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La Boulinière and associated properties are situated on the borders of three regions: Berry, Limousin and Poitou. It is located ten kilometres from Montmorillon, the "City of Art and History". From here, it is easy to explore the hidden treasures of the Poitou from its neighbouring rolling hills to its famed and mysterious marsh, its medieval and renaissance châteaux, its frescoed Romanesque churches and chapels as well as the superb walking and cycling routes, bird watching and wild flowers. Also nearby is a well-stocked lake for fishing. This area is ideal countryside for walking, cycling, and horse riding, with miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore. For those who like hiking, the Grande Randonnée trail #48, a national walkway, passes through the property. The nearest village is Journet, which is within easy walking distance at two kilometres. Journet has a bakery and a café. There's a larger range of shops and services 10 kilometres away, in the large medieval town Montmorillon. The town is set by the river Gartempe, which passes through and this stretch of the river is lined with chapels, churches, and abbeys. They all have an extraordinary range of ancient wall paintings and the area has become known as "The Valley of the Frescoes". Montmorillon has many historic sites worth visiting, including the Octagon, an 11th Century funeral chapel built by Crusaders, the Chapelle St Laurent and St Chatherine's Crypt with its fine frescoes, and its 12th Century bridge, le Vieux-Pont. Montmorillon was recently designated "La Cité de L'Écrit" and hosts the International Book Fair every year. An ancient street of "ateliers" leading up from the Vieux Pont is lined with shops and workshops on everything to do with books, from illustration, calligraphy and book binding to antique books and artwork. Also
worth seeing are the châteaux Pruniers and Bois-Morand, the chapels
at the riverside villages of Antigny and Jouhet, and the church at St Germain.
Finally, the beautifully decorated 11th century Abbey of St Savin is just
20 minutes away. This abbey has been designated as a World Heritage Site and
must not be missed.
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