Equitably Priced Idyllic Rural Holidays – High-quality, Up-market and in France

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb 08, 2010 -
The cost of holiday extras too often comes as a harsh shock when bank statements arrive on the door mat. These holidays are refreshingly different – the all-inclusive holiday prices are just that, literally all-inclusive. All food, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, tisanes, etc, are included – even the postcards are free. The cuisine is superb and ample, the wine and other beverages are free flowing and of excellent quality. Tea and coffee are also available in the rooms and a well stocked drinks fridge is available 24/7. These holidays are extremely equitably priced, especially when comparing with similarly unambiguously high-quality and up-market all-inclusive holidays.

The holidays are based at Le Moulin du Chemin, a small private ‘auberge’ in a leafy valley in Deepest Rural France where the exceptional hospitality is based on superb cuisine, plenty of good wine and a convivial atmosphere. Le Moulin specialises in walking holidays, cycling holidays (of the ‘tootling’ variety), cycling holidays (for obsessive road-bikers) as well as in simply relaxing holidays.

Le Moulin's cuisine is beautifully prepared using wholesome local ingredients and is nicely presented in agreeable surroundings. The ‘auberge’ was established in 1993 in the buildings of an ancient watermill dating back to before 1643. The guestrooms are tastefully restored and comfortable with own shower- or bathrooms, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryers, etc.  The pool and terrace and other facilities are also first-class. All this together with equitable pricing goes to create a complete and totally agreeable holiday experience.

Le Moulin du Chemin is situated in the remote, yet easily accessible region of le Pays de Gâtine, in Poitou-Charentes, France. It is a marvellous rural paradise with hundreds of miles of little-used paths, tracks and country lanes in an unspoiled and changing landscape. The countryside, known as ‘la bocage’, comprises timeless pastures, majestic deciduous forests, woods, ponds and orchards criss-crossed by ancient hedgerows and crystal streams. There is hardly another soul to be seen while on the other hand there are oodles of wild flowers, birds, butterflies and (harmless) wild creatures.

Walkers and cyclists are provided with professional quality route-notes and high-lighted maps together with friendly advice, information and support. The walking and cycling routes are appropriate to each guests own requirements – walking routes are moderate with some longer options, there are introductory and moderate ‘tootling’ routes and the road-bike routes are – well, just painful, although shorter options are available. The itineraries are varied, covering a different sector each day. ‘Tootling’ cyclists are also supplied with well-maintained, fully-equipped touring cycles.

In any one year, up to one third of guests have been before. The idyllic surroundings, far from city stress and pollution are undoubtedly an attraction. So is the fact that maximum number of guests is limited to ten – so each guest is just that, a guest and not ‘just another client’. Each evening guests and hosts meet for aperitifs-at-seven when several distinctive local wines are sampled. This is followed by a leisurely four course evening meal where copious quantities of delightful wines accompany the superb cuisine. Each evening a different wine is provided to accord with the menu. The hosts unobtrusively ensure that nobody feels excluded and something of a lively atmosphere emerges. Vegetarian and other special dietary needs are also readily catered for.

The normal season is April to October. March is agreeable with the sheen of new buds on the trees and blackthorn and wild cherry in eye-catching blossom. April, May and June have glorious spring weather when the verges are full of wild flowers and the countryside abounds with new life. In summer, July and September are ideal, when the weather is not too hot. In August it is sometimes advisable to start the day early to get back to the cool of the pool when the day starts to get hot. October is very pretty with mostly clement weather and brilliant autumn colours.

The holidays are environmentally friendly. Guests are enabled to enjoy the delightful countryside without adversely affecting it, to support the local places of historical, cultural and natural interest and to indulge in an abundance of wholesome local food and wine in a genial atmosphere. It is a reasonable conclusion that natural habitats are not under pressure as a result le Moulin’s holidays. Le Moulin’s food miles are favourable. Fresh ingredients are mostly supplied locally. Non-local produce comes from other parts of France and unavoidably imported food is from not too distant Spain and Morocco. The copious quantities of wines served at le Moulin (and included in the price) are local, from Anjou, Fiefs Vendéen and other wine producing areas within France.

Moulin holidays contribute to the wellbeing of the local community rather than the reverse. Le Moulin du Chemin is family owned and operated within a rural community that has been deprived due to lack of economic activity. Almost all expenditures incurred to make these holidays possible benefit the local community. The presence of le Moulin’s holiday operation in this remote rural community is perceived by the local inhabitants as a social asset and the benefits to the local economy are well acknowledged. Moulin holidays are acknowledged to be environmentally friendly by Responsible Travel.

All Moulin holidays can be booked direct at www.moulinholidays.com or via responsibletravel.com

Moulin walking holidays can also be booked though Headwater Holidays www.headwater.com

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/10523362/1