• Spring

    Flowers

    With the dawn of spring comes the anticipation of Easter, the holiday of new life and new beginnings. Around us, birds are singing, the bees are back in the garden, lambs and calves abound. The grocery stores are full of plants and gardening supplies, and Easter chocolate for celebrating Easter in France.

    Chocolate

    Chocolate is a big deal in France. The grocery store has slightly less that at Christmastime, but it is all themes for bunnies and spring. This is a secular Easter though, focussed on chocolate, eggs, and bunnies. After all, France is a secular state, so Christmas, Easter, Ascension are more about the traditions than the religion.

    Easter Egg Hunts

    The kids are asking: will there be Easter egg hunts? The answer is an emphatic Yes, but it is not clear if they will be hunts for chocolate eggs, plastic eggs, or some kind of treasure hunt. There does seem to be some sort of larger present/basket/prize involved. Many of the surrounding castles are holding special events.

    Château du Rivau

    For Easter, Rivau is having Easter egg hunts. The younger kids hunt for chocolate eggs, while the older kids go on a guided adventure to find the goose that laid the golden egg, from Jack and the Beanstalk. They have to solve puzzles and are rewarded with coupons to exchange for chocolate eggs.

    Château de Cheverny

    Cheverny is famous for its hunting dogs and furniture, but for Easter they are having a hunt for tulip bulbs hidden by a monkey. We'll have to go and report back, because we don't really know what to make of that one. Why didn't they send the dogs to stop the monkey?

    Brocantes

    There are brocantes (flea markets) in Chinon on Easter Sunday, and Richelieu on Easter Monday. Shopping at markets of all kinds is very popular around here.

    Futuroscope

    Futoroscope is open for Easter, and we've had a number of visitors who use Jaulnay Gîtes as a base for a day trip to Futuroscope. It's an easy 30-minute drive if you take the autoroute from Chatellerault to Poitiers, and Futuroscope is right at the autoroute exit.

    About Us - Moving to France

    Moving to France started with our 20th anniversary trip. We had considered visiting London, England, but found the price point too high, and just couldn't make the trip work. Some of our must-sees would be closed. But France was cheap! We had avoided it in the past, since William had been to visit before, and we liked to visit new places. But we took a leap, tried it and fell in love with France.

    Moving to France

    At home, we started dreaming about moving to France. What do houses cost in France? Could we move there? Would we even be able to get visas? Could we make ends meet? What about school for the kids? Would the kids even like it?

    Buying Gîtes in France

    We found a way and made a plan. And so, here we are in France. At Jaulnay Gîtes you will find a warm Canadian welcome at a family-friendly gîte complex, where you can join us in discovering the relaxation of the French countryside, and the charm of French life.

    Our Gîtes

    We are currently running two gîtes: Sunflower Skies and Tuffeau Sunsets. Sunflower Skies is on the upper floor of the old barn, and features exposed original wooden beams, exposed stone, and a large balcony overlooking the French countryside. Tuffeau Sunsets is a cozy space with a large original hearth, original stone stairs, and glorious views of the sunset over Faye-la-Vineuse.

    The Lewis Family

    Between Richelieu and Chinon, Château Rivau is our kids' favourite château. Privately owned, it hosts seasonal events and markets.