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Swimming Pool
The swimming pool at Le Petit Roc remains its number one attraction. Show cased by its decking, trees, vines and shrubs, and the rolling Charentais countryside, this curving pool blends beautifully with its natural surroundings to provide the perfect environment for fun and relaxation. At one end the beach entry allows toddlers to enjoy the water safely under the watchful eye of sunbathing parents, whilst at the other fathers can demonstrate their diving  skills off the low board into the 2.6 metre deep end. Eighteen metres long, it widens from 6 metres at the shallow end to 7 metres at the deep end. There are sun loungers, a hammock and chairs for those inclined to be less active, with parasols to shade out the afternoon sun. The whole pool area is fenced and has a gate entry with child proof lock. Just outside the gate is a toilet which can also be used for changing. Just down the steps from the pool is a table tennis table for family fun.
Tennis Court
The tennis court is a minute’s stroll from the gites. It was constructed over the winter of 2007/2008 and is fenced only at one end, again taking advantage of the natural contours of the land to provide an enclosed playing environment. In the heat of the summer play is normally restricted to the mornings, and the evenings when the sun drops down behind our oak wood. The court has already witnessed many a classic (holiday) match, and many improved double handed backhands! On the tennis court are two basketball nets for pick up matches or shooting practice.
Volleyball and Boules
Adjacent to the tennis court, and constructed from the earth removed to build it, is the landscaped platform which holds our full sized sand volleyball court, and a fine boules court. Large groups have enjoyed family volleyball matches, and adults have passed a quiet evening playing pétanque in the evening shade, a glass of pastis in one hand.
The Field and Football
Next to the tennis court and below the platform, is the sports field which has hosted some excellent football matches, a couple of touch rugby games, and the sound of willow on leather. There is a large football goal with net and a five a side goal. We have lots of footballs, rugby balls, basketballs, cricket equipment, badminton net and rackets, so please don’t hesitate to ask if you need something to play.
Attached to the three hundred year old oak tree is a zip line for younger (but not too young) children, and also a rope swing. These are great fun but please check them before use.
Gardens and Play Area
In the inner garden, between pool and tennis, is a play area for younger children, with slide, swings, play house and sand pit. The inner garden has some beautiful trees and shrubs with two magnificent weeping willows as its centre piece. Enjoy a short stroll, a shaded afternoon snooze or a family picnic on the lawn.
The Pool Terrace
Each of the gites’ private terraces/gardens leads out to the pool terrace which overlooks the swimming pool. It is constructed around a plum tree, and has vines, honeysuckle and geraniums to provide shade and colour. The large eating area can be used by individual families but often provides the venue for different groups to get together for an evening barbeque, profiting from the cooking facilities, with electric and water, available. The pool terrace has witnessed singing and even Scottish dancing over the past couple of years.
 Walking and Biking
Guests can enjoy an evening stroll in our grounds and around our oak wood, or further afield along the country lanes and through local hamlets. Or borrow some of our bikes (they’re kept in the hangar – we ask for a contribution of a couple of euros for the week to help with maintenance) and head further afield along the many quiet roads, or into Chalais to pick up the morning baguettes.
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