Author: Koti

La Tremblade Geography and Transport

La Tremblade is a small town situated on the southern side of the Seudre Estuary, opposite the town of Marennes.  The commune covers an area of 69.13km² The D728E takes you over the bridge to Marennes, or the other main access route is on the D14 via Saujon.  The D25 works its way around the Arvert Peninsula past Ronce Les Bains and along the Cote Sauvage.  The nearest rail link is at Saujon for the TER regional network, and the nearest commercial airport offering flights to the UK is at La Rochelle (71km).

 Weather in La Tremblade

The maritime climate here keeps winters mild and summers warm (but not too hot) and is within an area that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.  Average daytime summer temperatures here are a few degrees cooler than neighboring Royan, with 20C to 23C (15C to 17C night).  Winter daytime temperatures are 9C to 10C (6C to 7C night).  The wettest month is November (62mm), and March and May to August are the driest months with between 23mm and 29mm.  September is normally warmer than June, with 21C daytime, and 16C night.

Tourism In La Tremblade France, Charente Maritime

The Arvert Peninsula on which La Tremblade is located has around 6000ha of pine forest and 30km of beaches.    The sheltered beaches along past Ronce les Bains (4km) are good for families with young children, as the estuary waters and gently sloping beaches make it safe bathing.  La Coquille Filante is a small train (on the road) that ferries tourists between La Tremblade and Ronce les Bains during the summer season, and there you will find a Base Nautique that offers sailing, catamarans, windsurfing, pedalos and kayaks.  There is a Maritime Museum in La Tremblade that opens in July and August, offering an insight into history and techniques of oyster farming.

La Tremblade France, Charente Maritime

Around the corner from La Tremblade is the Atlantic-facing Cote Sauvage, with over 20km of dune and forest backed surfing beaches, including 3 nudist zones.  There is a 35km stretch of cycle path along an old disused tramway, from La Tremblade to St Palais Sur Mer.  The Atlantic swell means that surfing is very popular, but the sheer size of the beaches and sand-dunes mean that it doesn’t feel crowded even in the height of the season.  There are life-guarded beaches at La Coubre Lighthouse, La Bouverie, Pointe Espagnol, Les Pins de Cordouan and Clapet.  The pine forest here was planted in the 19^th century and is home to paths ideal for walking, cycling or horse-riding.  The Cote Sauvage hosts the Coup de France Surf and Bodyboard event during August.

La Tremblade France, Charente Maritime

Le Phare de la Coubre is the 64m high lighthouse (built in 1905) at the southern end of the Cote Sauvage.  Visitors can climb the 300 steps to get panoramic views of the coastline or visit the Eco-Museum.  Bateaux Paisseur operates small pedestrian ferries between the Pointe de Grave at La Tremblade, to Marennes and St Trojan Les Bains (Oleron), and Croisieres Alize offers boat trips to the Ile d’Aix during July and August.  The Zoo at La Palmyre is a major tourist attraction, where you can see around 1600 animals across a 15ha site, in spacious and well-kept enclosures.  Also nearby is the Cite de l’Huitre at Marennes, a discovery center with themed ‘Cabanes’ that introduce you to oyster culture and farming.

La Tremblade Economy

La Tremblade is part of the Saintonge Maritime economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 11.4%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

La Tremblade Facilities

La Tremblade has most amenities, including a supermarket, restaurants, cafes, there is an outdoor pool at Marennes (10km) only open in summer.

Education In La Tremblade France, Charente Maritime

There is a state nursery, a primary and secondary school in La Tremblade, but for college (Lycee) the nearest facilities are at Bourcefranc le Chapus (12km) or Royan (24km).  There is also a private primary school in the town.

La Tremblade France, Charente Maritime Key Stats

Whilst most of the properties in La Tremblade are main residences 49.9%, 44.8% are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (37.8% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (32.3% vs 18.2%).  18.2% of the local population is under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (46.5% vs 53.5%).

