;The Hamlet of Troncais
The property is situated in the hamlet of;Troncais;, which is a focal point of this vast forest, due to its association with the historically ancient Forge which produced the steelwork for the renowned ;Eiffel Tour
Troncais oak is sent to make barrels for cognac and fine Bordeaux wines because of the good quality wood.
Originally the forest was planted by instigation of Jean-Baptiste Colbert,
( a Chateau can be visited nearby at Ainay-le-Vielle which contains souvenirs of Colbert ), minister for. Louis X1V of France, to produce oak for ships of the French navy.
Within a few minutes walk you will find an excellent, cafe, bar and restaurant
The region offers many activities. There are water sports:- at the sandy lake beach of St.Bonnet Tronçais, lake Pirot. And Etang de Goule. swimming, sailing, canoeing and kayaks, windsurfing, boating, ......fishing in rivers or well stocked lakes. ( need licence ). can be purchased at the cafe ,2 minutes walk. (day or week.) Tennis, horseriding, golf, cycling (electric bikes for hire ) electric boats on the canal. Archery . Even flying lessons can be obtained at Lurcy-Levis. and many pleasurable walks in and around the forest.
For serious ;twitchers;, you will love to see and hear birds like the Hoopoe, In spring the distinctive ; oop oop; can be heard all around the forest.
Other birds to be seen include ,golden oriole,turtle doves,green,and middle spotted woodpeckers,their pecking reverberates in the forest .red start,firecrest,wood warblers,
Honey buzzards,short-toed eagle,black and red Kites,and many more.
Other cultural activities include, visits to museums, Abbeys ( Souvigny ; Noirlac) Chateaux (over 500 ). Theatres, music festivals, fireworks, ;son et lumier;, winetasting, arboretums, beautiful gardens to visit, and organised forest nature walks.
Importantly, some of the local cusine must be sampled.
The courtiers of Louis XIV used to say,.......; Only the dishes of Versaillies surpass the dishes of Troncais
Bustling french markets every day of the week in towns and villages, ( true flavour of countryside living ! )
Brocantes, held throughout the summer , ( for the ardent bargainhunter ! )
For those who prefer the faster pace, there are the Car and Motor cycling races at ; Magny Cours , and Superbike Championships are held. Also a G T circuit at ;Lucy- Levis;; to International ;Go Karting', at St. Armond Montrand. There are numerous activities through the summer. At St. Bonnet Troncais, The Ferme de ; etang;, organised events are held.
Adventure parks, with zoo animals, all within reasonable distance. Paris and Disneyland, Puy-de-dome.( area of the volcans )
All bookings are direct with the owner 