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Characterful village property in the heart of Green Venice, Western France

Photo gallery for Characterful village property in the heart of Green Venice, Western France

deck and back garden
View from street
deck area for outdoor dining and relaxing
Well area
Entrance Hall

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6100 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Arçais, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Maillezais Cathedral
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • House of the Marais Poitevin
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Niort (NIT)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Characterful village property in the heart of Green Venice, Western France

This family sized house is situated directly in a village in the heart of the Venise Verte (Green Venice), recently named one of France's Grandes Sites and France's 2nd largest wetland after the Camargue. This is a very unique and hiddden away part of France. The gite sleeps up to 6 people and offers well equipped accommodation with lounge, separate kitchen/ diner which has a barn door onto the terrace and garden. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms; a master with a double bed, and two other interconnecting bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with 2 single beds. Note there is no door to separate these 2 rooms so this gite is not suitable for 3 couples who would like their own private bedrooms. The bathroom is upstairs and there is a second wc on the ground floor. A travel cot and highchair can be provided. Wifi is available.

There is a sunny, enclosed and gated garden equipped for al fresco dining, sunbathing and barbeques. There is an adjoining field for dog walking, football and other sports though no equipment provided. We offer the free use of a traditional punt and 2 adult bikes in order for our guests to explore this very unique, local area. An intriguing network of canals and waterways is just down a lane, near the house from where you can set off with a picnic for an adventure in the labyrinth of small canals, under a completely green canopy of trees. Come back relaxed and ready for an aperitif on the deck til the sun sets into a very dark, unpolluted night sky allowing you to stargaze and watch our local barn owl and European dormice going about their evening business.

Village amenities on your doorstep include a Tourist Information office, small coop/ grocery store, 2 restaurants, a pizzeria/ ice-cream parlour, artisan shops, petrol station, antique shop and post office. There are markets in various local villages throughout the summer. There is also an outdoor cinema in the next village - great fun during the summer months!

The city of La Rochelle (also the nearest airport) is about 40 minutes awa; a delightful harbour town to explore with good restaurants and summer animation. The Atlantic coast, with large, clean and safe,sandy beaches is within easy reach (about 40mins away) as is the famous and trendy Ile de Re - a delightful island, over the bridge from La Rochelle.

Come and enjoy this very unique and relaxing part of France. Green Venice (locally known as the Venise Verte is best explored by boat, bike or on foot so you can forget your car for a few days. It is also ideal for those wishing to paint, fish, bird watch or general nature watching and relaxing. There are indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and equestrian facilities nearby and plenty of opportunity for water sports on the coast (Chatelaillon Plage being the nearest centre).

For exploration further afield, there is good access to such destinations as Saintes, Cognac, Bordeaux and its vineyards, the Dordogne, the Atlantic islands of Re, Oleron Aix etc and Atlantic beaches and resorts (Royan, Rochefort etc). Theme parks such as Futuroscope and the award winning Puy du Fou are both accessible for a day out and there are also lots of animal parks and water parks to explore too. Pets can be permitted on request.

Covid 19 - Please be assured that all possible precautions are being taken to sanitise the house between stays. Because of this , the times for arrival and departure will be notified to you , according to our needs for cleaning time. Please also note you are requested to bring your own towels at this time. Bed linen is provided though you are welcome to bring your own if desired.

Property manager

Mrs Linda Eaton
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, German, Russian

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Small enclosed and safe garden for families.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Small enclosed safe garden for pets.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There is a No smoking policy in the house. Cleaning fee of 50 euros if you do not wish to this at the end of your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Arcais

Located in Arcais, this holiday home is in a rural area. Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park and Reserve Biologique Departementale de Nalliers reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Luka Land and Parc de Pierre Brune. Travelling with kids? Consider Zoodyssée Animal Park, or check out an event or a game at Rene Gaillard Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Map
Arçais, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

What's nearby

  • Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Maillezais Cathedral - 16 min drive - 14.4 km
  • House of the Marais Poitevin - 18 min drive - 11.2 km
  • Vieux Port - 39 min drive - 44.5 km
  • Minimes Beach - 55 min drive - 62.8 km

Getting around

  • Epannes Station - 14 min drive
  • La Rochelle (LRH-La Rochelle - Île de Ré) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Auberge de l'Abbaye - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Au Marais Givré - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪La Crêperie - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪La Libellule - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Café de l'Escale - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Characterful village property in the heart of Green Venice, Western France pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Characterful village property in the heart of Green Venice, Western France?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Characterful village property in the heart of Green Venice, Western France?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Characterful village property in the heart of Green Venice, Western France located?

