POITOU-CHARENTES

The Deux-Sèvres is a département to the north of the region, and named after the rivers la Sèvres Niortaise and Sèvres Nantaise. It is an area of woodland, agriculture, vineyards, canals, dykes and rivers. To the west of the département are the Poitevin marshes - fen-like and swampy, from which are derived local specialities such as eels and snails. It goes without saying that boating and angling are much enjoyed. Property prices are generally very reasonable.

The Charente-Maritime and Charente have a reputation for a mild climate, usually over 2000 hours of sunshine a year. The Charente-Maritime is subject to Atlantic weather and can be misty and damp in winter. The countryside of the Charente and Charente-Maritime, with its agriculture and vineyards, is pleasant rather than strikingly beautiful, and properties can be recognized by their very distinctive architectural style.

On the coast is the historic port of la Rochelle, fashionable with the French and therefore pricey, and also Royan, another favourite west coast resort with the French. Needless to say, the region has an excellent reputation for seafood.

Inland, you will find well-known towns such as Angoulême - dominated by the 12th century Cathédral St. Pierre, with its city ramparts which overlook the Charente river and its surrounding countryside, Saintes - the capital of the Saintonge region and, of course, Cognac with its world famous brandy.

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As well as providing some very general information, these notes reflect my own impressions following many visits to France. They are, however, no substitute for the very good and interesting books which are available. William Pearson©