 

Key Facilities and Services In La Tremblade France, Charente Maritime 

Supermarket	Post Office	Doctors
Bakers	Hairdressers	Pharmacies
Butchers	Banks	Dentist
Cafes/Bar	Tabac	Restaurants
DIY Store	Cinema	Library

La Flotte en Re, Ile de Re France, Charente Maritime

La Flotte en Re, Ile de Re France Geography and Transport

La Flotte-en-Re is a fishing village located on the northern and western side of the Ile de Re, off the Atlantic coast of La Rochelle.  The commune covers an area of 12.32km².  The island is accessible via a 3km toll bridge (cost from 9 euro to 16.50 return), and the D735 is the main road that runs through it.  Ile de Re can still be reached by boat, with the company Inter-Iles from the old port in La Rochelle, and also from a new facility (2008) at La Tranche Sur Mer (Vendee).  Timetables can vary in both days and times of travel depending on the season.  From La Rochelle, there are motorways towards Niort (N11) and Rochefort (N137).  There is no rail link from the island, but La Rochelle does provide access to both regional rail (TER) and the TGV, which links with Paris (Montparnasse) in a shade over 3 hours.  The nearest airport is La Rochelle, and this offers flights to a variety of UK destinations with the major budget carriers.

La Flotte en Re, Ile de Re France Climate

The climate here is mild courtesy of the position of the village on the Atlantic coast.  This has the effect of keeping summer temperatures warm (but not excessively hot) whilst keeping winters mild.  Average summer temperatures are between 22C and 24C (14C to 17C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (4C to 5C night).  Spring and Autumn can be warm with May averaging 19C (12C), and September 22C (14C).  Wettest months are Oct and Nov with 65mm and 62mm respectively, and the driest months are June and Aug with 24mm and 29mm respectively.  This part of Charente Maritime receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

 

Tourism In La Flotte en Re, Ile de Re France

La Flotte en Re is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France (Les plus beaux villages de France).  It developed alongside the site of the Chateau des Mauleons, which was subsequently destroyed during the wars of religion in 1575.  The chapel from the chateau was developed into what is now the St Catherine Church, with its large bell tower.  The village was once a deep-water port for the trade of salt, vinegar, wines, and spirits.  The existing landing port was built in the 18^th Century.

The architecture of interest includes the remains of the 12^th Century Chateliers Abbey (the oldest on Re), and the partially restored Fort de la Pree, built with stone from the Abbey to fend off the English and the Protestants.  The village has a Museum of Ecology the Maison du Platin, which has four levels and affords panoramic views over the bay of La Flotte.

La Flotte en Re, Ile de Re France Facilities

Activities around La Flotte include catamaran sailing, horse and pony trekking, tennis, golf, and the opportunity to explore the island on a bicycle, the islands transport of choice.    There are 3 campsites all within close reach of the village amenities and the beach, and there are a number of restaurants and hotels in the vicinity, notably the four-star Richelieu Hotel, with its Michelin starred restaurant and Thalassotherapy center.  There is also a pretty indoor market, with a paved courtyard and surrounding market halls.  Much of the village is pedestrianized.

La Flotte en Re, Ile de Re France Economy

La Flotte is part of the La Rochelle economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 9.8%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Education In La Flotte en Re, Ile de Re France

La Flotte has a state nursery and primary school, and also a private primary school.  Secondary school is along at St Martin (4km).

 

La Flotte en Re, Ile de Re France Key Stats

The unemployment rate is 12.5% compared to the national average of 9.6%.  44.5% of homes here are main homes, with 54.2% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (29.8% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (26.6% vs 18.2%).  20.1% of the local population is under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (48.5% vs 51.5%).  Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Ile de Re during peak times, but the population of the whole island is normally around 16,500.

Key Facilities and Services In La Flotte en Re, Ile de Re France

Supermarket	Post Office	DIY Store
Baker	Hairdresser	Café
Butcher	Bank	Dentist
Bar/Tabac	Pharmacy	Doctor
Restaurant	Library

Gond Pontouvre, Charente, France Holidays

Gond Pontouvre France Geography and Transport

Gond-Pontouvre is a small town (7.45km²) due North of Angouleme and is located to the South and East of the Charente Department (altitude 27m to 94m).  Originally called L’Houmeau-Pontouvre, the town changed its name in 1904.  The name Gond-Pontouvre refers to the River Touvre that runs through the commune and the bridges that cross it.  The River Touvre is a natural source that joins the Charente River after Gond Pontouvre, and supplies drinking water to Angouleme.  The RN10 (Poitiers-Bordeaux) passes close by to the West, where you can also join the RN141 carrying traffic between Cognac and Limoges.   Angouleme airport is to the East, with flights direct to the UK 3 times per week.  The TGV mainline is available from Angouleme (5km), with connection to Paris achievable in 2h20min.
See also:  Angouleme

