Local attractions

Things to do and places to visit within reach of Le Poyenval

Things to do in the area

Le Poyenval is an excellent base for a wide range of family activities and outdoor pursuits, (some seasonal) including:

• Walking - there are many woodland walks and quiet countryside tracks nearby.
  
  
• Cycling - the French are enthusiastic about cycling and the roads and tracks around Bazoges-en-Pareds are ideal - whether for a gentle ride around the beautiful countryside or something a little more strenuous!
  
  
• Golf - there are a number of excellent golf courses within easy reach - click here for more information.
  
  
• Sailing - an inland sailing school operates at nearby Lac de Rochereau. Boat trips are possible also in the Marais Poitevin, such as at Coulon (below).
  
  
• Angling - many nearby lakes offer a range of fishing opportunities.
  
  
• Theme parks - there’s an Historical Park (with Son et Lumière) at Puy-du-Fou, or Futuroscope at Poitiers.
  
  
• Traditional markets - several towns in the area have a traditional market. One of the largest is the Wednesday market at Parthenay.

Places to visit nearby
A short drive away at Vouvant  the Tourist Office will provide a suggested route for a walk through this lovely old village - one of the most beautiful in France, and a thriving artist community.
Also at Vouvant, learn about the local legend -The Tower of Mélusine that dominates one end of the town is the only surviving part of an old castle, built (so the story goes) by a fairy called Mélusine in the space of one night, using an apron full of stones and a mouthful of water.
To the west, the Atlantic coastline is an hour away.La Rochelle has a magnificent old harbour area, alongside narrow streets bustling with shops. Open air restaurants specialise in local seafood. The nearby Ile de Ré - reached over a long bridge from the mainland - has many wonderful beaches.
Further up the coast Les Sables d’Olonne is a fashionable port and seaside town where the Vendée Globe Yacht Race starts and ends.
South of Bazoges-en-Pareds is the region known as the Marais Poitevin - miles of small waterways offering boat and punt rides and riverside walks. Coulon is an attractive town more or less in the centre of the region.
An ideal base from which to visit two of France's major family theme parks
Puy du Fou (the second most popular attraction in France after Disneyland Paris) is a history-based family theme park with several attractions including knights jousting, a Viking invasion, gladiators chariot racing, swashbuckling Musketeers, and more!
Futuroscope is a family theme park based upon multimedia and audio-visual techniques. It has several 3D cinemas along with other attractions and shows, some of which are the only examples in the world.