Guide to the Charente-Maritime

Landscape & Climate The Charente Maritime derives its name from the River Charente, flowing from the sea through picturesque villages, past the historic naval port of Rochefort and the romanesque capital of Saintes, to Angouleme in the Charente. It has a wonderful coast line with expansive golden sandy beaches, dotted with traditonal fishing huts, grottos and caves. There is something for everyone; from the old port of La Rochelle to the lovely islands of Re, Aix and Oleron, from traditional seaside towns like Royan to the quieter resorts along the estuary, such as the pretty peninsular village of Talmont. Inland, there are expanses of corn and sunflower fields, vines and pine forests. The climate is mild with a maritme influence by the coast, the early spring sunshine leading to hot sunny days that last well into autumn. Alongwith the Charente, it has the highest annual level of sunshine after the Medeterranean

Gastronomy & Wines The Charente Maritime is renowned for some of the best seafood in France, particularly oysters and mussels. Other regional dishes include magret de canard and confit de canard (duck) and recipes with veal and saucisson. Not far from the famous town of Cognac in the neighbouring Charente, you can enjoy a tasting of this excellent digestif at local producers or whilst strolling around one of the weekly street markets abundant with fresh produce, cheeses and wine. You can also sample another regional speciality, an aperatif called Pineau des Charentes (red or white, but always served chilled), made from a fine blending of cognac and grape juice. Along the coast, in country towns and villages, you can always find somewhere special to eat out, whether it's a fresh fish by the sea, fine cuisine at a chateau or traditional fare at a farm auberge.

History & Culture This department has a rich maritime history. Places of interest include an interesting naval museum at Rochefort, an Oyster centre at Oleron, the lighthouse at Re, the acquarium and Lantern Tower(lighthouse)at La Rochelle harbour. There also many places of historical interest, from prehistoric times to the present day, such as the romanesque Saint Peter's Church at Aulnay, the look-out turrets along the town walls at Brouage harbour, the stone age tombs at Bougon and the oldest metal mines in Europe at Melle. There are also many pretty villages, one of the most beautiful is Talmont with its 12th century church overlooking the Gironde estuary, its quaint low cottages and narrow streets leading to the harbour.

Outdoor Life & Activities With its superb coastline, quiet country roads, nature reserves, cycling trails, leisure parks, lakes, lagoons and rivers, this is a great area to enjoy the outdoor life. Everything from swimming, horseriding, pedallos and fishing to mountain biking, tennis, boules and simple country walks. Popular pastimes also include boat trips on the River Charente or along the Gironde estaury from Royan or enjoying the thermal spa waters at Jonzac. Or you can just take it easy by following the wine tasting trails or exploring local sites at leisure. There also many events and festivals, such as Francofolies and the boat show at La Rochelle, weekly night markets at Montendre and Jonzac. Richard Lees FrenchFriends - Holiday Gite in SW France Myfrenchfriends - superb Gourmet and short breaks in SW France

Guide to the Charente

Landscape & Climate This department in the south of the Poitou Charentes is named for the river, La Charente, that meanders through picturesque towns and sleepy villages, past fields of corn, sunflowers and vines. You will find water everywhere; lagoons, lakes and rivers, many with man-made beaches. Traditional creamy stone farmhouses and picturesque medieval villages, like Aubeterre, all add to the charm of the rural landscape with its rolling hills and natural woodland. The capital is Angouleme, the romanesque buildings of the old quarterset high up on a hill providing a lovely vista of the surrounding countryside from the ramparts. The climate here is fairly temperate, spring arrives early and the hot summer sunshine lingers into autumn. Like its neighbour, the Charente Maritime, it enjoys the second highest level of sunshine hours in France.

Gastronomy & Wines The Charente is real cognac country where you can enjoy a tasting not just at famous houses like Remy Martin and Hennessy in Cognac itself, but also at local producers or whilst ambling through one of the weekly street markets. Another speciality is an aperatif called Pineau des Charentes (red or white, but always served chilled), made from a fine blending of cognac and grape juice. Markets provide the ideal opportunity to sample excellent cheese, charcuterie, fresh fish and seafood. Or indulge yourself at one of the excellent restaurants nearby, whether it's fine dining at a chateau or traditional country food at a farm auberge. Regional cuisine includes excellent lamb, magret de canard, confit de canard (duck) and recipes with veal, saucisson, mussels and oysters.

History & Culture You will find evidence of the department's rich romanesque heritage in many of its towns and villages.Fine examples are the cathedral at St Priere at Angouleme, the murals at Saint Savin and the magnificent chateau atRouchefoucauld.Other places of interest include the Talleyrand chateau and cloisters at Chalais, the museum at Champagne-Vigny, the gallo roman thermal baths at Chassenon, the grotto at Queroy, the medieval gardens at Dignac, the medieval old town in Cognac, as well as many pretty villages like Aubeterre, Villebois la Valette, Villefagnan and Tussan.At Aubeterre, for example, there is a pleasant village square surrounded by artisan shops where you can enjoy a coffee beforeexploring the narrow winding streets leading down to the river and stopping to visitthe incredible monolithic church carved out of the limestone cliff below the chateau.

Outdoor Life & Activities With its quiet country roads, rambling/cycling trails, leisure parks, nature reserves and numerous lakes, lagoons and rivers, this is an ideal region for outdoor pursuits. Everything from swimming, horseriding, pedallos and fishing to mountain biking, tennis, boules and simple country walks.Cruising on the River Charente and kayaking on the River Dronne are also very popular.Of course you could always just enjoy wandering through the street markets or following the wine tasting trails. The region also hosts many events and festivals, like the September vintage car rally and the November gastonomade market in Angouleme, jousting events on the River Charente/Dronne and the annual Montgolfiers hot air balloon spectacular.

Richard Lees FrenchFriends - Holiday Gite in SW France Myfrenchfriends - superb Gourmet and short breaks in SW France