The Monks Cottage

The Local Area

Clere du bois is a beautiful and peaceful hamlet, surrounded by rolling countryside, woods and lakes. We have a small friendly bar/restaurant, which serves traditional fresh homemade food and pizzas, it has a takeaway service.

Adjoining this is the ‘epicerie’ selling general groceries, this is our Depot du Pain, you can buy your fresh French bread here every morning. The 12th Century church of St Peter is the focal point of the village. Situated behind this you will find the park and Boules area. There are numerous walks and cycle rides to follow to enjoy the beauty of the countryside.

Our nearest town is Chatillon-sur Indre, just 10 minutes by car. You will find a variety of shops selling local fresh produce, Boucherie, Boulangeries, caves etc. There is also a larger Intermarche and Netto, selling all general household goods and petrol. The local market is held every Friday with stalls selling fresh local produce and crafts. There are several bars and restaurants. There is an indoor pool and park with adventure trail and play area.

The medieval town of Loche is 20 minutes away by car and I would certainly recommend a visit. The markets are held on Wednesday and Saturday and they are an experience to enjoy, definitely a social occasion for the French. The cobbled streets are bustling and the smells from the fresh local produce sold on the stalls is wonderful.

Sit at one of the many bars or cafes to relax and watch the world go by. There are numerous, art and musical festivals held here throughout the year.

There are a variety of shops and boutiques to browse in the centre, or the larger hypermarche’s ‘L’eclerc’ and ‘Super U’ on the periphery of the town.

The Keep/Fortress of Loche goes back to the XI century, with its gate house, Logis Royal, Collegiate Church, Dungeon and Torture Chamber. It is renowned for being one of the most impressive of the Norman Period. It has played an important part in French history, with Joan of Arc and Agnes Sorel holding court here.

The cosmopolitan and historic town of Tours is 1 hour away by car, as is Poitiers with Futuroscope.

There are many other beautiful towns to visit within easy reach and numerous chateaux’s with their opulent decor, architecture and vast grounds.

For the children there is the amazing Beauval Zoo, Animal park haute touché, Go Karting, Horse riding and of course the Beautiful lake of BellaBouche with its sandy beach and numerous water sports.

If you are exhausted by the list of things to do and places to see and would prefer a peaceful, relaxing holiday, then you need go no further, than the tranquil courtyard or the terraced area by the large above ground pool, with views over our gardens and the fields beyond at Monks Cottage. Enjoy the sunset over the church of St Peter, with a glass of local wine. What could be better?