Pool & Grounds
Peace and quiet, a leisurely stroll, a book under a tree, a few lengths in the warm pool...

Golf Breaks

" Le Bignon was definitely the highlight of our month-long trip to France! From the pool to the roses to the fabulous dinners, everything was wonderful! Thanks for everything." Mr & Mrs S, Boston, USA

Le Bignon is situated at the end of a lane with stone pillars and a gravel courtyard to the front and extensive grounds to the side and rear. The grounds include a large mixed flower bed (a lot of work but worth it for the joy of a constant supply of seasonal flowers for the house), a large rose and lavender border edging the rear terrace, the kitchen garden(which last year supplied us with carrots, lettuces, tomatoes, courgettes, leeks, beetroot, green beans, peas and potatoes ) so Peter can serve you vegetables with that 'straight from the garden' freshness; the orchard with a variety of apple and pear trees (used to make everything from tarte aux pommes to chutney and apple butter); walnut, mulberry, plum and damson trees, strawberry and raspberry plants, quince and current bushes (put to good use for the breakfast jams and jellies and puddings); as well as the pond ( home to a dozen baby newts and seven fantastic frogs at the last count!), the meadow and the woods. Whether you prefer the shade of a tree, a sunny spot for soaking up the sun, a stroll through the woods or a wander amongst the roses and lavenders, Le Bignon will welcome you.

We have placed our pool (open from early May until end September, weather permitting) in a lovely sunny spot at the side of the house by the meadow and the old stables. It is 10m x 5m with a "Roman End" and steps lead to a friendly depth of 1.5 m. There is also a refreshing solar heated shower. Peter looks after the pool himself and makes daily checks to ensure that the the water quality is as high as possible.

Surrounding the pool is a spacious terrace equipped of course with sun loungers, recliners, parasols, tables and chairs so you can relax with a book, a drink, the sun or all three!
The pool is available for that early morning dip from 7.30 am and is usually closed after dinner around 9.30pm. No need to take your bathroom towels to the pool - we provide pool towels in your rooms..

Wild life.
We are encouraging as much wildlife as we can to visit us at Le Bignon ( but not the creepy - crawly variety!). As well as our gardens and pool we have a meadow and a sizeable mixed wood. This area of France is rich in flora and fauna - seen frequently are owls, buzzard, hen harriers and a wide range of songbirds. On the furry front we see deer, badgers, foxes, hares and rabbits and occasionally the very shy wild boar. We also, unfortunately, see a little too much of the pesky moles - any suggestions about discouraging them from ravishing the lawn will be gratefully received! And, last year, 2007, the Spring sunshine emboldened the hedgehog population who took to wandering about and basking in the open! The photo above was taken at 3pm on a warm afternoon in April!

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Le Bignon, 49140 Jarzé, France
Tel: +33 (0) 2 41 33 88 38 | Email: wendyandpeterchapman@LeBignon.com