The facade of Logis de l'Épinière in spring, palm tree and redbud in bloom

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Presentation

Le Logis de l'Épinière is a 17th-century country house of character, set in Charente-Maritime, in the heart of the Saintonge countryside.

Gîtes de France accredited property
Aerial view of Logis de l'Épinière set in its patchwork of fields, hedgerows and woodland

The estate offers a peaceful, unspoilt setting, while remaining within easy reach of the villages along the Charente valley, Rochefort, Saintes, La Rochelle and the Atlantic beaches.

Walks along the Boutonne and the Charente, local markets, stone-built villages and the many country lanes and paths nearby are an invitation to explore the region at your own pace.

Less than an hour away, the beaches, islands, coastal forests and oyster-farming harbours reveal another side of Charente-Maritime.

The large bedroom of Grande Champagne, its period fireplace lit and a tall window onto the orchard

The gîtes

The four gîtes have been created within the estate's former outbuildings. Each has its own private garden or terrace and has been designed to combine character, comfort and privacy.

Some of the gîtes have large fireplaces, perfect for enjoying the warmth of a wood fire during the winter months.

In the warmer months, guests can enjoy the swimming pool, set within the old stone walls of the former stable.

We hope you will feel here exactly as we would hope to feel when we go away ourselves.

The gîte seen from the lawn, parasol open in front of the flowering terrace

We believe that a wonderful holiday is about more than a comfortable place to stay or a beautiful swimming pool. It is also shaped by the places you discover, the people you meet and those little touches that turn a stay into a lasting memory.

When you arrive, we take the time to sit down with you and a map of the area, sharing the villages, restaurants, markets, beaches, walks and places we love — including some you may not always find in the guidebooks.

From there, your holiday is yours to enjoy at your own pace. We remain discreetly available if you would like a recommendation, have a question or need a little help booking a table.

Above all, we hope you leave with the memory of a place where you felt expected, warmly welcomed and completely free to enjoy your holiday. And perhaps with the thought of coming back, even before you have left.

The pool lit after dark between the stone walls, under a full moon

Flexible stays for 2 to 12 travellers

One estate, four gîtes, as many experiences

The four gîtes are entirely independent and each has its own atmosphere. We furnished them over the years with pieces chosen — sometimes made to measure — objects brought back from our travels and, above all, our own taste.

As a couple, with family or with friends, you can stay in a single gîte or bring several of them together for your holiday, while each one keeps its privacy.

Our Gîtes

  • 01

    Four gîtes, each with its own character

    Four independent gîtes, each with its own private garden or terrace, furnished with carefully chosen pieces and materials.

  • 02

    Fireplaces and swimming pool

    Some of the gîtes have their own fireplace. All guests have access, in season, to the estate's large shared swimming pool.

  • 03

    Privacy of your own

    The swimming pool is shared between the four gîtes, while each has its own private outdoor space overlooking the garden or surrounding countryside.

  • 04

    From two to six guests

    Gîtes of different sizes, whether you are staying as a couple, with family or enjoying a holiday with friends and loved ones.

Living room of the Borderies gîte under exposed beams, picture window onto the countryside

2 to 4 guests • 62 m²

Borderies

A 3-star, 62 m² loft-style gîte for 2 to 4 guests. An open-plan kitchen and living area, private terrace and sweeping views across the countryside, in a peaceful, light-filled setting.

Living room of the Fins Bois gîte

2 to 4 guests • 52 m²

Fins Bois

A 3-star, 52 m² loft-style gîte for 2 to 4 guests. Open-plan kitchen, a small mezzanine with additional beds, a private terrace and views over the surrounding fields and hedgerows, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Living space of the Bons Bois - Petite Champagne gîte, exposed beam and open kitchen

2 to 6 guests • 86 m²

Bons Bois - Petite Champagne

A spacious 86 m² gîte for 2 to 6 guests. A large open-plan living space and kitchen, two bedrooms, two shower rooms and two private terraces opening onto the countryside.

Bedroom of the Grande Champagne gîte

2 guests • 65 m²

Grande Champagne

A 4-star, 65 m² gîte for two. Peaceful and spacious, with a carefully considered, personal interior, a large old fireplace and its own private garden.

