13 June 2014 by Natalie Hallam

La Baleine, near Saint-Jean-d’Angely, Charente Maritime

June’s Featured Property is the beautiful “La Baleine” near Saint-Jean-d’Angely, a four bedroom gite equipped to sleep 6, set in a rural and tranquil location amongst 4 other properties also belonging to owners Wendy and Chris Blakeman!

This charming 4 bedroom (1 king size, 2 singles and 1 twin) property is a perfect holiday resting spot for young families! La Baleine is one of 5 extremely child-friendly properties collectively called Les Vallaies.

A Child Safe Villa, Fun for the Whole Family!

On-site you can find an abundance of outdoor activities such as a Jacuzzi for the adults, beach entrance , shared swimming pool surrounded with sun loungers, a slide and sandpit, a trampoline with safety net, a play house with an abundance of toys, a games room kitted out with sofas, table tennis and bar football, for the slightly older ones, and even scuba diving lessons!
If needed, there’s no shortage of child equipment inside this charismatic wood-beamed gite either including, but not limited to, stair gates, cots, bed guards, potties, books and bath toys. And, just in case you needed any more ‘child-friendly confirmation’, La Baleine is also approved by Tots to Travel.

Activities for Everyone in the Family

Off site, there’s a profusion of fun activities the family can participate in too. For example, at La Baleines’ sister property, just 1km away, Wendy and Chris mention that:

“We offer lots of activities which guests can join in… teddy bear picnics… pottery painting and fabric painting too”.

Not to mention, Chris offers professional wine tastings and family vine walks which are highly recommended by the Kernick family who have holidayed here:

“Family Vine Walk – Do it!! Really interesting. Paul loved it too! Another highlight. Chris has a genuine interest in it – ask loads of questions!”

Further away from the properties, a few recommendations from the owners include La Rochelle’s aquarium, La Palmyre zoo – an animal park that has won many awards for its achievements and also a visit to the park and lake in Saint Savinien, where you can hire and enjoy an afternoon navigating handcrafted miniature boats.

Local French Dishes

For days when you feel like staying closer to home, you can take a 10 minute drive to the local village of Saint Jean d’Angely and stock up on some delicious French delicacies from the supermarket. Alternatively, why not treat yourselves to a beautiful meal in La Goule Beneze or Le Scorlion, recommended by Wendy and Chris, where local produce is used to create the delicious dishes. And, if you fancy a meal without the kids, registered child-minder Wendy, who lives close by, is happy to keep them occupied.

A week-long stay at Baleine starts from just £350.