Untie the ropes and drift away at France's pioneering floating village in Pressac, just one hour from Poitiers and Futuroscope in southern Vienne. This cutting-edge ecotourism haven, officially opening July 12, offers around 20 unique cabins for 2 to 5 guests. Channel your inner sailor: each cabin bears a nautical name, 'sailors and cabin boys' check in at the Capitainerie, dine at the Marina quay, and boat out (motorized or paddle) with life jackets to their floating retreats.
Fifteen days pre-launch, I volunteered for this 'unconventional nature immersion.' Not all cabins were afloat, but the magic was evident: deep in unspoiled countryside amid endless fields, hugging a 6.5-hectare pond brimming with carp, pike, roach, perch, and catfish.
At the Capitainerie, my adventure kit included toilet paper, a towel, water bottle, and headlamp. Cabins have dry toilets and cat-litter water tanks; full amenities—showers, toilets—await onshore. Pre-delivery, a motorboat tour spared me paddling. I explored before Marina dinner.
Nightfall boarding sparked childish giggles on the pontoon: headlamp tag, Big Dipper hunts, shadow scares. Pure regression bliss! My 'Bali' hut felt spacious despite coziness—one with nature, breathing through the planks. Gentle sway on the move, rock-solid in the plush bunk bed. Silence amplified: toad calls, leaf whispers, insect window taps.
Dawn roused me after restorative sleep; breakfast basket arrived with melt-away pastries, local apple juice and jam, steaming coffee. Solitude with the misty pond, punctuated by leaping fish splashes. Swim on, little ones—fishing's not open yet!
Slept deeply like a fish in water (short, thanks to sunrise through windowless frames), no motion sickness or cramps despite my claustrophobia. Fishing awaits next visit—bait phobia! Teething site smoothed by stellar team, shoutout to affable Captain Laurent Debiais. I'll sail back for more 'cruises.'
€130/night duo cabin, €195 family cabin; includes boat rental, breakfast, linens, WiFi, pool, and Capitainerie facilities. Discounts from night 2. On-site fishing gear and bikes. Floating Village Etang du Ponteil, 86460 Pressac, www.village-flottant-pressac.com.