Gond Pontouvre France Climate

The climate here is Maritime, and therefore temperate with four clearly defined seasons.  Average Summer temperatures are between 24C to 27C (13C-15C night), and in Winter this drops to 9C to 10C (3C night).  As with much of Poitou Charentes, the Autumn can be warm, with average temperatures in Sept of 23C and Oct 19C. The wettest months are normally October and November, whilst the driest are June and July.  Gond Pontouvre is part of a zone which receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Gond Pontouvre France Economy

The largest single business here is SCOPTA (tar and asphalt – construction materials), but the economy is driven mainly by commerce through shops and outlets.  Gond Pontrouvre is part of the Angouleme economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 9.7%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Gond Pontouvre France Facilities

Being part of Greater Angouleme, Gond-Pontouvre has easy access to all of the amenities of the City, such as shopping, tourist sites, and facilities.  The nearest swimming pool is at Saint Yriex sur Charente (3km), and the nearest cinema is Angouleme.

Education In Gond Pontouvre France

There is a choice of 3 state Nursery/Primary schools, and 1 High School (College).  For a greater selection of High Schools (College) and Colleges (Lycee), nearby Angouleme (5km) provides many choices.

Gond Pontouvre France Key Stats

92.3% of the properties in Gond-Pontouvre are classed as main homes, with 1.1% classed as second homes.  There are fewer males than females resident here (47.4%), and there are more people aged over 60 than the national average (26.7% vs 21.3%).  The number of retired people is also higher (22.6% vs 18.2%).  The percentage of people below the age of 19 is lower than the national average (21.7% vs 24.6%)

Key Facilities and Services:

 

Supermarket	Post Office	Butcher
Baker	Hairdresser	Dentist
Cafe	Bank	Doctor
Bar/Tabac	Pharmacy
Restaurant	Hardware Store

 

Know Gond Pontouvre better than we do?  Leave a comment below.

 

The enormous images on the 9,700-ft² dome screen take viewers deep into the Louisiana heartland.When the Mississippi was averted, New Orleans was able to reach out into these zones, but doing

so has resulted in huge coastal erosion. The damage to its bayous and wetlands, once natural

hurricane defenses, has been such that New Orleans finds itself at growing danger from cyclones.

Hurricane on the Bayou is a thrilling story and a musical celebration of New Orleans that teaches

young ages about the effect of protecting wetlands and ecosystems.

 

Brush with Genius –  2010

The paintings on the 6,500-ft² screen in Brush with Genius grant a totally new glance at Van Gogh and his work and the film’s striking graphics are a thrilling adventure to the sources of the artist’s inspiration.

The way the IMAX technology gives young guests a new view of art makes the cinema an original

distinct experience.

 

Arthur, the 4D Adventure –  2009

Arthur, the 4D Adventure from Luc Besson (director of The Fifth Element, Leon, and The Big Blue)

takes young visitors into the make-believe world of the Minimoys. The complete collection of vision technologies

(3D modeling, large-format IMAX 3D images, motion simulator and physical effects in the arena) and

the imaginative aptitude is seen in the Minimoys world thrust young guests on a roller coaster ride of excitement and thrills.

The Future is Wild New version 2009

Darwin’s theory of evolution projects light on how species evolved in the antiquity and is the incentive for Futuroscope’s imaginative look into tomorrow. Our young guests climb aboard safari vehicles for an interactive augmented-reality venture, where, kitted out with camera-binoculars and sensor bracelets, they will engage and communicate with animals that could be wandering the planet millions of years from now.

 

Cosmic Collisions –  2009

This spectacular, immersive and informative show from the American Museum of Natural History,

narrated by Robert Redford, takes young guests on a breathtaking adventure through time and space to

behold the cosmic crashes that shape the world. The scientific pictures are shown on the dome

the screen was taken by NASA satellites and modeled to simulate cosmic phenomena in 3D.