A Shared Spirit Across All Our Gîtes

Dusk over the open door of a gîte
  • 01

    Gîtes created as we would want them for ourselves

    We have designed each gîte according to our own tastes, with furniture collected and chosen over time, materials we love, and all the comforts needed to truly settle in and feel at home during your holiday.

  • 02

    Your own space

    Each gîte has its own private outdoor area. The swimming pool and grounds are shared, but the estate has been arranged so that everyone can enjoy their holiday while preserving their own sense of privacy.

  • 03

    Countryside all around

    From the gardens, views open out onto trees, fields and the surrounding countryside. Here, peace and quiet are not something we offer as a service — they are simply part of the place.

History of the place

Built on the southern edge of the flood meadows of the River Boutonne — low-lying land traditionally used for grazing — the Logis de l'Épinière, in the village of Les Nouillers in Charente-Maritime, has roots stretching back many centuries.

Le Logis de l'Épinière, historical view
Le Logis de l'Épinière

The archives contain references to the estate as early as 1461. At the beginning of the 17th century, it was home for a time to Nicolas de Montaigne, Abbot of Les Alleux and Prior of Archingeais. The estate later passed to the Puyrigaud family, followed by François d'Albret, Count of Miossens, who died in 1671. The Bobènes family were among its subsequent owners and remained here until 1841.

What remainsof this history?

What remains of this history?

To the east, a large square building preserves the overall plan and numerous archaeological traces of its construction around the 1640s.

An important central entrance bay led, through a vestibule and a generous axial staircase with ramp upon ramp, to the four vast rooms on each level.

The cornice that surmounts the facades is now lower than originally. It is surmounted by a large pediment recomposed in the 19th century. The sober style of the original building recalls that of the Counter-Reformation in Saintonge.

To the west, a beautiful 19th-century longhouse fits harmoniously into the bocage spirit of the site.

Finally, to the north, a courtyard surrounded by old farm buildings recalls that after the seigneurial and then, probably, priory vocation of this estate, agriculture persisted until recently.

Arriving in 2008, the current owners of l'Épinière, Laurence and Pierric Couturier, undertook to restore this charming ensemble to house their family life, welcome their friends and a few guests eager to discover authentic Saintonge.

Location

Everything is within an hour's drive

At the crossroads

  • Just 10 km from the Saint-Jean-d'Angély exit of the A10 motorway
  • Ideally located between Saintes, Rochefort and Saint-Jean-d'Angély

Marshes and Romanesque heritage

  • On the edge of the Boutonne marshes, surrounded by peaceful, unspoilt countryside
  • In the heart of Romanesque Saintonge, close to Les Lapidiales
  • Numerous countryside walks and cycling routes starting directly from the estate

The coast and islands

  • The coast · Fouras35 min
  • Île d'Aix · Ferry terminal40 min
  • Île de Ré55 min
  • Île d'Oléron1 hr

Guest reviews

They say it better than we could

Reviews published by travellers on Google, reproduced unedited and untranslated.

4.9

51 reviews on Google

We were visiting my parents at st Denis du pins and came across this beautiful cottage at Logis de l’Épinière. It is beautifully appointed with typical French understated style. Everything you need in the kitchen for cooking proper food. The main room is a sitting and bedroom with high ceiling, chandelier, and long shuttered windows, opening to a large herb garden. It has a romantic air. The bathroom, again large, has a very efficient walk in shower and everything is clean. We loved the bed- very comfortable with white linen bedding. The garden area is so tranquil and there is a pool available which we didn’t get round to using. Would definitely recommend this accommodation. Laurence was a very convivial host with excellent English( 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿)
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Keith I.

September 2026

We had a great stay with Pierric and Laurence. They were both incredibly warm and welcoming on arrival and helpful during our week. Truly great hosts. The accommodation has been restored beautifully , it’s tastefully decorated and very comfortable. The pool is fantastic and was a real highlight for us all! The location is very calm and peaceful but is within striking distance of lots of interesting places. Highly recommended and would love to visit again in the future.
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Robert D.

