Charente
Charente, situated along the Atlantic Coast is part of the region of Poitou-Charentes surrounded by Vienne, Haute-Vienne, Dordogne, Gironde, Charente Maritime and Deux-Seures. The region has a fabulous climate and is within easy reach of the ports. With its long sandy beaches, stunning inland countryside vineyards, charming towns and delightful villages Charente has much to offer. You will enjoy a relaxing break in your vacation villa rental with plenty to see and do, whether you choose a beach location or go further inland, where you will find rivers, lakes and rolling countryside with fields of colourful sunflowers.
Activities
Charente has much to offer the water sport enthusiast such as; canoeing, swimming, fishing, sailing and river bathing to name just a few. Then you have mountain bike trails, walking hiking and excellent golf courses.
The four golf courses are set in the Cognac area, the valleys of the Charente, Perigourdine and Angouleme. Golf de L’hirondelle has a par 70, 18 hole golf course, Golf International de la Preze Ecuras has a 18 hole, Golf du Cognac St Brice has a 18 hole, 6142m Par 72 course and Golf d’Aubeterra Pillac has a 9 hole, 1 728m Par 31 golf course.
Cuisine
This area is rich in many delicious local produce, such as the freshest of seafood, mouth watering locally bred tender beef from Limousin and succulent veal from Chablis. Visit the markets, selecting the best local produce and create your own mouth watering masterpiece in the comfort of your holiday rental. Snails are cooked using a variety of original methods, and there are many more delicious menus combining locally grown produce, excellent quality pork, fowl and of course cheese.
There are a number of good reds, whites and rose wines produced in this department and you can visit the La Cave de Saing Sornin for a tasting, before deciding on a choice to accompany your meals, or indeed which ones to take back to your holiday rental villa to savour on the terrace whilst soaking up the sun.
Towns
Cognac is a typical medieval town with narrow streets, on the River Charente. It has awe-inspiring architecture, good shopping, museums and excellent restaurants. The St-Ledger Church and museum of art are worth a visit. There is a wide selection of self catering vacation rentals in and around Cognac.
La Rochfoucauld is a very picturesque little town with a stunning Renaissance Chateau in the area and many good shops, restaurants cafes and bars.
LLe Oleron is a lovely island of sandy beaches and dunes, oyster farms and beautiful pine forests.
La Rochelle is a picturesque harbour town which is well known for its superb restaurants overlooking the stunning harbour. Rent a self catering holiday apartment and enjoy the town. The old port which still has the old towers which were used to protect it has many pleasure boats moored there. The impressive Bastille Day celebrations with fireworks takes place in July and is provides great entertainment for all the family and the aquarium is well worth a visit.
Lle-de Re lies north and opposite La Rochelle and is considered to be a very smart resort by the French. It has whitewashed cottages, farms and vineyards which makes it a charming location.
La Palmyre is a small town and lively resort with miles of white sandy beaches and a famous Zoo to delight visiting families.
Angouleme is a City with a well preserved medieval centre. From here explore the beautiful Charente Valley or enjoy the peace and relaxation of a boat trip along the river. The city has many interesting buildings and museums worth a visit, along with good shopping and excellent restaurants. Hire a holiday apartment rental and explore the city. There is a stunning Renaissance Château just near Angouleme which is worth a visit when exploring the surrounding countryside.
Civray is a charming town with a great market, lovely shops and restaurants and a beautiful old church. Nearby and worth a visit are the equally charming and historic towns of Saintes and Rochefort.
Find some great value holiday rentals and vacation homes in Charente by searching through the large selection on Rent Property Direct and enjoy a dream holiday in France.