The region

The Poitou-Charentes region on the west coast of France is blessed with countless riches, including the weather. Its four departments (Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne) form the sunniest region on the Atlantic coast. The exceptional number of hours of sunshine is among the highest in France and is on a par with the Mediterranean hinterland.

The department of Charente is named after the river of the same name, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Rochefort (Charente-Maritime). It is an area with meandering rivers and vast lakes with sandy beaches. Walks and bike rides lead you through a varied landscape of forests, fields and vineyards. The picturesque villages in this department mostly date from the Romanesque period.

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne , for example, a stone's throw from Montmoreau, is one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'. A historic and artistic village, whose 6th century monolithic church carved into the mountain is world famous.

Angoulême is not only the capital of the Charente department, but also the 'capital of comic strips' and attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year to its prestigious comic strip festival ('Festival international de la bande dessinée d'Angoulême'). Situated on a rocky plateau and completely surrounded by a mighty city wall, the city offers a beautiful variety of historical buildings, pleasant shopping streets and picturesque restaurants.

Gourmets are in heaven in the Charente. Foie gras, truffles, magret de canard, oysters and a wide range of exceptional cheeses are just a few of the delicacies this region has to offer. The region also produces a number of excellent wines, as well as the legendary Cognac and Pineau des Charentes. With the departments of Dordogne and Gironde in our backyard, the world's most famous wine villages are located nearby: Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Pomerol and St.-Emilion are just an hour's drive away.

Whether you come for the vineyards of the Charente, the rich gastronomy, the charming villages and their markets, the antique shops and cosy sun-drenched terraces, the rich cultural and historical heritage or simply for the peace, nature and good weather, the Poitou-Charentes is a special region to spend your holiday...