great time on our recent visit

[scooby]

Hi all

Have not posted on here very much - joined last year and then time has taken over!

Just wanted to post because we've just returned from a brilliant time on our recent visit to our holiday home near Lathus. Just wish we could be over more often.

Made a visit to Planet Crocodile - really enjoyed this (kids got to feed the crocs and loved seeing so many up close.)

Did lots of fabulous walks with our cocker spaniel who had a lovely time on his hols too! He loved all the country walking and new places to explore.

The weather was dry and fair but not as hot as we would have hoped. Has the whole summer been like this? Didn't stop the kids going in the pool (they must be nuts - I attempted to go in several times too but couldn't stand it for long!)

We went along to have a look at the Grand Etang near Lathus. Could see it was for sailing etc. Can anyone else recommend a lake/beach nearby for swimming etc that's not too far to drive?

Had some lovely food while we were away - enjoyed several meals out - had a lovely lunch at Les Pinsons, Thiat. We also had a wonderful meal by the River Gartempe at La Voulzie. Yummy. Can anyone else recommend some lovely restaurants for next time when we are out please?

Finally finished off our hols by locating some long lost relatives who we found out by accident have a house in Thiat. Small world isn't it!

Well that's all and promise not to leave it so long to post again next time.

Scooby

[Brian]

Hi Scooby - glad you had a good time!
The weather has been poor this summer, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees for weeks, with frequent rain and too-frequent-for-my-liking-at-this-time-of-the-year violent thunderstorms. Very violent...

There is a nice little étang in Adriers, just behind the salle polyvalente. It has bathing section but was closed last week because of a growth of blue algae. It is being dealt with so swimming should be possible next time you visit.

I haven't been to Planet Crocodile. Maybe I've watched too many episodes of The Simpsons but I find the idea of a crocodile theme park using the warm outflow water from the nuclear power station next door deeply worrying!

You may have already tried it, but I can heartily recommend Créperie Brouard, which offers a very wide variety of freshly cooked crépes and salads. It's by the banks of the Gartempe, on the Cité de l'Ecrit side of the old bridge in the middle of town.

Brian

[Admiral]

Good to hear you had a great time out here on your hols. What isn't there to like?

If you want some seriously fine traditional French dining, then the place to go is Le Lucullus in Montmorillon. The meal may cost slightly more than La Voulzie - which I rate very highly - but the food is out of this world. As is the wine list. Book a Sunday lunchtime.

http://www.hoteldefrance-lelucullus.fr/

Bhouse is right in that the summer has been a bit of a cool and damp washout - at least by French standards. So much of a washout in fact we lost, along with other folk we know, our entire tomate crop.

Also the lake at Adriers proved a real hit with young grandchildren.

If you want safe, family orientated swimming then take a look at this site...

http://www.familyfuninfrance.info/swimmi...t-pardoux/

It's about a 50 minute drive from Lathus down the N147.

But if you want more down-to-earth swimming there are many rustic nooks and bosky dells on the banks of the Gartempe further along from La Voulzie. A word of warning....strong swimmers only. The current in the middle packs a pretty hefty punch.

Happy hunting and bon appetite.

[Brian]

And a second thumbs up for Le Lucullus. Amongst the 2 or 3 best restaurants at which I have eaten.

[scooby]

Hi again

Thanks for your responses.

Yes must try Le Lucullus - have seen it but not yet tried. We have tried the Créperie Brouard - lovely.

Have any of you tried Le Romain des Saveurs (hope this is spelt right!) - we thought about it but didn't get there.

Re swimming - will definitely try Adriers next time. We tend to go for a paddle down next to La Voulzie as this is so close to our house!

The main thing we enjoyed this year again was the lovely walks so close by. The other thing we did was took a picnic down to the Roc d'enfer and sat on the rock. Hard work but lovely! Must add didn't take the dog there though!!! He's so scatty would have done himself a mischief!

Any other recommendations re restaurants, lakes, days out etc most welcome.

Thanks again
Scooby

[Fred]

Hello Scooby thanks for posting about your visit, it's nice to get feedback from visitors to the area as it can help other readers.

You can tend to take the whole area for granted after a while and forget what a fantastic area it is to live in and how lucky we are.

Sorry can't help you much with your questions as I don't swim, and to be honest I'm not allowed out often either but I see others have made some suggestions.

Re walking: Have you tried the Saut de la Brame not far from La Voulzie take a picnic there is a few bench's half way around. With La Voulzie on your right keep going till you come to a T junction turn left and on your right just up the hill you will find the car park.

Also Le Blanc Parc Naturel is worth a visit if you like walking and nature: https://www.parc-naturel-brenne.fr/en/

Thanks again for posting

Regards.

Fred.