IN BRENNE, NATURE IS QUEEN
Discover the ponds of Brenne!
Brenne, nicknamed the " Land of Thousands Ponds ", invites you to explore its 4,000 or so bodies of water , covering an area of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 hectares . This region offers a diversity of aquatic landscapes, ranging from large ponds to more intimate bodies of water, each with its own characteristics.
The Brenne ponds offer visitors a unique immersion in a rich ecosystem, home to exceptional biodiversity with numerous species of birds, plants and animals, while allowing nature observation and discovery activities.
Go on an adventure and take advantage of the many strategically placed observatories to contemplate the abundant life of these enchanting ecosystems. Whether at dawn, in the middle of the day or at dusk , each moment offers an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Don't miss the famous pond fishing in autumn, an ancestral know-how recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage . Come and discover our freshwater fish and witness our traditional fishing method, a real journey through time and local traditions.
The Brenne Regional Natural Park offers around 695 kilometres of marked hiking trails. These varied routes allow you to explore the region's rich landscapes, including themes such as ponds, valleys, forests and local heritage. Whether you're a fan of leisurely strolls or longer hikes , Brenne offers trails suitable for all levels.
Three more ways to observe the animal world
The Chérine Nature Reserve, located in the heart of Brenne, 5 minutes from the house, covers more than 370 hectares and is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity . This sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to explore a mosaic of landscapes, while observing unique flora and fauna.
Come enjoy a guided tour of this unspoiled ecosystem, where every walk reveals the wild beauty of nature.
Zoological reserve Haute-Touche
Explore on foot or by bike the largest zoological reserve in France , located 30 minutes from the house. It extends over 436 hectares of forest and meadows . You will discover more than 1,300 animals living in very large enclosures, offering an authentic glimpse of their natural habitat .
A very pleasant visit awaits you, combining conservation of biodiversity and wonder for all.
Discover this internationally renowned ZooParc (45 minutes from my house) , one of the most beautiful and largest zoos in the world, recognized for its professionalism and commitment to species conservation. With more than 35,000 animals living on 44 hectares, you will have the opportunity to admire exceptional species, such as giant pandas and Komodo dragons, in a carefully designed setting. Live an unforgettable experience, where the excellence of animal care and captivating shows will immerse you in the heart of global biodiversity !
Brenne is dotted with remarkable châteaux, each offering a unique insight into the region's history and architecture. Château d'Azay-le-Ferron (10 mins from the house) , with its formal gardens, immerses you in the elegance of the Renaissance, while Château du Bouchet (15 mins from the house) , perched on a red sandstone hillock, has been telling fascinating stories since the Hundred Years' War. Don't miss Château de Bouges (40 mins from the house) , which seduces with its landscaped park and peaceful atmosphere, and Château de Valençay (50 mins from the house) , famous for its diplomatic role .
Brenne is full of religious architectural treasures, including three remarkable churches that are worth a visit. The abbey church of Saint-Savin (40 mins) , listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , impresses with its exceptional 11th century Romanesque frescoes. The Notre-Dame de Fontgombault abbey (25 mins) , still in operation, offers a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture and a haven of spiritual peace. The Saint-Pierre de Méobecq abbey church (20 mins) , with its Romanesque apse and sculpted capitals, bears witness to Romanesque art in Berry.
Each village in Brenne is overflowing with charm , from quaint little houses to elegant residences and the famous U-shaped farms. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire the architectural details and let yourself be seduced by the flowers in the windows, which evoke a bygone era .
It is a real privilege to walk through these peaceful villages, where nature and heritage blend together to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
From home, time needed by car door-to-door:
The Brenne markets, numerous, colorful and authentic, are perfect places to immerse yourself in local life and discover the flavors of the region.
Whether during the traditional weekly markets or the gourmet markets which showcase local specialties, each visit is an invitation to savor the best that Brenne has to offer.
Come explore them with us and let yourself be seduced by the richness of local products !
Discover the gastronomic treasures of Brenne through its passionate local producers. From the farm to your plate, savor a range of authentic delicacies: cheeses, including the famous Pouligny-Saint-Pierre, extraordinary artisanal chocolate spreads, regional honeys with varied flavors, traditional pastries and cakes, pâtés and rillettes of character, local wines with unique aromas.
Come and meet these artisans of taste who will warmly open the doors of their farms to you and let you learn the secrets of making these exceptional products. This immersion in the Brennou terroir will give a very special flavor to your meals in Pouvereau.
No matter where you are in France, you will always find excellent restaurants. Small, classic or guinguette style , we will be able to advise you to discover the right restaurant according to your desires.
And if you want to treat yourself to a dream meal, our Michelin-starred restaurant "La Promenade - Maison Dallais" is just half an hour from Pouvereau.
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Brenne, with its mysterious ponds, dense forests and picturesque villages, evokes the romantic, rural atmosphere of the novels of George Sand , a famous 19th-century writer.
This avant-garde woman of letters spent a large part of her life in her home in Nohant, located on the edge of Brenne, drawing inspiration from the local landscapes and traditions to create emblematic works such as " La Mare au Diable " and " François le Champi ".