  La Maison du Tilleul, 6 Rue de la Papinote, Irais, 79600, France
Pictures by Renegade Photo: www.renegadephoto.net Airvault Airvault is the birthplace of Voltaire and an historic market town. It boasts a Romanesque bridge and the Saint Pierre church, built circa 975 AD, that was used as a stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Near the church is the abbey surrounded by narrow medieval streets. The Castle of Airvault overlooks the church. Airvault features a large supermarket, boulangerie, boucheries and banks and every Saturday there is a colourful market selling amazing fresh local fruit and veg, fresh fish and local goods.       Saint Loup Lamaire About ten minutes from Irais is Saint Loup Lamaire. Built around the river, the village has some lovely walks. The Château is a jewel in France's architectural heritage and reportedly an important site in the history of the region of Poitou. St Generoux Two miles from Irais is St Generoux, which has a Romanesque bridge and church dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. It's also the home of two great local restaurants – the Auberge du Vieux Pont and the Au Bon Accueil. Irais Church The medieval church is at the heart of the village. Richlieu Park Thirty minutes drive from Irais is the beautiful town of Richelieu, with its medieval streets and open square that plays host to festivals, bars, and restaurants. Adjacent to the town is Richelieu Park, once the home of the infamous Cardinal’s Chateau, which no longer exists. The park often has events such as scurry driving races and there's also punting on the park’s canal and lake, a children’s zoo and play park, plus long walks around beautiful grounds (www.cc-richelieu.com/accueil2.php3). Richlieu Park Text here. Winery Text here. |