The Garden
When you are not out and about exploring the local area why not enjoy the natural surroundings of our garden. You will find there is a terrific view of the château from the main lawn, a small enclosed garden which is a perfect hideaway for sitting and reading a book and an above-ground plunge pool which is great for cooling-off in during one of our long hot summers.
Being a country garden you will also find our chickens roaming free which give us beautiful fresh eggs for breakfast in the morning and beehives which give us gorgeous honey and 'Les Ruches' (The Beehives) its name.
If you would like to book a room, a gastronomic weekend or cooking break call us on +33 (0)5 49 97 07 72 or send an
enquiry to us by e-mail.
Welcome to Les Ruches
Mark and Nina Down are proud to welcome you to their homes, Les Ruches, based in the heart of the Poitou-Charentes.
Their chambres d'hôtes is located in their lovingly restored 18th century 'Maison de Maitre' (Master's House) in the charming Vienne region of France.
Breakfast is served in the elegant guest lounge where you will be treated to freshly baked bread, croissants and pastries from the boulangerie across the road, accompanied by our homemade honey and jams.
We are also happy
to provide a variety of cooked breakfasts for an additional charge.
Tables d'Hôtes
Tables d'hôtes (evening meals with Mark and Nina) can be arranged for a fee of 20 euros per adult and 12 euros per child 12 years of age or under. This includes a four course meal including wine and a cheese course.
For enthusiasts of French cuisine we also run gastronomic weekend breaks, cooking courses, individual tutorials and cooking holidays.
For more information on cooking breaks, please visit our website Les Ruches French Cooking Holidays or telephone us on 00 33 (0)5 49 97 07 72.
The Potager
We have an ornamental kitchen garden full of fresh organic vegetables as well as a variety of fruit trees and soft fruit.
For our gastronomic breaks, cooking holidays and tables d'hôtes we always endeavour to cook using home-grown or local produce.