August 2026

We had a fantastic stay at Logis De L'Epiniere! Pierric & Laurence are excellent hosts and the gite is located in such a nice, calm area with only birdsounds to disturb the silence.
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Michiel M.

August 2026

My partner Charlotte and I, with our two young children, had a wonderful stay in one of Pierric's gites on his gorgeous grounds. He was welcoming and constantly thought of his guests. His family were also very friendly. The pool was a real treat and a much-needed retreat to cool off during the baking heatwave. Each apartment has its own private garden area so despite a two or three other couples also staying on the premises, we felt we had our own space and could completely relax. The gite was a short drive to local villages where one can buy local produce at the small markets and find fresh bread at the boulangerie. Less than an hour away is the gorgeous La Rochelle, where a thoroughly enjoyable day was spent. All in all, we couldn't recommend Pierric's place more highly and would love to return.
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George M.

July 2026

We had a wonderful stay. The cottage was beautifully furnished and fully equipped with everything we needed. We especially enjoyed the pool. Our host, Pierric, was incredibly attentive and kind. He was always quick to help with any questions and went out of his way to make our stay enjoyable. He took the time to show us the best spots on a map, explained them in detail, and marked them for us. He also recommended several restaurants, and when we chose one, he even offered to call ahead and make a reservation. Overall, he was extremely welcoming and accommodating. We can wholeheartedly recommend this place. Best regards from Cologne :)
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Maja S.

July 2026

Amazing stay. Beautiful environment in the middle of sunflower fields. Pool has a magnificent setting! Highly recommended!
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Narcisse V.

July 2026

The most beautiful gite, nestled in a quiet rural haven! Beautifully decorated and spacious, and pleasantly cool despite the extremely high June temperatures. It comfortably accommodated our family of 5 (2 adults and 3 teens). The completely private courtyard was also very spacious and beautifully manicured, as were the stunning pool, surrounding gardens and meadows. The Les Nouilliers region is very rural, yet the gite is only a short distance from a number of lovely towns with all amenities (supermarkets, boulangeries, restaurants etc). The hosts, Pierric and Laurence, were extremely welcoming and attentive, on hand to offer advice and a friendly greeting. We highly recommend this exceptional gite - the Logis de l'Épinière is a special place.
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Freya O.

July 2025

A wonderfully relaxing stay in a beautiful location with an amazing pool. L’Epiniere is very quiet and off the beaten track but a short car ride to towns and sites. Pierric and Laurence are attentive and helpful hosts. Highly recommended.
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Peter L.

May 2025

Most amazing place and the sweetest hostes.
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Kristina F.

August 2024

Logement spacieux, propre et fonctionnel, conforme à la description ; au calme+++ Super piscine. Accès facile, supérette et marchés à proximité. Accueil très sympa des propriétaires. Multiples activités possibles dans les villes alentours.
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Alexandre K.

August 2026

Wir (5-köpfige Familie) waren eine Woche in der wunderschönen Unterkunft von Laurence und Pierric. Die Unterkunft ist sehr schön und ruhig gelegen. Von dort aus, kann man viele schöne Orte/Städte besuchen sowie tolle Strandtage an der Atlantikküste verbringen. Zu den tollen Stränden der Atlantikküste und zur Insel Ile d'Oleron braucht man ca. 30-60 Minuten. Wir wurden von Laurence und Pierric sehr freundlich empfangen und Pierric hat uns viele tolle Tipps gegeben (sei es zu den Stränden, Restaurants oder Orten in der Umgebung). Wir kommen gerne wieder!
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Christina B.

August 2026

Welcome to Le Logis de l'Épinière

Laurence & Pierric

Laurence and Pierric at the garden table, under the foliage, a glass in hand

Between 2011 and 2014, we spent several years bringing the estate's old outbuildings back to life. We restored them according to our own tastes, preserving their original character and creating the kind of gîtes we would genuinely enjoy staying in ourselves.

Laurence looks after the gardens, the interiors and all the little details that shape the atmosphere of the Logis. Pierric particularly enjoys welcoming our guests and sharing with them the places we love around the region.

For more than ten years now, we have been delighted to share this place with guests from near and far.