We will be delighted to welcome you to La Vieille Cure a beautiful historic 17th century vicarage nestled to the rear of the pretty market town of Couhe in a no through road.

Previous guests have described La Vieille Cure as a Romantic Country House Hotel.  A 400 year old home steeped in History, with enormous oak floor boards, honey coloured stonework, a real character property, recently listed on the local historic walk as an ancient building

As proprietors we live in a separate area, allowing our guests privacy, with the added benefit of a daily maid service, breakfast and excellent professionally prepared evening meals and drinks at hand.

Ideally situated nestling to the rear of the village in its own walled garden,with orchard small woodland, courtyard garden a 10 x 5 metre swimming pool,  summer kitchen, exclusive guest lounge, summer games room, laundry facility and WIFI Access to our guests. There is designated parking for cars and a secure undercover area for motorbikes and cycles all within the property grounds.

Just 2 mins walk into the 16th century market square, to restaurants shops and bars. 35 kms south of Poitiers in the department of the Vienne and right on the edge of the other 3 departments of the Poitou Charentes. Deux Sevres, Charentes, and Charentes Maritime, an ideal location to explore the whole of the Charentes. Direct flights from Stansted Birmingham and Edinburgh to Poitiers.

We pride ourselves on our repeat bookings and referrals, guest comments and excellent food. . Awarded 5 globes highly commended for 2007, 2008 & 2009 (This certificate signifies an exceptionally high level of satisfaction based on client feedback).

The Bedrooms

A welcoming relaxed ambience, spacious and bright en-suite bedrooms all with an individual décor and character of their own. All the home comforts of hydro jet massage showers, tea and coffee making facilities, television, hairdryer, and large king size twin, super king or 4 poster beds with quality cotton linen.

The interior design has left no compromise when it comes to living comfortably and the house is well equipped to meet the needs of its guests. Ample hanging and draw space for clothing, centrally heated for the winter months, and all rooms have large floor standing fans for the hot balmy summer nights. All rooms have a daily comprehensive maid service, with tea and coffee facilities refreshed everyday.

One bedroom (4 poster) - Is situated on the ground floor, with direct access through the French windows, onto the courtyard garden, ideal for those with restricted mobility. This bedroom can have an additional single bed or cot added when necessary.

Our King 4 poster family suite - Sleeps up to 6 persons very comfortably, the large principle bedroom has a 4 poster king size bed and room for an additional cot or bed. Leading off this is the dressing room, to the right of the dressing room is the bathroom (allowing complete privacy for all) with hydro jet shower, toilet and two separate vanity units. The childrens' room leads from the dressing room to the left with two single beds, a cabin bed and room for another bed or cot if necessary. This room can also be rented as a king 4 poster without access to the childrens bedroom. At the double rental price.

Another large King 4 poster en-suite bedroom This bedroom can have an additional single bed or cot added when necessary.

This is next to a twin en-suite bedroom, (which can be adapted to a triple or super king )and can be ideal for families wishing privacy, as the corridor can be closed allowing you privacy and freedom of movement across the two bedrooms.

All double bedrooms can accommodate 3 persons with additional single beds added when necessary.

Additional beds, cots, bed guards and high chairs are available.

Dining - We have earned an excellent reputation for our ambiance and cuisine, using local seasonal produce, fresh herbs and fruit from our garden and specialities of the region where possible. Your host, a qualified chef with Hotel and Hospitality qualifications, is happy to present mouthwatering meals accommodating a variety of dishes including local specialties, served along with a glass of the local Pineau des Charentes.

We have found that different guests enjoy a variety of dishes. Although classically trained in french cuisine, we offer a diverse menu.

Unlike a typical Tables d'hotes we are registered as Restaurant status allowing us to offer a children's menu, variety of 1, 2, 3 and 4 courses and vegetarian options. Alternatively, on request, paella, barbecue and seafood banquets can be served in the large dining room or in the walled gardens or terraces, where you can watch the sun set, or why not spend the evening with a glass of chilled wine and enjoy a beautiful meal overlooking the illuminated swimming pool.

Remember to pack clothes with an elasticated waistband for the return journey.

