Facilities at Charente Soleil
Guest Comments
John & Maria:
"Blazing sun, wild thunderstorms and an excellent pool to cool off in - What more can you want"
Steve & Judy:
"Everything we could have needed for a wonderful holiday"
Ian & Carol:
"Great pool, great location and the most helpful and friendly of hosts"
Bob & Bridget
"Erica's meals are superb"
Joan & Zac:
"Joining other guests for dinner or the BBQ made it feel more like a dinner party ... adding an extra dimension to an already excellent holiday"
Kath & Alan:
"Food was excellent. Would recommend to anyone"
Tony & Jacky:
"Hospitality second to none"
Sue & Mike:
"Lovely atmosphere. We really enjoyed our games of boules with our neighbours"
Sarah & Jocelyn:
"The most relaxing holiday we have had"
Hans & Corrie:
"It has everything, to rest, enjoy and have a perfect stay"
Chris & Michelle:
"The pool being solar heated is a brilliant addition"
Kim & Jeremy:
"This is so much more friendly than one of the big naturist holiday centres"
Heated Swimming Pool
The in-ground pool is 10m long by 5m wide. Its "leisure" profile means there is no "deep" end - It is 1m deep all around the sides and 1.6m deep in the middle. This makes it ideal for both the less confident swimmer and also for pool games.
Both the pool and the shower are solar-heated so there is no need to shiver even early or late in the season.
Dining
All of our cottages are provided with comprehensive self-catering facilities. However, for those occasions when you do not wish to prepare a meal, we offer a delicious 4 course table d'hotes dinner with wine and tea/coffee included. The ingredients are local whenever possible and the fruit and vegetables often come from our own garden. The price is 23€ per person.
If the weather is suitable then we dine outside, if not then in our large conservatory. Either way you are free to dress or remain undressed for dinner and of course there is no need to worry about driving after that extra glass of wine. You can view a sample menu by clicking the image on the left. We are able to cater for vegetarian and other dietary requirements on request.
We also organise a communal BBQ once a week in high season. This is entirely optional but has proved very popular and is a good way to meet fellow guests.
Breakfast is included in our tariff for those staying on a bed & breakfast basis and is also available to self-catering guests for a small charge.
Grounds
There are over 2 acres of grounds. A gateway from the courtyard leads to the communal gardens and swimming pool. The pool terrace provides ample space for sun beds, patio tables etc. The whole area is secluded and sheltered thus providing the ideal spot for naturist sunbathing and soaking up the Charente sunshine.
This area also includes a purpose built boules (petanque) court - We have sets of boules for you to use so everyone can have a go at this traditional French game.
For a quieter spot, the orchard provides some welcome shade from the mid-day sun. All of these areas are suitably secluded for obtaining an all-over tan.
Children
The pool is of course the big attraction but there is also a small play area with sand-pit and the childrens own miniature gîte (play-house).
For quieter times and evenings we have a selection of traditional board games and jigsaws that you are welcome to borrow.
Shopping
We usually have our own home-produce for sale - free range eggs, jam, vegetables (in season) etc.
The nearest shops are about 3 km (less if you walk or cycle down the country lanes) and can provide for most daily needs. There are a bakers, general store, bar, butcher, post office, tobacconist, pharmacy, and hairdresser.
Banks and supermarkets are in the towns of Mansle, La Rochefoucauld and Chasseneuil which are a 10 to 20 minute drive, have a larger selection of shops and also have markets once or twice a week. Angoulême (30 minutes) has department stores and everything else you would expect to find in a city.
Services
Laundry
Fresh bed linen and towels are provided once a week. The laundry has a washing machine available at a small extra charge.
Internet access
We have wi-fi access and also a computer available for guests who have not brought their own laptop.