*** The cottage is situated in the quiet and hilly village of Saint Michel le Cloucq, above Fontenay le Comte, in a peaceful street.  
The village is on the edge of the forest with many places for walking and cycling. Only 50 km from the renowned sailing part and beautiful city of La Rochelle and the beaches of the Atlantic. 
The South Vendée enjoys one of the sunniest climates in France. The sublime beaches of the Vendée are within easy reach (60 minutes), and are some of the best in Europe. Clean, with shallow, gently sloping seas, these are particularly suitable for families. 
The islands of Ré, Aix or Oléron are just off the coast.  
Few kilometers away there is Le Marais Poitevin, also known as the Green Venice, with its green canals for idyllic boating and fishing. 
The river Vendee ideal for fishing is less than 5 km away. 
Approx an hour away is Futuroscope, the science and technology theme park near Poitiers. 
The Puy du Fou historic theme park with its day attractions, the summer evening concerts and displays is within 60 km. 
The Vendee apart from its beauty, is filled with history and fine architecture, notably the Abbaye de Maillezais and the Abbaye Royale in Nieul. Niort (30 kms), set on the River Sèvre, has a castle built by Henry Plantagenet and Richard the Lionheart and some lovely old houses around Rue St-Pierre, as well as an attractive art museum.  
St Michel le Cloucq has a bar/paper shop, an auberge restaurant (a short distance from the house). Several travelling bread and grocery vans come to the village almost every day. There are several good restaurants within a reasonable distance and the owners will be happy to give you a small taste of some of the regional specialities here.