ACTIVITIES
CANOEING
There are several locations nearby from where you can take a kayak or a canoe and discover the lush surroundings of the river Thouet. Start your trip in the village of Saint-Loup Lamairé and canoe to Airvault, or rent a kayak in Thouars and experience the peaceful beauty of the river there. You can go for one or two hours or for a whole day. Take a picnic and have the most relaxing time!
www.saint-loup-lamaire.fr/canoe-pedalos.html
www.thouarscanoekayak.fr/location-de-canoe-et-kayak/
17km (20 minutes) and 20km (25 mins.) from Saint Chartres
image courtesy of Canoë Kayak de Thouars
GOLF
For the golfers amongst you, there is Domaine de Roiffé.
Ideally located between Loudun, Fontevraud, Saumur and Chinon, the domaine's 19th-century buildings and golf course are set in 120 hectares. Also known as the Golf de Loudun -Fontevraud, this golf course offers a simple and diversified course over more than 60 hectares in wooded and hilly areas. The infrastructure features an 18-hole golf course, a compact 6-hole course, a putting green, an approach green and 40 practice stations of which 10 are covered. There is a spa as well as a wellness centre with sauna, hammam and outdoor jacuzzi.
40km (35 mins.) from Saint Chartres
image courtesy of Tourisme en Vienne
BEACH & WATER SPORTS
The Moncontour Active Park and Base Nautique, open from April to September, spreads to over 10 hectares and offers various water based activities, from wakeboarding, canoeing and water skiing to water paddling, water slide and supervised swimming. You can also enjoy beach volleyball, mini golf and tennis. Or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
www.moncontour-active-park.com/en
7km (10 mins.) from Saint Chartres
image courtesy of Moncontour Active Park
HORSE RIDING
Ecuries de Primery is a small private competition yard which also offers private lessons for beginners to advanced riders, children and adults. The yard and riding school, expertly managed by mother and daughter team, represents the very best in horse care and equestrian expertise. Book yourself in with fully qualified instructor Grace for a thoroughly enjoyable hack or individual lesson.
6km (10 mins.) from Saint Chartres
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Ready for a hot air balloon flight over the Loire Valley? Then get on board for a unique experience and view the mighty river Loire, its landscapes and many of its magnificent chateaux from the air in a hot air balloon. The experience will leave you with magic memories of one of the most beautiful places on earth!
Departures from Saumur.
www.montgolfiere-sensation.com/
60km (1 hr.) from Saint Chartres
image courtesy of Montgolfiere Sensation
VINTAGE TOURING
Take a wine, chateaux or gastronomie tour with Marie in her beautiful 1970's Volkswagen Combi, symbol of freedom and carefree spirit of those years. Marie speaks french and english, has all the connaissance of the area and will happily guide you around. There are 7 seats available in her lovely vintage vehicle.
Departure from Neuville de Poitou, a 20 minute drive from here.
www.envoituresimone86.fr
10km (15 mins) from Saint Chartres
image courtesy of Envoituresimone
