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Where exactly is La Peignardiere?

La Peignardiere is in the east of Brittany, just on the edge of the forest of Fougeres, approximately 8 kilometres from the town of Fougeres, which lies North east of Rennes] and 1 kilometre from the village of Parigne on the D108. This location puts you in easy reach of some very beautiful coast lines and beaches and yet is situated in the heart of a lovely countryside.

And how do I get there?

Possibly the best ports to arrive at are Cherbourg or Caen. From Cherbourg the journey will take about 2 to 2½ hours, while from Caen it is about 2 hours travelling time. Alternatively for those who like a longer journey then go to Le Harve and cross the Seine using the new Pont de Normandie and on into Honfleur. After a visit to this picturesque town it will take about 2½ hours to reach Fougeres. (If you wish we can send you a planned route-map to Fougeres from which ever port that you intend to arrive at.) Please remember to book your ferry crossing as early as possible.

So what is La Peignardiere?

Standing in approximately 2 acres of land including gardens, La Peignardiere is a large stone built farmhouse with outbuildings constructed we think between 1700 & 1750. Part of the original house has now been converted into cottages. The first sleeps 5 people plus one person on a folding bed, and the second sleeps 4 people plus one person on a folding bed. In total 11 or 12 people can be comfortably accommodated. La Peignardiere offers an all too rare opportunity to escape from the maddening crowd without giving up modern facilities. The property is completley enclosed by a fence, which is for the most part covered by hedging. There is also a large gate across the entrance, we hope this offers peace of mind to those guests with small children (it's diffcult to escape !).

What is the accommodation?

The smaller cottage has a lounge / diner with kitchen area downstairs, in the lounge area there is a very large open fire place approximately 7' wide, with a wood burning stove, although not often used during the summer months, it is wonderful during those chilly spring and autumn evenings. Upstairs there are two bedrooms, one with a double bed, and the second has twin single beds, both rooms have hanging and storage space. There is also a single folding bed if required, also on this floor is the shower room, which comprises of a shower, a hand basin and the toilet. Next to the shower room door you will find a storage cupboard where the hot water tank is kept. The kitchen comprises of one gas cooker complete with oven, one fridge, one pine crockery unit, various cupboards with drawers and ample worktop space. In the larger house there is a large lounge / diner with kitchen area down stairs, and three bedrooms upstairs, the main bedroom is fitted with a double bed and has a good size wardrobe, the second bedroom has twin beds with a large drawer unit and hanging space, and in the third bedroom there is a single bed with a large drawer unit, also the shower room complete with hand basin, toilet and shower is on this floor. The kitchen in this house has one cooker complete with oven, one fridge, four cupboards with drawers and plenty of worktop space. Both cottages are fully equipped with all that you need including pots & pans, kettle, filter coffee maker, cutlery, crockery, glasses, and cooking utensils (as well as a bottle opener ) we also supply duvets, pillows, blankets, and bed spreads.

[view the accommodation floor plans here]

But what must I bring?

Nothing if you don't want to. We can provide you with all your linen needs at a small additional charge. But if you would prefer to supply your own linen then you will need to bring duvet covers, pillow cases,sheets, bath / hand towels, & tea towels, other than these items we believe you will find almost everything you may need.

What can we do there?

In front of the house was the old bread oven, which we have converted into a large Bar-B-Q area complete with two patio's, tables and chairs, for those al fresco meals, or even petit dejeuner on fine summer mornings. we do recommend that you use charcoal, as although there is normally plenty of wood around it does not make the best fires. In the garden area there is a large petanque pitch and you will find boules in each house for your use.

About the garden you will find benches to allow you to sit in quiet solitude and contemplation. There is also a large rose area that at the right time of the year turns the air heavy with its heady perfume. Certain areas of the garden are allowed to grow wild [other than cutting the grass twice a year], this has encouraged rabbits hares and sometimes even deer into the garden. If you are very lucky you may see the barn owl that occasionally visits the area, and bats are not an uncommon sight on a summers evening. Perhaps as much as half the land is still farmed by our neighbour Monsieur Couteau, who may be seen about on occasions, If you would like to see the cows being milked then all you have to do is go to the sheds at milking time and he is happy to let you watch.

Woodland walks

Further afield, but still local, there is the forest this has many footpaths suitable for both long and short walks, there are also some paths designated for mountain bikes [a few of these are not for the faint hearted], Perhaps most importantly there is a fair sized lake in the forest fed by a natural stream which is ideally suitable for swimming, it comes complete with a sandy beach, and a safe climbing area i.e. climbing frames etc. (many of our guests have remarked on how nice the lake was and how much there is for the children to do there (without spending any money!)

Mushroom collecting seems to go on all year in the forest, but beware take a mushroom guide book with you - few kill, but many can make you ill! At the right time of year you can also find wild strawberries and blackberries just for the taking.

Could there be more?

Not far away [about 1 kilometre on the other side of Parigne] a new natural park (right) has been created from an area of predominately marsh land. Amongst the flora and fauna it boasts many birds rare to the area, and some very uncommon plants, I was lucky enough to visit the park during June of 1996 whilst building of the amenities were still under construction. Board walks have been built across the marsh for visitors to walk on. As I walked around on the board walks I was able to view quite a few uncommon birds etc., but perhaps the most surprising sight, was that down on the thick black mud of the marsh could be seen wild Venus fly trap plants, and not just one or two but many, this park is an unusual place to visit but in my opinion well worth the effort.

And the village?

In the village there is a very good boulangerie, a grocers, a butcher who visits twice a week and sells from a van, a post office (and if you have never visited a small village post office it can be a minor culture shock, no counter! only a small desk, a chair on your side of the desk, for you to sit at while purchasing your stamps, i.e. no bars no security just friendliness and often the post mistress will stick the stamps on for you as well!) But perhaps the most important building in the village is none of these or the Mairie or the lovely church but the Bar des Sports, here you will meet Frank and Valerie who run the bar and offer a warm welcome especially if you tell them that you are staying at La Peignardiere, however the bar is not what Franck is best known for, it is the restaurant, his food is excellent and the prices are more than reasonable. During the week every lunch time his restaurant is normally packed with lorry drivers and local workmen, but if you wish there is a smaller room pleasantly laid out with five or six tables for those who would prefer not to join the lunch time melee. I have met more than a few English clients of his who have travelled a good few miles to eat there, but unfortunately Frank like many working French people takes his holidays during the month of August usually the last three weeks.

What about Fougeres & normal shopping?

There are four large supermarkets in the Fougeres area here you can buy almost anything at all In the town itself are some very nice shopping areas, where you can purchase anything from excellent fresh fish to exquisite cakes. Fougeres boasts over 1000 years of history. There are many events during the summer months. Frequently in the large Chateaux in the old quarter concerts are held, both classical and modem, but often catering for most tastes. Near the Chateaux there are also many bars and restaurants for your enjoyment and relaxation.

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