Charentes & West Coast

Villas from the Villa Company in Charentes West Coast France:

In the Charente holiday villas and French chateaux with private pools for holiday rental are relatively scarce; particularly houses of suitable high quality. So we are delighted to offer a small yet refined hand picked selection in our west coast France and Charentes programme. Most French holiday villas and chateaux here are available throughout the year, so if you are interested in a Christmas break with a difference just ask our holiday team for details.

See our Charente Villas and French Chateau rentals

Holiday villas in the Charente West Coast France - Area overview:

Charente west coast France is a rural area with acres of vineyards and large arable fields often growing sunflowers and maize. The gently undulating landscape inland in the Charante had an abundance of woodland and river valleys that are popular locations for walking, cycling, canoeing and paddling. A trip to the French coast will take you past vast swathes of sweet smelling pine woods.

Holiday villas in the Charente West Coast France - Beaches:

Many of the French west coast beaches are backed by high sand dunes of soft white sand. These glorious sandy beaches tend to be wide and long so there is never any shortage of space. In fact some are even wide enough for land yachts. Mostly the French west coast beaches slope gently into the water and are suitable for families, whilst surfers are regularly seen particularly in areas such as Le Phare near La Palmyre.

Holiday villas in the Charente West Coast France - Climate:

Situated to the south of the River Loire and north of Bordeaux, the Charente and west coast region of France enjoys an excellent sun record; only second to resorts on the Med, but the climate on the French west coast tends not to reach as high as the temperatures you will find in the Mediterranean regions, making it ideal choice for a family holiday in France.

Holiday villas in the Charente West Coast France - Out and about:

La Rochelle and Royan in the Charente Maritime are both important and impressive French west coast seaside towns and are hosts to fishing fleets and large marinas. At La Palmyre you'll discover one of the largest zoos in Europe, and it is a particularly impressive one. This attraction is much enjoyed by young and older children alike, and parents will notice the high level of care enjoyed by the animals here.

Another great day out when taking a villa holiday in the Charante west coast France region is a visit to the islands of Oleron and Re. These have sheltered beaches and excellent cycling along miles and miles of designated routes. Notably cars are prohibited here creating an idyllic and peaceful setting.

Inland, the Charente and neighboring Vienne region have a number of large historical towns including Niort, Saintes and Angouleme, where you can find first class shopping. Poitiers has the additional attraction of the Futuroscope park, a theme park experience like no other.

For those who enjoy something more robust yet refined for winding down in the evening, there is Cognac, where a guided tour around the Hennessy or Remy Martin distillery cannot fail to impress. You can also take home a bottle or two of fine Cognac of a quality unlikely to be matched by that in the shops at home.

Holiday villas in the Charente West Coast France - Gastronomy:

Eating out in the Charante and west coast France is very good value, and there are many excellent French restaurants with a variety of menus to suit all tastes. This is an area with an abundance of seafood, oysters in particular are farmed here so you can indulge yourself.

Many of the local wines tend to come up from either the Medoc and Bordeaux region, or down from the nearby Loire valley - so once again you are rather spoiled for choice.

Holiday villas in the Charente West Coast France - Getting here:

The Charente west coast region of France has the advantage of being easily accessed from the UK, as it is only a relatively short drive from most ferry ports on the northern French coast. You can also access your French holiday villa in the Charante west coast by a direct, low cost flight. New routes are opening regularly with flights to the Charante currently available from Stansted with Ryanair to either La Rochelle or Poitiers; while BmiBaby fly from Manchester to Bordeaux.