Breakfast - Your continental breakfast is complimented by freshly baked bread, warm croissant, toast, fruit,Orange juice, Cereals, yoghurts, a pot of tea, or a fresh cafetiere of coffee. Served in the Dining room or gardens. Additional cooked breakfast is available.

The lounge and dining areas are large and spacious, overlooking the courtyard terrace garden. The dining room is lit by candelight and in winter we have a roaring log fire, completing the ambiance. In summer an air conditioning unit, for your comfort.

Evening Meals - There is a comprehensive 4 course evening menu which you will find beautifully cooked and presented.

Typical Four Course Menu:

Fanned Avocado with prawns and smoked salmon dressed with a light vinaigrette and pepper sauce.

Breast of duck napped with a wild berry sauce, served on a bed of carrot and celeriac puree and garnished with duchess potatoes and pan fried cabbage with lardons.

A selection of local cheeses.

Sumptuously smooth dark and white chocolate pot spiked with cointreau and raspberry coulis.

Aperitif and wine included at 25 euros per head.

Should this be a little too much after a sun soaked day in the grounds or a day out and about, then the owners also offer a reduction in courses (inclusive of wine).

Lunch time - There is a summer kitchen in the garden area for the use of all our guests with fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, sink with hot and cold running water, preparation area, crockery and cutlery to rustle up your own lunchtime snacks,and chill your beer or wines, with a barbecque on site for those feeling more adventurous.

There are 6 seating areas scattered within the gardens to relax and enjoy your tranquil one acre walled garden with private woodland and orchard abundant with fig, cherry walnut persimmon and more, is an ideal retreat, just waiting for you to explore or sit and enjoy the sunshine.

For your enjoyment the 10 x 5 metre salt water swimming pool is fenced, as required by French legislation, with a self locking gate - to ensure the safety of children. The pool slopes gently into the deep end which is 1.8 metres. This large area has ample paving around the sides of the pool, with a further gravelled area to the right ,incorporating further terracing under a pergola all within the secure pool area, so you may decide where to place the ample number of sun beds.

There are seating areas with tables and parasols, to escape the heat of the sun if required and a soft swing seat and canopy to curl up in the shade and enjoy your holiday read.

A beautiful trellised terrace area finished in Charentaise terracotta tiles to enjoy your evening meal bistro style.

Amongst the orchard are benches, swing seats and seating areas even a hammock to while away the day.

There is a summer games room with snooker (childrens size), full size table tennis, table football, and darts, and an area in the grounds for badminton and boules.

The guest lounge is for the exclusive use of guests, and has comfortable leather sofas and Sky tv, wifi access, Home Cinema, DVD, videos, Wii, board games, books chess and stereo system, with a selection of leaflets outlining the many attractions within the area, a fan for the warm balmy nights and a cosy log fire for when the nights draw in.

The house is fully centrally heated; in addition there are log burners in both the guest lounge and dining areas.

There is ample parking within the secure walled grounds, with additional garaging available if requested.

Beautiful newly renovated 2 bedroom self catering gite available commencing October 2010:

 Self Catering

We offer the La Vieille Cure property on a self catering basis or alternatively for smaller groups Maison Gabriel sleeps 4

La Vieille Cure -Sleeps upto 15 persons: 5 en-suite bedrooms,(including the family suite of 2 bedrooms) lounge, fully equipped commercial kitchen, laundry facilities, summer kitchen, games room, additional toilet facilities,and sole use of the gardens and pool area. All linen and towels. 2200 euros per week

Masion Gabriel

Our luxurious 2 bedroom gite, Principle king bedroom, mezzanine bedroom with twin or superking , shower room with large shower, open plan lounge and fully fitted kitchen- electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge with small freezer compartment, use of laundry facilities in the guest house, electric heaters and fan for the summer evenings. Sunbeds parasole garden table and chairs. All linen and towels provided.

Use of swimming pool, games room boules court and badmington area.

Daily rates and short breaks outside high season.

Special offers for couples, contact us for long stay off-season rates.

