeps up to 6 in three bedrooms and has a really well appointed open plan kitchen/dining living room plus a really nice covered terrace which is perfect to enjoy lunch - then theres the covered hot tub with outstanding views of the village - relax in the soothing bubbles with a glass of champagne as you watch the sun set over the village... For full details of No14 click here plus new for 2025 we will have our fully renovated lavish 2 bedroom barn, Les Granges des Sabiron, availble to let.
Nearby Vouvant you`ll discover excellent walks and cycle paths leading through the forests, plus a short drive away you`ll find boating in the Mervant lake, Parc De Pierre Brun (a super cool retro theme park that time hasn`t changed), the most impressive Zoo (complete with White Tigers, Bears and Meercats) plus the historic town of Fontenay Le Compte has a really good market on Wednesday and Sundays. Further affield why take time to explore the port of La Rochelle and its beaches around an hour away.
The village of Vouvant - - to be honest, its a gem of a village - the historic walled village is surrounded by a river on three sides and the gentle walks around the river and its bridges are a joy....
River and bridges, Vouvant
Cafes and bars - - One of the joys of staying in a picturesque village like Vouvant is taking a gentle stroll to one of several bars or restaurants - a fine creparie, terraced dining at the Auberge, a classic burger at the Cour de Miracle or just a beer at Louis`s bar - the choice is yours and no need to drive...
Cafes and bars, Vouvant
The Boulangerie - - OK, for me, one of the great pleasures of any French holiday is an early walk (or perhaps a little later if it was a good night...) to the village Boulangerie (baker) for a couple of fresh Baguettes, a large Boule loaf (ask for it sliced/Tranchez for an easy life) and maybe a croissant or two...
Boulangerie, Vouvant
No 14, Rue de la Filee - - sleeping up to 6 people, you`ll just love your stay at no14 - for full details of the house click on the number 14 button at the top of the page!
No14, Vouvant
Village streets - - You`ll never tire of exploring the knooks and cranies of the medieval village of Vouvant with its honey coloured and rendered historic houses - there`s something to be discovered around every corner...
Historic streets, Vouvant
The Church - Fair to say that Vouvant`s church is rather impressive - dating from earlier than 1100ad its been extended and enlarged many times - just recently we`ve seen the fitting of a full size organ and a full season of recitals by top international Organists!
The Church at Vouvant
Sunset over the village - Nothing quite relaxes more than watching the sun set over the village form the hottub or the house...
Sunset over Vouvant
Painters - Now there`s a lot of inspiration for budding painters in Vouvant, but if your less of an artist yourself you`l fine almost a dozen Atteliers (artist studios) in the vilage - with plenty of different styles your bound to find something that suites your taste!
Painters and artists of Vouvant
Events in Vouvant going on in 2024:
Sunday 9th May - Vouvant flower festival, Place du Bail - everything any green fingered fan would like...
Sat/Sun 15/16th June - Artists of Vouvant display there paintings and sculpures around the whole village and many will be painting street scens as you watch!
Saturday 22nd June - Fete de Musique, Place de Bal, Vouvant - just an awesome evening of open air live music!
Sunday 1st July - Vouvant Vide Grenier - everything from antiques to house clearance, just can`t stop myself rumaging around a good vide grenier!
2nd August - Vouvant classic car show - a really cool local classic car event, meets up in the Place de bal then tours the local roads!
Thursday 8th August - Vouvant Medieval festival - spread over several evenings, Vouvant comes alive with medieval re-enactors from the nearby Puy de Fou and you tour around the village for a real step back in history...
Thursday 26th August - Pompier evening - held at Vouvants Village hall, the Pompier evening meal is a bit of a hair raiser = many courses, plenty of drink and the dance the night away!
6th September - Tour Poitou Charente classic motorbike show and tour - for lovers of vintage motorbikes, loads of super cool vintage motorbikes meet up outside the church in Vouvant before headed off to tour the local routes.
Sunday 15th September - Vide-Dressing - like a vide grenier but for clothing, loads of vintage and pre-loved clothing for sale, held in Vouvants Sal De Fete.
Sunday 22nd September - Rando Mervant - organised walks of 9 and 20 km around the lake at Mervant, gentle or tough, your choice...
Saturday 28th September - Fete de Pression (beer festval) - at the town of La Chataignerae 10 minutes from Vouvant, for the lovers of artisnal beers...
Sunday 16th October - Rando Mervant - with 3 routes to choose from this organised walk goes out from Mervant, 5 minutes from Vouvant, you don`t have to be a serious walker for this one....
Sunday 10th November - Marche D`Autemne - Autumn Market - This ones really rather nice, held at the pretty village of Foussais Payre, 15 minutes from Vouvant.
Sunday 24th November - Rando Vouvant - Going out form the Place de Bai in Vouvant, 3 routes, 10, 13 and 18 kilometers - and lots of fun along the way....
Saturday 15th November - L`Orgue de Vouvantau Marche de Noel - the first of several Christmas organ recitals held at the church in Vouvant - very festive but as ever, helps to like organ recitals!
Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November - Vouvant Christmas Market - this is a suprisingly good Christmas Market with many stands offering handmade Christmas goodies, as well as some with the usual tat, plenty of mulled wine to be enjoyed as well...
Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November - Jazz and Camembert festival, Fontenay Le Comte, 15 minutes from Vouvant - this ones new to me, a weekend of Jazz and cheese, whats not to like...
Medieval night at the Chateau:
Fishing in the lake surounding Vouvant:
Classic motorbikes meet in Vouvant:
What`s to be found around Vouvant?
Ok, so we`ve all holidayed in places only to find we missed out on the best restaurant because you just didn`t know it was there (did exactly that on a recent boating trip...) so here`s a simple guide to help you out with some of the places you might find rather usefull: