Poitou Charentes

Poitou-Charentes – Space, Sun and Serenity in the French Countryside

Introduction

If you’re searching for that sweet spot in France — where sunshine meets countryside, life moves gently, and property prices still make sense — Poitou-Charentes could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Located just above the Dordogne and below the Loire Valley, this unspoilt corner of western France is a favourite among British and European buyers in-the-know. With its rolling fields, rivers, stone villages and historic market towns, the region offers space, tranquillity, and a wonderfully relaxed lifestyle — without the crowds or the price tags of the south.

Why Choose Poitou-Charentes?

• Sunshine without the southern extremes – A pleasant, temperate climate with long, sunny summers

• Affordable homes – Excellent value for money, especially in rural areas and small towns

• Diverse landscapes – From vineyards and sunflower fields to river valleys and Atlantic coastline

• Accessible but peaceful – Well connected to major cities and the coast, but far from tourist overload

• Perfect for families, retirees, and remote workers – A region where lifestyle still comes first

Whether you're dreaming of a smallholding, a holiday home, or a peaceful place to retire, Poitou-Charentes offers charm and opportunity in equal measure.

Towns and Villages to Discover

• Angoulême – The historic hilltop capital of Charente, famous for its comics, ramparts and easy train access to Paris

• Cognac – Yes, the town where the iconic spirit was born — with grand architecture and vineyards all around

• Niort – A lively and practical town with a mix of medieval heritage and modern amenities

• Saintes and Surgères – Smaller towns rich in Roman and Romanesque architecture

• Ruffec, Confolens, Civray, Aigre – Popular villages and market towns, ideal for countryside living with amenities close by

Whether you prefer riverside living, vineyard views, or a stone cottage in a quiet hamlet — there’s something here for every lifestyle and budget.

Lifestyle & Culture

Life in Poitou-Charentes is laid-back and community-centred. Weekly markets are a way of life, local festivals pop up all year round, and there's a strong sense of rural identity. The local cuisine blends Atlantic freshness with country generosity: goat’s cheese, oysters, duck confit, pineau des Charentes, and of course, Cognac.

You’ll also find excellent walking and cycling routes, kayaking on the Charente River, and day trips to the nearby Île de Ré, La Rochelle, or even the Dordogne — all within easy reach.

Getting There

• By air: La Rochelle, Limoges, and Poitiers airports offer direct flights to and from the UK

• By train: TGV stations in Angoulême and Poitiers link to Paris in under 2 hours

• By car: Well connected via A10 and N10 motorways to Paris, Bordeaux and Nantes

• By ferry: Close enough to the ports of Saint-Malo and Caen for easy cross-Channel access

This is one of the most accessible rural regions in France — perfect for weekend visits or full-time living.

What Can You Expect from the Property Market?

• Stone cottages with barns and gardens, often in quiet hamlets

• Farmhouses and longères with land, ideal for small-scale farming or gîte projects

• Village houses with charm and easy renovation potential

• Small châteaux or manor houses with heritage and character

• Ready-to-move-into homes, often already renovated by British or Dutch owners

Poitou-Charentes remains one of the best-value regions in western France — where your budget stretches further without sacrificing beauty or quality of life.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic lifestyle with sunshine, space, and affordability — all within easy reach of the coast and the cities — Poitou-Charentes might just be your ideal destination.

Come for the sunshine, stay for the lifestyle… and find your place in one of France’s most underrated rural gems.