Graeme, I am struck by jealousy! If you have access to a car, there is so much available to you in that area.
Marais-Poitevin - 'Green Venice' an area stacked with wildlife, explorable by traditional flat-bottomed boats, bike, canoe,
Niort, Deux-Sevres capital, modern outskirts, but delightful old centre.
Poitiers - Regional capital, very old city. Futuroscope, amazing.
Vineyards - both for local wines, Pineau-Charantes and Cognac.
Lots of other old cities and towns/historic.
The Deux-Sevres official tourism website doesn't have an English option, which is always a good sign! (Use Google translate if you need to) http://www.tourisme-deux-sevres.com/
Also, not too far from the coast (Vendee - my very favourite part of France). Beautiful even temperature, sunny, warm but not oven temperatures like the south of France. Some lovely beaches.
Have a great time!