This family-friendly Arcais holiday home is located in a rural location, steps from Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park and within 9 mi (15 km) of House of the Marais Poitevin and Maillezais Cathedral. Church of Notre-Dame and Château de Niort are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Bronwyn M.

Quaint and comfy farm house

The farm house is really a quaint place and cozy and we had a very comfortable 4 days there. It is quite spacious and has everything you need. There is a back yard where you can sit (in the sun as we did) and just be lazy, or you could ride the bikes (which we didn't) - not sure we could still do it in our old age!!!! The little village is nice and the area is good for walking along the waterways Mike and Linda are great hosts and helped us when we needed help. Linda had a vase of her own grown beautiful flowers on the table for us and also made some jam - really nice touches, and very thoughtful. If we are ever in that part of France, we would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

jim r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful retreat

A cosy, well equipped property on the periphery of a charming village. The owner Linda is friendly and helpful. The region of the Marais Poitevin is beautiful and this property sits 50m from the local canal that itself joins the Sèvre Niortaise.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Late summer visit to Arcais

This is a very spacious, comfortable and well equipped house. It's a few minutes walk from the centre of the village so easy to reach the shops and restaurants within a few minutes. It's also great for dogs with a big enclosed, private garden, and there's also with a table for eating out in warm weather. Linda is the perfect host - friendly, welcoming and full of local information. I would highly recommend a stay in this gite.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Très bon sejour

Nous avons passés un excellent séjour dans la maison. Très bon accueil. Région reposante. Balade en barque top. Merci à Linda. On recommande !
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hamonic H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent séjour à Arçais

Nous avons passé un excellent séjour à Arçais, dans une charmante maison. L’accueil de Linda est top, et nous avons particulièrement apprécié le jardin paysagé et la barque pour nous promener sur le marais poitevin.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julien F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour agréable

La barque est un plus dans les marais, le village est lui aussi agréable et ne manque pas de balades à pied ou à vélo. Je recommande.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

david f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Lovely location, friendly and helpful hosts, well equipped property with character.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Audrey G., Bougival

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Une maison très agréable dans un magnifique environnement

Nous avons passé une très belle semaine. Linda, la propriétaire, est très accueillante, la maison et son jardin est très chaleureuse et il y a tellement d'activités à faire dans les environs. Tout le monde était ravi. Merci.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Blandine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Maison accueillante

L'accueil est chaleureux et le fait de mettre à disposition des vélos, une barque et un canoé est une très bonne idée pour découvrir la région.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

cyrille c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Charmante maison avec toutes commodités et un vrai plus pour la barque et le canoé.... un havre de tranquillité et un véritable vie de village. Merci et au plaisir de vous recroiser... Famille C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nathalie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bucolique et très agréable

Très jolie maison dans un village calme et typique au cœur du marais.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

CHANTAL A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sérénité

Très grand calme avec maison et jardin accueillants. Le prêt de la barque et des vélos est un plus pour ce séjour bucolique.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stéphanie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Maison atypique au cœur des marais

Super séjour . Hôte charmante et bienveillante. Cadre idyllique. Un havre de paix en famille merci
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Francis R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Calme et zenitude

Tres belle expérience. Beaucoup de calme et tous les services à proximité. Pour ceux qui aime la nature simple.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

JEAN-BAPTISTE D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour idyllique dans le vert marais

Tres beau séjour dans une région magnifique. La maison est parfaite pour les amateurs de nature et de calme ! La mise à disposition de la barque donne un vrai sentiment de luxe pour profiter du marais à son rythme. Et que dire des "wonderful" hôtes, Linda et Mike. Ils ont été très accueillants et aux petits soins. Location et propriétaires dogs friendly (notamment les golden retrievers). Merci encore de votre accueil !
Stayed 15 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Julien R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super séjour chez Linda

Très bon séjour chez Linda. Le logement est très cosy, tout comme le jardin. L'accueil de Linda est très chaleureux ! Nous avons bien profité des vélos et de la barque, qui sont un véritable plus. Nous reviendrons sans hésitation dans ce petit coin de paradis.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2020

8/10 Good

Christophe S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spot pour partir à la découverte du marais poitevin

Accueil chaleureux de la part de Linda. Maison traditionnelle poitevine bien tenue et au calme. Belle situation dans le marais. Chemins pédestres, Vélos et bateau disponibles pour partir à la découverte du marais.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

FRANCOIS D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2ème séjour .....Que du bonheur et beaucoup de gentilesse