Extract from our Visitors Book

Quote from the kids: THIS IS THE BEST HOLIDAY EVER. What more can we ask for? Perfect setting, perfect hosts, perfect food. Martin Suzanne Dominic, Tom and Rachael Twyning Gloucestershire

What a lovely warm welcome from great hosts. The House , Food and atmosphere far exceeded our expectations from the Intepictures. We would recommend to anyone. Thank you. Angela and Neil Preston

The garden, orchard, pool area and games room are great places to just hang out. We must mention the food which has been nothing short of spectacular everyday - a taste sensation- We feel very priveliged to have sampled it. See you soon we hope. Yvonne and Paul, Bromley, Kent.

Having travelled the length and breadth of France and stayed in many locations - this rates as one of the very best. The accommodation was only surpassed by the quality of the food served. Frances and Stewart Leslie Scotland.

There are few places where everything creates an atmosphere you really don't want to miss. This is one of these very rare places. Uta and Manfred, Much, Germany.

Holidays with young kids don't get much better than this. The house and grounds are simply perfect for a children-safe and exciting for them to explore- we've loved it here. We will be back soon. Will Rebecca and boy's Tynemouth.

A truly magnificent place-the location food. Wine, company, garden all speak for themselves. Robin and Lesley Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

We had a fabulous stay and excellent food - can a B&B have Michelin star. Thank you. Elaine and Nick Burman Ipswich, Suffolk.

The best Bed and Breakfast in France. food was superb, atmosphere so relaxing with understated elegance. Roger and Gini St Paul, Minnesota, USA.

We are leaving today to go to a gite, but wish that we were staying here because we love it so much. Fantastic hosts, food great. met lovely people here. Everything was just perfect. Thank you. Jim and Jan Kelvindale Glasgow.

Getting Here: Budget flights to Poitiers 20mins, Angouleme, 40 mins, Limoges 90kms, La Rochelle 100 kms,Tours,132 kms, Angers 145 kms, Nantes 166kms, Bordeaux 177 kms. TJV from Waterloo 20mins from Poitiers. 6 Hours from Calais, 3 1/2 hours Paris.

Payment may be made in euros or euro travellers cheques or french euro cheque. Unfortunately we do not accept credit card payments. A supplement of 10 euros is payable for 1 night bookings during June, July and August.

Places to Visit

The owners will be happy to welcome you to the second sunniest spot in France, with undulating golden fields of sunflowers and maize, picturesque villages, wonderful walks and rivers.

The Market town of Couhe has a 12 century halles de Marche, The Abbey of Valence (1230), and its twin towered church. Couhe' is famous for its Hazelnut and Walnut Oil, a typical French rural town with fetes and festivals but also offering bars, restaurants and modern conveniences of supermarkets, bank, post office, leisure centre, and picnic area. Leaving the grounds by one of the gates, you will find the river wending its way towards the abbey.

Vallee des Singes beautiful monkey park where the monkeys roam free 15 mins Lezay with its wonderful rural market 20 mins.

Melle silver mine and historic village with outside cafes 25 mins.

Chef- Boutonne Renaissance chateau at Jarvasay 25 mins.

Verteuil with its wonderful chateau overlooking the Charentes river and watermill 25 mins.

Poitiers offers lots to see in terms of art and architecture as well as the impressive Notre-Dame. The busy centre is full of narrow, winding pedestrian streets ideal for shopping and exploring. Futuroscope for those looking for adventure 20 mins.

Marais Poitievin (Green Venice) near Niort for a day on the canals. 50 mins.

Cognac/Jarnac with its famous cognac houses and vineyards. 55 mins.

Angouleme standing astride an enormous hill with wonderful views, and its wonderful array of pavement cafes 40 mins.

La Rochelle Fort Bouyarde and a huge selection of seafood restaurants along the harbour front, its sandy beach and fabulous Aquarium with various Islands to discover. 1 and a half hours. Ile de Re' 5 min across a bridge to discover a delightful Island.

Limoges famous for its wonderful pottery with cobbled streets 1 and a half hours.

Isles de payre' with boating, golf, fishing, hiking 5 mins.

Rom - with its Romanesque remains 5 mins.

Vivonne with Canoeing and Kayaking 15 mins.

Local food markets can be found almost every day of the week, there are also many antiques fairs and flea markets.