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Our holiday properties are all located in the Charente Maritime region of south-west France, sometimes known as Poitou-Charentes. To find us on your map, locate the island of Oleron: we are on the mainland there and the properties are dotted about from the Ile de Re down as far as Royan.
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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 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.
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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.
e-mail me seasidefrance@hotmail.com tel 07961667305 |