Un accueil souriant et des fleurs partout pour nous accueillir !! . Me Eaton chouchoute ses hôtes avec naturel . La maison a une âme . On se sent vite chez soi. Les soirées au coin du feu ... que du bonheur!!! sans oublier les balades en barque au coeur du marais poitevin. La barque est à 10 m de la maison au coeur du village. Les vélos pour faire de jolies escapades. Merci ! La maison est plus que confortable et l'équipement est 5 étoiles surtout dans la cuisine où il y a tout le nécessaire pour vraiment cuisiner. Merci pour ce séjour si chaleureux. A bientôt . François D
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ralph L., Pacifica, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great home in the Marais poitevin

We had a great week staying in this house. It is steps from town and the port of Arçais, and convenient to all the other little towns in the area. The house was very comfortable, with a nice back yard and outdoor table, where we spent a lot of time. The kitchen was really well equipped (sharp knives, even!). And we enjoyed the artwork and books, which made the house even more interesting. This is a great place to relax, and to enjoy the Venise Vert.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

edmondo p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellentes vacances

Nous sommes enchantés par notre semaine passée chez Linda et Mike qui sont des hôtes adorables et toujours disponibles (encore merci pour le dog sitting de Joey !). La maison correspond en tout point à la description, parfaitement équipée et très agréable, ainsi que le jardin. Bref, de parfaites conditions pour découvrir le merveilleux marais Poitevin (avec barque et vélos inclus) et ses environs (La Rochelle, l'île de Ré...). Merci encore à nos hôtes avec qui nous avons notamment passé de très bons moments. Nous vous recommandons cette excellente adresse ;-) Famille Pires

10/10 Excellent

Ann H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A rural gem

We had a great week staying here, a lovely place to unwind and enjoy the French countryside. We had planned days out but in the end spent most of our time in and around Arcais, enjoying the walks, biking and boating. Linda and Mike were super hosts , recommending various things to do and see in the area, there was even a piano our daughter enjoyed playing. We would definitely stay again if we are ever back in the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laura d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charmante maison dans le marais Poitevin

Maison très charmante ,confortable , très bien équipée et bien située dans un village de caractère. Les propriétaires sont très sympathiques et disponibles. Un véritable plus, une barque et un canoë à disposition. Je recommande vivement cette jolie maison pour une semaine de tranquillité et de nature.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

erik j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a nice week we had!

Linda and Mike are very friendly, interesting and helpful people. The Gite had a great atmosphere and we enjoyed every minute. The area is is quiet and peaceful where you can relax and enjoy the French lifestyle. We love to come back! Cynthia and Erik

10/10 Excellent

Graham O., Shropshire, United Kingdom

Glorious Fortnight in heart of Rural France

Linda and Mike were perfect hosts, greeting with wine and flowers, giving friendly advice, always there when needed but always discreet too. They are true nature lovers and the house is absolutely brimming with information about what to see and do locally, They have two boats and four bikes, and the opportunities for walking and boating are second to none. The area is a haven of peace and the district of La Garenne is a historic part of Arcais village that gives direct mooring access to the 'bief',or canal, where Linda and Mike have private mooring rights. Three restaurants in walking distance, but for those intent on going further afield, there are La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré within easy access. What food, what wine, what bliss!!
Stayed 14 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

jean-claude t.

Merveilleux !!!!!

Malgré une semaine pluvieuse voir très pluvieuse et fraîche, nous avons passé un excellent séjour. Linda et Mike sont vraiment sympa et attentionné, le gîte est très agréable et particulièrement bien situé, le décor est magique, les promenades en barque super relaxante et en plus nous avons eu la chance d'y apercevoir des chevreuils et des ragondins !!!! Quand à notre chienne, elle a immédiatement reconnu les amis des bêtes et puis, pas bien loin, il y a des ânes du Poitou, merveilleux représentants de la région !!!! Nous reviendrons sûrement mais à une période un peu plus chaude !!! Merci pour votre accueil amical.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019

About the host

Hosted by Mrs Linda Eaton

Host profile image
We live in the house next door and will share the field with you. This means we are nearby for advice and help if needed but sufficiently discreet otherwise. We are always busy as I have a couple of vegetable gardens in summer and make baskets in the winter. Mike works at home on his internet business and other projects.

Why they chose this property

We loved this property as soon as we saw it. It is typical marsh cottage and we have tried to maintain the atmosphere we bought into in 2003. It is bright, light and colourful nowadays with a British touch to the decor and comforts, whilst trying to retain a French rural feel. We love the canal network and the easy access to it with our own boat, bikes or on foot. The dark nights are great for star gazing with no light pollution around and the wildlife around continues on its way despite lots of summer guests.

What makes this property unique

Village setting so no need to get in the car to fetch croissants and baguette for breakfast. Likewise there are a couple of restaurants in the village so beer, ice cream etc is just a stroll along the riverbank away. Superb fresh farm produce can be procured locally at low prices and guaranteed freshness.

Languages:

English, French, German, Russian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests