The Charente-Maritime is situated on the south-west coast of France and is part of the larger Poitou-Charentes region. It enjoys long hot summers and very mild winters so necessary for the production of fine grapes used to make the wonderful wines and cognac brandy. It is known locally as the “western Mediterranean” and enjoys the second highest number of sunshine hours in France (after the Cote D’Azur).

The combination of the words “Charente” and “Maritime” help to capture the magic of this department – producing as it does the best from the land with the Cognac grapes, cereal crops and fields of sunflowers – and the best from the ocean with the oysters, mussels and fish. Located with the Atlantic to the west of its 150 mile coastline, the Vendee and Deux-Sevres to the north, the Dordogne to the east and the Gironde to the south, the Charente-Maritime is a magnificent and exceptional part of France.

The principal towns of the Charente-Maritime are all rather different from each other. The most southerly, Jonzac, is a brandy distilling town and thermal spa. Saintes has a rich Roman heritage with many elaborate ecclesiastical buildings. Royan, on the northern bank of the Gironde estuary, is a glitzy young resort with fabulous beaches backed up by miles of pine forest. Twenty miles north of Royan, Rochefort is an appealing 17th century naval town with its former rope works and naval museum.

In the summer, La Rochelle, also a historic port, is constantly in motion, with holidaymakers eating, drinking and strolling along the old harbour beneath towers and ramparts!

La Rochelle

The Charente-Maritime region offers something for EVERYONE!

Visit the principal towns in the region – they all have their unique character and history:

• La Rochelle – wonderful harbour and nightlife
• Jonzac - Spa town with a 15th century chateau and battlements
• Royan – seaside resort – miles of sand……
• Rochefort – strong naval tradition and loads of history
• St. Jean d’Angely – on the banks of the River Boutonne
• Saintes - 2000 years old and still worth a visit

Other attractions include:

Less than 30 minutes away :

• “Hermione” - the recreation of Lafayette’s frigate in Rochefort
• The Aquarium at La Rochelle
• Quiet sandy beaches of Fouras and Chatelaillon Plage
• The Chateau Roche Courbon at St. Porchaire

Less than an hour away :

• Tours of the great Cognac houses such as Remy Martin, Martell, Ottard, etc.
• Aqua playground at the Antilles de Jonzac
• Zoo at La Palmyre near Royan

A little further afield :

• Futuroscope, just north of Poitiers
• Vallee des Singes (Monkey Valley) – in the Vienne, just south of Poitiers

On arrival you will find your gite fully stocked with brochures for all the local attractions – together with recommendations, from ourselves and previous guests, for many local restaurants.