Things To Do

THE LES GATS RALLY

Each year, in early September, there is a local rally, which comes right past Le Petit Chariot. The Saturday is practice day, with all the drivers taking a leisurely look round the route but come Sunday, with all the roads closed and all driveways cordoned off, it is another story!

The cars fly past our place at terrifying speeds, once you've seen the width of the roads you'll understand what we mean!

It is a great fun day with lots of local people out watching, and we run a barbecue for the day for our guests to enjoy.

BIRD WATCHING AT LE PETIT CHARIOT

Many of our visitors have found themselves captivated by the wide and varied range of wildlife here at Le Petit Chariot.

One couple, who were here the last week in April and first week in May 2008, were very keen bird watchers and counted 72 species either seen or heard here at Le Petit Chariot or on outings to the nearby marshes.

Among those here were:

Buzzard, Black Kite, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk, Hen Harrier, Hobby, Nightingale, Blackcap, Chifchaf, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Dunnock, Cuckoo, Golden Oriole, Turtle Dove, Collared Dove, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Longtail Tit, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mallard, Cormorant, as well as the more common types, such as robins, jackdaws, sparrows, etc.

On trips to the nearby marshes, they also spotted :

Montagues Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Hoopoe, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Wimbrell, Partridge, Pheasant, Avocet, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Yellowhammer, Skylark, Shoveller, Greylag Goose, Sacred Ibis, Black Winged Stilt, Lapwing, Redstart, Redshank, Whitethroat, Shelduck.

CYCLING

Within a quarter of a mile of Le Petit Chariot is access to a 20 mile cycle track between Coex and La Roche sur Yon.

WATER ACTIVITIES

Apremont – lake with man made beach and water activities. Also a magnificent chateau at Apremont.

GOLF

The nearest golf course is "Golf des Fontenelles" which is within 10 miles. There are 4 further courses which are open to the public within a 30 mile radius.

HORSERIDING

There is a large equestrian centre less than 10 miles away.

SHOPPING

La Roche sur Yon is a large town with town centre shopping and also huge out of town shopping areas. It has close historic links with Napoleon.

BEACHES

The area is blessed with many seaside resorts, boasting beautiful sandy beaches. St Gilles and Bretignolles are both only a 20 minute drive away. Les Sables D'Olonne is just a little further and is very sophisticated.

PUY DU FOU (www.puydufou.com)

Incredible theme park with evening pageant and firework extravaganzas. Just 45 miles from Le Petit Chariot.

LA ROCHELLE

We are just about one hour's drive from the beautiful historic seaport of La Rochelle.

These are just a few tasters of what our region has to offer but there are many more, such as wine tasting. There are numerous chateaux to visit. Nearby, there are go-kart tracks, zoos and aquariums.

In Aizenay there is a beautiful park with running track, BMX track, exercise track and enclosures with friendly goats, donkeys and deer. All this plus a large fishing lake and childrens' playground. CLICK HERE for some pictures of the local area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ONLINE FOR THIS AREA CLICK HERE.