Your ultimate guide to buying property in Charente-Maritime. Connect with experienced english speaking estate agents in Charente-Maritime to discover the best properties for sale in Charente-Maritime.
Charente-Maritime is a French department of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region that is positioned on the west coast of France and is named after the Charente River. It is one of the four ones that form the Nouvelle Aquitaine region along with Charente, Deux-Sevres and Vienne.
Town Property Guides
Climate
The climate in this area is mild and sunny and the annual precipitation is less than 900 mm. Temperatures average around 20°C in the summer and 5°C in the winter.
As a whole, the climate in France is quite variable and if you want to live in this country, this area offers you the best climate. It is far enough away from the Pyrenees and not quite as far from the south, with the highest number of annual sunshine hours in France except for the Mediterranean. In La Rochelle, there are 2331 hours of sunshine annually – almost 20 percent more than in Biarritz or Nantes. There is also a direct link between sunshine and rainfall, with less rain than in Cornwall (England) or Biarritz.
The climate is mild and has a maritime influence close to the coast, with early spring sunshine and many hot, sunny days that extend well into the autumn.
Geography
This area covers 6864 sq km. The neighboring departments are Gironde, Dordogne, Charente, Deux-Sevres, and Vendée.
Parts of this department include the islands of Ile de Ré, Ile d’Aix, and Ile d’Oléron.
The important rivers that run through the territory are the Charente and its affluents the Boutonne and the Seugne, the Sèvre Niortaise, the Seudre, and the Garonne.
The economy of the region is based on three major sectors: tourism, maritime industry, and manufacturing. People come from all parts of the world to enjoy the sunshine and seafood. The area is the major oyster producer in France, with oysters shipped across Europe, ship building in Rochefort, and even a French naval base. La Rochelle is an important French industrial site, and just outside the city is a factory for the French engineering giant Alstom.
Some famous beaches in this area include those in Royan. The region also features farmlands, vineyards, traditional water and wind mills, natural reserves for bird watching, wildlife attractions, and guided tours. There are corn and sunflower fields, vineyards, and pine forests as well.
Towns
Charente-Maritime is well known for its rich maritime history. Some places of interest include the naval museum at Rochefort, an oyster centre on Oléron, the lighthouse at Ré, and the aquarium and Lantern Tower at La Rochelle harbor.
There are numerous historical sites, such as Saint Peter’s Church in Aulnay, the turrets along the town walls at Brouage harbor, the Stone Age tombs at Bougon, and the oldest metal mines in Europe at Melle.
One of the most beautiful villages is Talmont, which features a 21st-century church that overlooks the Gironde estuary.
History
Charente-Inférieure was one of the 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. Later on September 4, 1941, it was renamed to Charente-Maritime.
This area is known for having the best seafood in France, especially oysters and mussels.
Gastronomy
Regional cuisine consists of magret de canard and confit de canard (duck), as well as recipes featuring veal and saucisson. You can also taste cognac in Charente.
On the markets, you can find a variety of cheese and wine.
There is another special aperitif called Pineau des Charentes, a red or white wine served chilled that is made from blending cognac and grape juice.
In towns and villages, you can find special places to eat, whether it is fresh seafood from the sea or fine cuisine.
Useful Information
Tourism office in Charente-Maritime
www.poitou-charentes-vacances.com
Flights from the UK
By air: The region has three international airports: Poitiers, Limoges and La Rochelle.
Ryanair and Air France fly to La Rochelle, Limoges and Poitiers.
Looking for a Property in Charente-Maritime?
Our team of sale advisers at Sextant Properties will be happy to help you to find a property in Charente-Maritime. We have a large network of estate agents in Charente-Maritime, including experienced english speaking estate agents in Charente-Maritime. All our advisors are registered French estate agents who speak both French and English. Whether you are looking for a farmhouse, longere, barn, gite, B&B, country house, mill, castle or chateau, we will do our best to find the perfect property for you.
To learn more about our properties for sale in Charente-Maritime, please do not hesitate to contact us.
