La Platriere de-luxe Gite

La Platriere Luxury Holiday Cottage is set within 3 acres of gardens belonging to the main house which is run as a B&B;. The property offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The cottage has its own private garden and parking space and offers accommodation for up to 6 people. Guests staying at the cottage are welcome to use the large swimming pool in the larger gardens, which also has petanque, childrens swings and goat pen.

The cottage is spacious and has central heating, and conforms to recent EU and French Law regarding fire safety. Upstairs there are 2 adjoining bedrooms, (one double; one twin-bedded), both rooms having exposed beams, wooden floors and dormer windows overlooking the gardens and surrounding countryside. A beautiful open-tread oak staircase leads the way downstairs into the first of two sitting rooms. This room has a good quality double bed-settee and can therefore easily convert into a 3rd bedroom. The other sitting room is designed with your comfort and entertainment in mind, having TV, video player, music centre with CD player, cassette player and radio. There is also a selection of videos, books and board games. The bathroom and separate toilet are downstairs, the bathroom having a french bath, shower, vanity unit and washbasin and mirror. The large kitchen is fully equipped with fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, electric oven, hob, and extractor. There are also smaller electrical items such as kettle, coffee filter, sandwich maker, toaster and slo-cooker. The dining area has french doors which lead out into the enclosed private garden which has outdoor garden furniture, parasol and barbeque.

All bed-linen and towels are provided and included in the price.

La Platriere is a small hamlet between the towns of Lurcy-Levis and Valigny. Amidst tranquil rural countryside, La Platriere is close to the Forest of Troncais, and the borders of Centre and Burgundy. Quiet roads make driving a pleasure and excellent for cycling and walking. There are many footpaths and bridle paths and horseriding nearby. Within the Forest there are numerous lakes, the closest to La Platriere being only 5 kms away, having beach and swimming area with waterslide and parasols, sailing school, pedalo, canoe and kayak hire and windsurfing. At other parts of the lake there is good fishing.

The river Allier for which the departement is named after, is only 15 minutes away, here you can hire canoes or go on a guided excursion exploring the river Allier, its wildlife and river banks.

The area is also renowned for its many chateaux, some are ruined fortresses such at Herisson and Bourbon L'Archambault whilst others are still lived in, their owners opening them to visitors to the area, such as Chateau Meillant, Ainey-le-Chateau (also known as petite Carcassone) and Sagonne Chateau - all within 1/2 hours drive from La Platriere.

The area is dotted with small medieval villages, many holding Brocantes and medieval fairs throughout the summer months. The region is also famous for its folklore festivals - there is one in Lurcy-Levis every June each year for a whole week, where international dancers and muscicians from all over the world come bringing colour and culture in their traditional costume and produce.

Last but by no means least, The Auvergne is known for its cheese. Additionally the restaurants offer gastronomic delights and the wine is also very good. and being not far from Burgundy you can visit some of the best vineyards around.