 

Fly Me to the Moon,  2009

Be a fly on the wall inside the first moon shuttle in Fly Me to the Moon and live an incredible

adventure with three stowaways.

 

Children’s World

Enjoy the amazing new games in Children’s World; A fun area for children where all the family can

relax.

 

The Blue Note Mystery evening show – 2009

And at the end of the day, the Blue Note Mystery evening show will bring you in a stunning musical

a fairy tale with lasers and special effects…..

Dinosaurs

230 million years ago, dinosaurs ruled the animal kingdom. Then, suddenly, 65 million years ago they disappeared. In this film, renowned paleontologist Rodolfo Coria takes us back 80 million years, to Patagonia, in the footsteps of the largest dinosaurs to have walked upon the planet.  70 mm film, shown on a 9,700-ft² hemispherical screen. Running time: 25 minutes.

 

Castle of Giddiness, the amazing world of Moebius

This spectacular romp takes visitors on a dizzying, interactive adventure into the graphics world of the artist Moebius.Spectacular trail of discovery. Running time: 5 minutes.

 

Lapland Express

Futuroscope’s new dynamic-cinema adventure takes thrill fiends on a pulsating snowmobile expedition across the vast, wild expanses of Lapland.  The seats are operated by hydraulic pistons to move in time with the on-screen action.

 

Seeing the wood

An open-air exhibition of 76 giant photos, in association with the CNDB (the French wood promotion board) and France Bois Forêt.

 

The Best of Dynamic Cinema

For 2008, Futuroscope brings visitors looking for an adrenalin high a new selection of dynamic adventures to enjoy on seats that move in time to the images. The seats are operated by hydraulic pistons to move in time with the on-screen action. Running time: 5 minutes.

 

New games in Children’s World

In 2008, Futuroscope gives kids and their families more of what they want by filling the two hectares of Children’s World with more new fun, creative and sporting activities that will work their minds and bodies.

 

Budding Drivers, in association with MAIF

Budding Drivers sends youngsters out behind the wheel into the traffic of a futuristic city.

 

The Daredevils’ Quiz, in association with Smart us

In this new and intelligent games area, children choose a challenge from the screen and off they go, dashing around to win territory, bouncing around on the interactive hopscotch grid in a test of speed and memory, and more!

 

The Volcano Slide

What kind of strange volcano is this, bursting out of the ground in the middle of Children’s World? The bravest would-be mountaineers must hang on tight as they climb over 20 feet up to the top. Getting down is easy: just slide along the giant tunnel.

For children aged 4 to 12.

 

Objective Lyoko, in association with Code Lyoko

Grown-ups will enjoy foam-ball fights in this covered area decorated in the colors of the animated series Code Lyoko

 

Not forgetting… the experiences visitors keep coming back for

 

Dynamic Vienne + added effects

One of the biggest crowd pleasers is enjoying a new lease of life! Since 2007, Dynamic Vienne has been dishing out even more special effects…

 

Journey into the Dark

More than 300,000 visitors have already taken part in Futuroscope’s awareness-raising presentation Journey into the Dark, a fun walk in the dark through a number of specially arranged zones prepared using objects smells and sounds.

 

Mission: Eclabousse!

An aquatic action adventure for all the family in which visitors navigate their way around an island on futuristic boats armed with water cannons

 

The mystery of the Nile

The Nile has exerted a tremendous lure over men for thousands of years. The mystery of the Nile uses a 6,500-ft² IMAX® flat screen to tell the epic journey of a team of explorers

 

Deep Sea 3D

The ocean abysses are home to fish, turtles, starfish, giant squid, jellyfish and other rare, sometimes startling, creatures. The large, IMAX® 3D images projected against the giant dome screen plunges visitors into the deep sea

 

Dances with Robots

The showpiece attraction devised by Kamel Ouali In the vast, hip-looking ballroom, ten 23-ft-high articulated arms seem to burst from the ground and beckon visitors to take their seats in pairs in the giant palms. The metallic hands then gently close around those who are daring enough to brave this momentous experience.

 

Star of the Future!

