Area
Fontmorand is set in the heart of the Berry region of France, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Here is just a sample of some of the local delights within easy reach of our property.
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The Creuse Valley
The area has museums, chateaux, tennis courts, swimming and fishing lakes, riding and quality restaurants specialising in local produce/dishes. The Creuse Valley is often called 'secret' France as many people drive through the area without stopping in their quest to hit the ever popular (and sometimes overcrowded ) south of France.
It is very beautiful and more verdant than the south. About 30 minutes drive away is the huge Lac de Chambon, a man-made lake formed by damming the river Creuse near the picturesque town of Eguzon, which also provides the area with hydro-electric power.
The lake offers a wide range of water sports including swimming with offshore pontoons for diving, water skiing, sailing and pedalos! There are plenty of activities for children of all ages.
The Local Towns include the ancient St Benoit-du-Sault which is about ten kilometers away, and is rated as one of the prettiest villages in France. Perched on a craggy granite outcrop, this medieval village is full of tiny winding streets and monuments. Argenton-sur-Creuse is 20 minutes away and is part of the national rail network, has good restaurants, plenty of shops and a Roman excavation site with a museum. More recent history can be found in the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, preserved as a memorial and reminder of World War II. The City of Poitiers is about 90 mins away where the Futuroscope theme park is devoted to the moving image. Limoges is within an hour by car and is famous for its porcelain and Cathedral, as well as a wide array of shops including Galeries Lafayettes!
The elegant Chateau town of Le Blanc is about 25 minutes away and boasts a specialised fish market, cafes and restaurants. You can also hire canoes (adjacent to the swimming pool) to row up or down the river.
The Brenne National Park
(Including the Land of the Thousand Lakes). The house is surrounded by the trees, grassland and lakes of the Brenne, one of France's best loved National Parks. You will find all kinds of wildlife here, including deer, wildcats, turtles and otters. Many eagles can be seen and the buzzards are so abundant they may surprise you by their close proximity! The Brenne is a picturesque area of literally hundreds and hundreds of lakes. Worth a visit to see some unusual bird life. Other pleasures of the area include fishing, walking, canoeing, riding and cycling.
Fishing is a rural passion in France and visitors to the region can fish in the river, there is a mixture of fish including Trout. There is a public fishing lake right opposite Fontmorand containing some giant Carp! For the serious Fishermen Carp and other course fishing can be found all over the Berry region, but particularly in the Brenne. Golf: there are some lovely Golf courses within an hours drive, North is the Val de L'Indre Golf Club - Villedieu-sur-Indre, La Porcelaine Celiroux Golf Club (Nr Limoges), Limoges-St Lazare Golf Club and many others.