Our Les Granges cottages, 9 out of a total of 16 self catering holiday cottages, provide accommodation for the perfect family holiday at Domaine des Granges, arguably the premier gite and leisure complex in France, situated in gentle Cognac country in the heart of Pays de Saintonge, Charente Maritime, overlooking the medieval town of St Jean d’Angely across the banks of the River Boutonne. Comfortable gites sleeping from 2 to 9 or larger groups in multiple properties. Originally a 17th century farm owned by the Benedictine order. This area in South West France is one of the sunniest regions of France, well known for its historic and beautiful coastline, fine wine and brandy (Cognac) and good food. The perfect ingredients for a family holiday in France, appealing to adults and children of all ages. For those looking for an activity holiday our on-site facilities include a fitness gym, swimming pools, paddling pool area for children, squash and mini tennis courts, boules pitch, games room and a children’s play area. On the doorstep are numerous outside activities, water skiing, go-karting, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, Atlantys - the town’s aquatic centre, horse riding, excellent fishing, moto-cross, golf and sailing Close to La Rochelle, Saintes and Rochefort, Domaine des Granges benefits from a well documented micro climate, making it officially the second sunniest region of France. Our luxurious cottages and our numerous leisure and sports facilities ensure the perfect self catering holiday for the whole family – all year round. Our unique location, close to La Rochelle, Saintes and Rochefort (benefitting from a well documented micro climate, which makes it officially the second sunniest region of France), together with our 16 well-equipped character cottages and numerous leisure and sports facilities (see Activities section below), ensures the ideal self-catering holiday for guests of all ages. This is your chance to become, as we already have, totally captivated by Domaine des Granges and its leisurely lifestyle. On-site activities include a fitness gym, heated jacuzzi, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, paddling pool area for children, squash and mini tennis courts, boules pitch, table-tennis, games room and a children’s play area. Snails Place licensed barn: suppers, wine tasting, sports TV – Rugby World Cup 2007. In the immediate vicinity are numerous outside activities: water skiing, go-karting, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, Atlantys - the town’s aquatic centre, horse riding, excellent fishing, international moto-cross, golf and sailing. Les Granges cottages are grouped around our courtyard and Les Ecuries cottages overlook the outdoor swimming pool. All cottages are comprehensively furnished and equipped,. Cartwheels provide an element of privacy, although Domaine des Granges is for the gregarious by nature. As "flies on the wall" we have observed with great pleasure the forming and cementing of numerous friendships over the odd glass of wine or three, while children of all ages meet new friends in the games room. The buildings, with their exposed beams and stone walls, add to the character of Domaine des Granges, as do the masses of shrubs and flowers that Jane has planted over the years, but it's the ambience created by our sports and leisure barn as well as Snails Place that give the place that certain "je ne sais quoi" During school holidays, Domaine des Granges caters largely for families with children. On the other hand, if you are not absolutely tied to school holidays, then spring, autumn, early or late summer offer exceptional value with many of the following advantages: • Cottage prices reduced compared to Peak! • One of the sunniest parts of France – 2600hrs each year! • Our indoor/outdoor pool - always heated to approx. 28ºC • No crowds or traffic and fewer or no children. • Reduced ferry prices with greater cabin availability • Flexible start and finish days • Reduced green fees for golfers • Although so far south we are just 3½ hours from St Malo. • Flights to La Rochelle, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Nantes, Tours & Limoges.