Visitors to Futuroscope can now land the starring role. This attraction lets them get in on the act, whisking them to the heart of the film-set action, giving them the chance to step out in front of the camera in a different type of audition

Futuroscope Theme Park France

Treat yourself to our new attractions, if you dare

From the initial, straightforward idea of offering an enjoyable and enriching experience, Futuroscope has nurtured its daring approach and creative spirit to become what it is today: not just a place to visit; a place to share. Futuroscope is

an experience to enjoy with friends and family. Coming here is a chance to recharge the batteries, to get away from the humdrum, to discover and experience, but most of all a chance to build a shared memory.

Futuroscope Theme Park France is different; its difference lies in the variety and originality of the experiences it offers its visitors, in the combination of modernity and humanity, the perfect balance between thrills and discovery that are available at every stage of the visit, the joy it brings to people of all ages, but especially in the warmth of its welcome and the special bond it maintains with its visitors. Here you can act the star, test your physical prowess, stimulate the talents of your imagination, play the same games as your kids, jump into the 3D experience and explore new horizons, boogie with a giant robot, enjoy the magic of a live show together, taste the cuisine of the future, walk on the ceiling and into a world of illusion, see contemporary art in the open air, and, from April, go on a safari into the future thanks to the revolutionary technology of augmented reality…

Futuroscope Theme Park France brings you more than 30 distinctive and amazing, immersive and hands-on experiences that let you play, explore, dream and excel.

Confolens France Geography and Transport

Confolens is a town covering 18.96km² situated in the extreme North East of the Charente Department (altitude 127m-222m), within proximity of towns at Bellac, St Junien and Rochechouart (all in Haute Vienne).  There is no rail link here, but the regional railway (TER) stops at Roumazieres-Loubert, 17km away.  There is a twice-daily bus service to Angouleme, but this can take over 2 hours.  Confolens is at the crossroads of the D948 (which links with the RN141 before St Junien), and the D951 which takes you to Bellac to the East, or joins the RN141 to the South and West towards Angouleme.  Confolens is situated on the picturesque Vienne River at an altitude of 127m to 222m.

Confolens France Climate

The climate here is Maritime, and therefore temperate with 4 clearly defined seasons. June to September are the warmest months, with average daytime temperatures of 20C to 24C (12C to 15C night).  In Winter average temperatures are 7C to 8C (2C to 3C night).  Wettest months are October and November (72mm), and the driest is March with 47mm.

Tourism In Confolens France

The Festival de Confolens has been taking place in this town for over 50 years and is held every year in August.  It is described as a folklore festival, and for 6 days there are numerous shows of traditional dance and music from around the world.  Around 600 artists perform over 6 days, for around 200,000 spectators.  Confolens is a starting point for the Velo-Rail, offering visitors the opportunity to pedal specially created rail-bikes on a disused railway.  The line stretches for 17km to Roumazieres-Loubert, on a scenic route.  The architecture here includes Pont Vieux, a 13^th Century bridge with 10 arches (restored in 17^th Century), the Town Hall was built in the 12^thCentury, and the Rue du Soleil has some fine examples of 15^th and 16^th Century timbered houses.

Confolens France Economy

Confolens is the chief town of the arondissement but suffers from relatively poor transport links.  Neighboring towns such as Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure, Roumazieres-Loubert, and Chabanais have easier access to Angouleme and Limoges.  The major business in the town is electrical component manufacturer Legrand, with around 200 employees.  Confolens is part of the Haute Charente economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 7.0%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Facilities In Confolens France

There is a sports ground, sports hall and outdoor swimming pool nearby at d´Ansac-sur-Vienne, and the nearest indoor swimming pool is at Chabanais (16km).  On the road towards Saint Germain, there is a Campsite along the right bank of the Vienne River.

Education In Confolens France

There is are 2 state Nurseries, 1 Primary School, 1 High School (College) and a College (lycee).  There is also a private Nursery, Primary and High School Saint Gauthier.

Confolens France Key Stats

Of the properties in Confolens, 86.3% are classed as main homes (against national average 83%), and 3.8% are used as second homes (fewer than the national average of 10.1%).  There are fewer males than females resident here (54.2% vs 45.8%), and 32.3% of the population is over the age of 60 against the national average of 21.3%, and it follows that the number of retired people resident here is also higher (28.4% vs 18.2%), and 19.1% are under 19.

