This area is renowned for its wonderful climate with summer sunshine comparable to the Mediterranean coast - with half the drive! Winters are mild and bright and the Chateau(no.4) makes a lovely winter escape within very easy reach. Typically, the area boasts 2 600 hours of sunshine a year, while the rest of France has an average of 1 700 hours of sunshine per year. The heat map gives you an idea of the climate.  One of Europe's best kept secrets is the excellent spring and autumn climate in this area. This is rural France where life goes on a slow and easy pace. You will find no high-rises here, but can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Cote Sauvage pine forests, islands and miles of beach all the while being within easy access of lively seaside resorts and big shopping centres. La Rochelle is probably the most famous town in this area, along with Fort Boyard where the TV games are held. The Roman town of Saintes is well worth a visit (stunning amphitheatre among other things) and the old military town of Rochefort with its famous fortifications is nearby. Royan is a relatively new town, having been blitzed during World War II, but nonetheless boasts miles of sandy beach and lots of restaurants. Visit the markets, chateaux,  picturesque rivers, taste the local wines and eat at  a wealth of seafood restaurants. Sporting opportunities are also abundant with cycling, golf, diving and other water sports. Swimming is ideal for young children as the coast is protected by the island; alternatively there are several surfing beaches within a short drive of the properties. Out of peak season we do organized cycling and/or wine-tasting parties. There is an excellent zoo at La Palmyre and the aquarium at La Rochelle is wonderful.   France's answer to the Mary Rose is the ancient ship HERMIONE in Rochefort - well worth a visit.   History Roman ruins and amphitheatre as well as charming cafes and shops in the nearby town of Saintes 30 min away. The historical town of La Rochelle with its beautiful food, cobbled streets, marinas and monuments, offers shops, museums, visits in to the forts and boat rides by day, bars live music and clubs by night. There is also ‘The Aquarium de la Rochelle’ which boasts to be one of France’s biggest.   Surfing Massive surfing opportunities all year round with 6 foot waves crashing on the sandy beaches on the island of Oleron 25 minutes away and La Cote Sauvage 35 minutes away. Golf There are numerous golf courses in the area such as ‘Le Golf de Royan’ and ‘Golf pays Rochefortais’ offering year round drives, approaches, chips and putts. Food and drink Local wine tasting in the numerous vineyards, the Cognac distillery, markets, fresh seafood and a huge choice of restaurants and bistros. Go karting, Quad biking and night life 15 min away in Royan. Fantasic Zoo in La Palmyre; one of the biggest in Europe. Horse riding, adventure parks, quiet calm beaches for little ones