Gite in Picardie, France - La Source Tranquille

Parc Asterix reopens its doors for the season this Easter, 31 March! One of the best theme parks in France there are 40 attractions, numerous shows and shops to visit. Just 30 minutes from the Gite, the perfect day trip!

49€ for an adult, with children under 12 going free.

Click here for opening times

The Oise is rich in history, from magnificent cathedrals built in the middle ages to industries in lace and pearl and horse racing. Most indelibly etched on the ground though are the stories from the two world wars of the twentieth century. The Oise saw fighting in both wars, and its place is cemented in history as the site of the signing of the Armistice at the end of the first world war, and of the acceptance of the French surrender at the start of the second. But it also saw many battles played out on its terrain, and many lives were given in its defence. The tourist board has prepared a website offering help in planning a visit to this wonderful region, Tourisme de mémoir.

La Source Tranquille is perfectly placed for your visit to this wonderful region - you can combine a visit to the war sites in the north with trips to Paris too.    more ...

Autumn and spring are wonderful seasons in the Oise. Once the heat of summer has passed the countryside really comes into its own - perfect for those post lunch walks or, if you can get yourself out of our comfortable beds, an early morning stroll to watch the sunrise. Mouy itself has some wonderful walks that you won't need to use your car for, or head a few minutes by car to Gouvieux or Chantilly and walk from there. Click read more to see our slideshow from recent walks.    more ...

Just under an hour from La Source Tranquille is the beautiful city of Amiens. A wonderful place to visit and see the old town from the water.

Saviez-vous que juste à côté de chez vous, il y a... ? Click image to play

Posted by Esprit De Picardie on Wednesday, 29 July 2015

The UK government have introduced Exit Checks at all ports and airports from 1st April 2015. This requires all operators to gather information on the identity of every person leaving the country, at their point of departure, and pass this information to UK Border Force.

This means that anyone visiting us through the Eurotunnel will need to complete a form with information on everyone travelling in the car before reaching the tunnel (the form is here). The ferries seem to be different in that they are just checking and recording passports as you leave the country. Might be worth leaving some extra time before checking in!

Following extensive work on the train tracks the line between Beauvais and Creil has reopened, meaning it is once again possible to walk from La Source Tranquille to the train station and connect to Paris, all in just over an hour. The new timetables have also been released and show that fast connections allow perfectly for a day trip into the city. Please note the last connecting train leaves Paris quite early so if you wish to go in and include the evening in the city we'd recommend driving to Chantilly, parking and taking the train from there.

Here are a sample of the weekday train times - please note these are just a guide and you should check the daily times using the timetables here before setting out.

Mouy - Paris (connecting in Creil)

DÉPART MOUY	ARRIVÉE PARIS	DURÉE
7h28	8h27	59 mn
8h15	9h24	1h09
8h48	9h57	1h09
10h07	11h20	1h13

Paris - Mouy (connecting in Creil)

DÉPART PARIS	ARRIVÉE MOUY	DURÉE
16h37	17h36	59 mn
17h07	18h13	1h06
17h49	18h51	1h02
18h34	19h28	54 mn
19h07	20h04	57mn

Have a nice time en famille family in a historical park and garden transformed by Y. A. Bienaimé.

Through extensive work, this park classified "Jardin remarquable" found its soul. As in the 17th and 18th centuries, you will discover waterfalls and fountains, a flower garden, an exotic garden, orchards, topiaries ...

In 2013, Yves and Annabel Bienaimé created a real zoo:
Along the promenade, discover rabbits, sheep, chickens, goats, ponies, donkies and pygmy horses. Children can join in with various activities involving the animals.

Large or small, walkers, gardening enthusiasts, painting or theater lovers, you will be seduced by the Potager des Princes !

The mobile operator three is now offering* its 'Feel at Home' option to callers in France, so anyone with a three phone can now use their allowance to call or text home, or to use their data allowance. So now you can keep in touch with family and friends, and post your updates to social media from anywhere in France.

Don't forget we also offer free wifi whilst you're in La Source Tranquille itself.

See here for more details from three.
*from July 1st 2014

Something a little different for your stay with us! Airship Paris offers 30 minute or 60 minute rides in their airship, taking off from Pontoise (just 30 or so minutes away) and coming as far as Chantilly. Prices start at 250€ each for the short ride, with one under 12 free with each paying parent. Click on this link to find more details of this trip of a lifetime!

Available from 3rd June to 30th September
Dates and prices correct for 2014

As of today French law dictates that all motorists should have two NF approved breathalysers in your car. The penalty for being found without them is 11€, although this is apparently being waived until November. Here is the list of things you need to have in your car:

WHAT YOU NEED TO DRIVE IN FRANCE
• Anyone driving in France is required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency. If a motorist carries the luminous vest in their boot rather than the main section of the car they can still be fined.
• British motorists must display a GB plate and have their headlights adjusted to the right.
• Drivers are not obliged to carry a spare set of lights, but if one of their bulbs goes and they do not have a replacement ready they can be fined.
• A fire extinguisher and first aid kit could also be required in the case of an emergency so not to fall foul of a law about assisting in the event of an accident.
• In January 2012 the French introduced a new law banning satellite navigation systems that show the location of speed cameras. Those caught can be fined 1,500 euros even if the device is not in use
• As of July 1st, 2012 you are required to have two NF approved breathalysers in your car.

Read more here.