Orchid and Peony glamping lodges are set in 4 acres of parkland with two lakes. The lakes are stocked with a variety of coarse fish. We do not allow children, TVs or loud music and ask that guests respect each other’s peace and privacy. Our glamping lodges are furnished with a double bed, dining table and chairs plus comfortable chairs for relaxing. A fridge, kettle, toaster, BBQ and all you need in the way of crockery and cutlery are provided. Your welcome pack includes veg from the garden and eggs, as well as a bottle of wine to start your holiday. We also provide homemade sourdough bread, butter, homemade jam and our own 100% pure apple juice so that you won’t need to go shopping until after breakfast. The communal kitchen has a full sized gas cooker and is fully equipped with pots pans and kitchen utensils. This is located in a 3rd lodge so no cooking smells in your accommodation. If you don't feel like cooking but don't want to go out, why not eat 'en famille' with your hosts. Our menu during your stay will be sent to you before your arrival. There are two hammocks, which have been well tested, and a bench and table in the shade for a bit of quiet relaxation, truly bathing in nature. The nearby shower block has a toilet, urinal (very French) two showers, and two wash basins and is shared between the lodges.

About Us Our friends call us Tom and Barbara, but we are actually Steve and Jane! Since moving to France in 2003 we have become 90% self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables; we make our own sausages, bacon, salami and air dried ham; brew beer and generally do all things 'Good Life'. In 2012 we found Les Soudieres and began a more bucolic existence. The previous owners had installed Eco Lodges and so we thought why not share our little corner of paradise and The Good Life in France was born. One of our greatest pleasures is eating a plate of food that has all been produced by ourselves, knowing everything that has gone into your food and that it has made very little impact on the planet is quite amazing. We try to live in a sustainable manner, that is, producing what we need without impacting on the environment. We cannot say we are 100% there but we are 90% self-sufficient in fruit and veg. We are always trying to find ways of reducing our carbon footprint, minimising waste and recycling what we can. Having said that, we don’t believe in making life too hard and feel that it is possible to be responsible whilst still enjoying life’s little luxuries.

Local Attractions Puy du Fou. The premier attraction in the Vendée is about 40 minutes drive away. It combines a daytime historical theme park which manages to be both tasteful and great fun for all ages. We have yet to meet someone who has been and didn't enjoy it! Les Sables d'Olonne. This is a major port and seaside resort and hosts the Vendee Globe round the world yacht race. - (Remember Ellen McArthur?). The food halls are well worth a visit and there is a long promenade with many restaurants and cafes to watch the world go by whilst soaking up the sun. It has some of the best restaurants on the west coast as well as a fantastic beach. About 50 minutes drive. Fontenay le Comte. A charming country town that used to be the centre of the area. The river Vendée runs through its medieval centre, a Saturday market full of local delicacies and a variety of restaurants including Moroccan and Chinese. Approximately 20 minutes drive. Marais Poitevin (Green Venice). Paddle or punt (or hire a boatman) through a maze of tree-lined canals from Coulon, Maillezais, Damvix, Maille or Le Mazeau. Now, this is the life. Don't forget the picnic and a bottle or two to cool in the lazy water. Approximately 40 minutes drive. La Rochelle. Superbly picturesque old fishing port with a large selection of bars and restaurants, museums and a wonderful waterfront. Described as "the most attractive and unspoilt seaside town in France" due mainly to its charming old town. It also has the largest marina on the Atlantic coast, and an extremely impressive aquarium. Approximately 1 hours drive. Ile de Ré. Beautiful small island just off the La Rochelle peninsula, this isle is reached by toll bridge and boasts calm seas ideal for bathing on the eastern side with more boisterous waters to the west, reputedly good for surfing. A selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy in the sun as well as many stylish boutiques - so be prepared for a shopping spree! The whole area is famous for its oysters and