Local Area

Local area

Les Mojhettes is located in the quiet village of Chaban on the edge of the Marais Poitevin or “Venise Verte” National Park. The adjoining village of Cram has a bar and bread shop.
Several delivery vans visit the village selling bread, meat & pates, mussels & oysters.

The market town of Mauze-sur-le-Mignon is 2.5miles away, and has a variety of small shops, a good Intermarche supermarket and twice weekly markets(Wed+Sat).

Surgeres is 11miles away and has 3 supermarkets including a large E’Leclerc and a full range of small shops. Markets are held here 3 times weekly(Tues,Thurs,Sat). It has a main line station offering TGV train travel to Paris in 2.5hours and Motorail(car train) access from Calais.

Venise verte(green Venice) is 37000 acres of marshland extending on either side of the river Sevre Niotaire west of Niort. A labyrinth of narrow tree lined waterways parcels up the fertile land into fields where herds of cattle graze and an abundant harvest of artichokes, onions, garlic, melons, courgettes, broad and haricot beans are grown.
At picturesque villages like Coulon and Arcais punts are available to hire in order to explore the extensive network of canals.

La Rochelle is only 1/2hour drive away and is a thriving historic port and yachting centre with a magnificent architectural heritage.
The old harbour is overseen by twin fortress towers, and by climbing the 15th Century Tour de la Lanterne you get a good view of the town.
There are numerous cafes and restaurants in the old harbour area, and the quaint old town is a shoppers paradise.
Boat trips to Fort Boyard and the neighbouring islands are available, and the fantastic modern Aquarium(largest in Europe) is worth a visit.
www.ville-larochelle.fr
www.aquarium-larochelle

Beaches of the Atlantic coast are readily accessible with Chatelaillon Plage , Fouras , and those on Ile de Re being closest.

Cycling- there are numerous very quiet lanes and cycle tracks in and around Chaban, suitable for all the family.
Bring your own bike or hire them from nearby Arcais; by the hour, day or week.

Birdwatching- there is an abundance of bird life in the area, so bring your binoculars. Herons, Buzzards, Hoopoes all seen around the village, Storks and Egrets seen out towards the coast, to name but a few.
There is an Ornithological park at St Hilaire la Palud .

Islands- a number of islands lie just of the coast and are worth exploring.
Linked by road bridges are Ile de Re [toll bridge] and Ile d’Oleron , accessible by causeway is Ile Madame , and accessible only by boat is Ile d’Aix . A good way to explore these islands is by bicycle, which are readily available to hire.