Our Story

Welcome to Gîtes du Marigné! We’d love to share with you the story of how we fell in love with South West France and why we’re so passionate about sharing this beautiful region with you.

Our journey to France began in the early 2000s when some of Kathy’s family relocated to the area. We frequently visited with our young family, spending long, sunny summer holidays and cosy Christmases here. Each visit deepened our connection to the charm and beauty of South West France, and we were so captivated by the region's allure that we decided to make it our own. And now, here we are, eager to share it with you.

Hey, we’re Mike & Kathy

We’ve lived in the Garden of England for just over 30 years and in September 2024 we moved to fulfil our dreams of owning a little piece of the beautiful french countryside.

Kathy loves creativity and has a number of crafty hobbies from crochet to jewellery and she hopes to incorporate these into the holiday experience for those looking to explore their own creative side.

Mike has a background in agriculture so plans to develop the gardens to include homegrown produce which we plan to share with our guests season by season.

Our Charming Gîtes

Our three charming gîtes—La Petite Maison, Chez Tournesol, and Chez Hiboux—offer peaceful escapes nestled in the serene countryside, perfect for unwinding from the pressures of daily life. Each gîte provides a private, self-contained accommodation, ensuring a sense of independence and comfort.

La Petite Maison, ideal for couples, is a Napoleonic cottage that offers a cosy retreat with self-catering facilities - it’s the perfect spot to relax and reconnect. Chez Tournesol, suited for families or small groups of up to four, features an open-plan living space with double doors that invite the beauty of the outdoors in, along with a log burner for those cooler evenings. For larger gatherings, Chez Hiboux is a converted barn that accommodates up to six guests and boasts a spacious open-plan lounge, kitchen, and dining area that flows seamlessly into a private garden.

All three gîtes share access to the inviting outdoor pool and are perfectly situated to explore local attractions, enjoy leisurely walks, and immerse in the rich culture of South West France. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a memorable trip with friends, our gîtes provide the perfect setting to create lasting memories and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Find out more about our gîtes

Endless Places to Explore

Over the years, we’ve spent many days discovering the hidden gems and vibrant experiences that South West France has to offer. Each adventure has left us with memories we cherish and a deeper connection to this beautiful region.

Poitiers and Angoulême have become favourite spots for us to explore, each offering its own unique slice of French culture. We’ve also shared many laughs and lots of fun at Futuroscope, a futuristic theme park that never fails to amaze us, and enjoyed the thrill of the zip wires at L’Isle Jourdain. Nature has always been close to our hearts, and the beauty of La Vallée des Singes, along with the quiet birdwatching spots, are places we love to return to.

We’ve been captivated by the charm of the historic streets of Montmorillon and Chauvigny, enjoyed leisurely walks through Angoulême, and relaxed by the tranquil lakes and rivers where we’ve swum on warm summer days. These serene spots have provided us with moments of peace and reflection, a chance to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life.

Every castle, museum, and historical site we’ve visited has deepened our appreciation for this region, and we can’t help but recommend these experiences to you. Whether it’s adventure, a bit of culture, or simply a quiet escape into nature that you’re after, these are the places that have made our time here so special—and we hope they will do the same for you. Come explore, unwind, and create your own unforgettable memories in this enchanting corner of France.

Things to do during your stay