La Chagnée

The small La Chagnée campsite occupies an estate of over 3 hectares at Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud, in the Gâtine (Deux-Sèvres), west of Parthenay. Two fishing ponds covering about a hectare and a half in total, created in the 1970s, frame the site. Founded in 1999 on a farm, the campsite has been rated 3 stars since 2013; Pierre and Johanna have run it since June 2020. The Futuroscope, the Puy du Fou and the Marais poitevin are among the major outings from the Gâtine.

The offer combines pitches (between 14 and 17 depending on the pages of the website, 100 to 300 m², shaded by trees, almost all with electricity) and unusual accommodation: the chestnut-wood Nid’gloo for 3 people, the Cabane des enfants du marais for 4, the Cabane des 2 étangs for 5, the cotton-canvas D’tente for 4, and wooden chalets for up to 6 people.

As for opening, the distinction is clear. The pitches operate from mid-April or 1 May (depending on the page) to 31 October, as do the cabins, the Nid’gloo and the D’tente. The wooden chalets, for their part, are advertised as open all year round, with water, heating and electricity included; the motorhome service area also remains accessible around the clock. Rates adapted to long-term rentals are available on request, and the spa and sauna area welcomes guests from 1 January to 31 December, outside holiday periods.

The setting is one of rolling meadow countryside, far from major tourist infrastructure, with a family welcome.

Spa and infrared sauna open all year outside holidays, massage by appointment, stay in a heated chalet by the ponds.

The campsite relies on simple, well-kept facilities. The washrooms are split between two blocks: an older one with sinks, four toilets and two showers, and a newer, enclosed one with two showers, two toilets, a washbasin cubicle, three sinks, a washing machine and a fridge. This second block is fitted out for visitors with reduced mobility. Laundry is 3 € a load.

Two pools heated to 28 °C, a larger one for swimming and a smaller, quieter one, are surrounded by a wide wooden terrace with sun loungers and a shade sail. They are intended for the warm season. The professional spa and the infrared sauna make up the wellness area, open in set time slots (10am to 1pm, 3pm to 6pm and 7pm to 9pm), a way to unwind even in winter; it is not suitable for children under 6. A qualified masseuse visits by appointment, on site or in her mobile salon.

The covered shelter of over 100 m², open to the first pond, serves as a living space with a table tennis table, table football and a pool table, and offers ice cream, homemade apple juice or beer. It can be hired exclusively from April to October for around 60 people. The shop is open every day from June to September, from 9am to 12:30pm and from 4pm to 8pm, with basic supplies, local produce and a book swap. Bread has to be ordered the day before, in high season only. Wi-Fi covers the communal areas, pets are allowed and breakfast can be delivered to the cabins.

Fishing is the star activity: the first pond (7,500 m²) holds carp, crucian carp, pikeperch, perch and largemouth bass, the second (6,500 m²) mainly carp and largemouth bass. The no-kill rule is compulsory, barbless or crushed-barb hooks are required for predatory fish, and no more than ten anglers are admitted at a time, by reservation. Campers fish for free without a licence, while outside visitors pay 7 € a day or 12 € for the night. One fishing spot is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

On site, you can also make use of the shelter for games of table tennis, table football or pool, and of the pool area in summer. The site rents chalets, cabins and equipped tents by the water for stays focused on calm and nature watching.

Nearby, the village of Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud has a Romanesque church, fortified farms and a menhir, while Parthenay, capital of the Gâtine, is close by. For a day out with more of a change of scene, the campsite recommends the Futuroscope, the Puy du Fou and the Marais poitevin, all reachable as day trips. Off-season, the spa and sauna, open all year round, and a stay in a heated chalet are the main offer on site, complemented by fishing depending on the conditions of the moment.