THE AREA
The Charente-Maritime covers
part of the South West coastline of France from La Rochelle south
to Rochefort and Royan and inland to Saintes and is part of the
larger Poitou-Charentes region. It enjoys one of the warmest climates
in France with over 2600 hours of sunshine per annum, second only
to the Cote d'Azur, and is known locally as the "Western Mediterranean".
The area has numerous local
gastronomic treats for you to enjoy: Cognac, Pineau made using the
grape skins and soaking in cognac, local Charentaise wine, Oysters,
Charentaise Melons, Salt from Ile de Ré and new potatoes,
Mouclade (curried mussels), Eclade (mussels cooked in pine needles),
Mougettes (dried white beans cooked in a rich tomato sauce) and
cabécou (goat's cheese) are all regional specialities.
The principal towns of the
Charente-Maritime are all rather different from each other. The
most southerly, Jonzac, is a brandy distilling town and thermal
spa. Saintes has a rich Roman heritage with many elaborate ecclesiastical
buildings. Royan, on the northern bank of the Gironde estuary, is
a glitzy young resort with fabulous beaches backed up by miles of
pine forest. Twenty miles north of Royan, Rochefort is an appealing
17th century naval town with its former rope works and naval museum.
In the summer, La Rochelle, also a
historic port, is busy and vibrant, with holidaymakers eating, drinking
and strolling along the old harbour beneath the towers and ramparts.
Visit the principal towns in the
region – they all have their unique character and history:
On arrival you will find your
gite fully stocked with brochures for all the local attractions.
Monique and Jim will be pleased to recommend one of the many various
fantastic restaurants in the area and can make you a reservation
if required.
|
   
|