Key Facilities and Services In Confolens France

Supermarket	Post Office	Library
Baker	Hairdresser	Dentist
Cafe	Bank	Doctor
Bar/Tabac	Cinema
Restaurant	Hardware Store
Pharmacy	Butcher

Chalais France Charente Geography and Transport

Chalais is a small market town (commune area of 17.58km²) situated in the extreme south of the Charente Department, close to the borders with both Charente Maritime and Dordogne (Aquitaine).  It is some 47km (29mi) from the departmental capital Angouleme, and the nearest larger town would be Riberac (Dordogne), which is 24km (15mi) away.  There are no major roads in the immediate proximity, and the town stands on the D674.  The RN10 can be accessed to the North West at Barbezieux Saint Hilaire (30km/19mi).  The village has access to the TER regional rail network, and this provides onward access to the TGV at Angouleme, where it is possible to connect to Paris in 2h20mins.  The nearest airport is also at Angouleme, but Bordeaux Merignac airport is also an option from here (100km/1h15mins).
See also:  Aubeterre sur Dronne

Chalais France Charente Climate

The climate here is Maritime, with hot summer daytime temperatures of between 24C and 27C (13C to 15C night).  May and September also provide warm daytime temperatures (between 20C to 23C), with nights dropping to 10C to 12C.  Winter temperatures are typically 9C to 11C (3C to 4C night).  Wettest months are Oct, Nov, and Dec (52mm to 59mm), and driest are Feb, Mar, July and Aug (32mm to 33mm).  Chalais is part of a zone which receives between 1750 and 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism In Chalais France Charente

This rural town is famed for its international four-day show-jumping event ‘Le Jumping International’ which takes place every year in August.  The Chateau de Talleyrand-Perigord is an 11th-century medieval castle, which opens for tours during the holiday season (Apr-Sept), and the town has a 12th-century church (St Martial).  The town is situated close to Brossac where there is a small lake, and there is swimming available from the river beach at nearby Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.  The town has a number of restaurants, including Le Relais du Chateau which offers a medieval setting and courtyard terrace.  There are many sports and activities available in Chalais, including football, golf and pony trekking.

Chalais France Charente Economy

The economy here is centered around agriculture and commerce.  Chalais is part of the Sud Charente economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 8.8%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Chalais France Charente Facilities

Chalais has most amenities, including a supermarket and a swimming pool.

Education In Chalais France Charente

There is a state nursery, primary and secondary schools available in Chalais, as well as a private option at primary level.  For college (Lycee), the nearest is at Riberac (Dordogne) or Berbezieux Saint Hilaire.

Chalais France Charente Key Stats

Most of the properties in Chalais are main residences 83.4%, this is higher than the national average and 6.8% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (39.7% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (31.3% vs 18.2%)  18.1% of the population is under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (45.3% vs 54.7%).

 

Chalais France Charente Key Facilities and Services:

Supermarket	Post Office	Doctor
Bakers	Hairdresser	Dentist
Café/Bar	Bank	Pharmacy
DIY Store	Restaurant	Swimming pool

Know Chalais France Charente better than we do?  Leave a comment below.

Barbezieux Saint Hilaire France Geography & Transport Links

Barbezieux St Hilaire is a small market town (26.55km²) located to the South and West of the Charente Department, at an altitude of 32m to 131m.  The RN10 by-passes the town to the East, linking it with the cities of Bordeaux (Aquitaine) and the departmental capital Angouleme.  There is no regional rail link here, however, TER runs a bus from the town to connect the railway station at chalais.  The nearest rail travel will be found at either Chalais (30km) or Angouleme (36km), the latter enabling connection to Paris via TGV.  The nearest airport is also at Angouleme (Brie/Champniers).

 Weather in St Hilaire France, Barbezieux

The nearest weather averages (Jonzac) show that the hottest months are June to August (24c to 27C day, 13C to 15C night), but September can also be temperate (23C/12C).  Winter temperatures are not excessively cold at 9C to 11C (3C/4C night).  Wettest months are Oct, Nov, and Dec (52mm to 59mm), and the driest Mar, Jul, and Aug (32mm).  Barbezieux St Hilaire is part of a zone which receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism In Barbezieux Saint Hilaire France

To the North of the town is vine-covered countryside that marks out its position within the Petite Champagne zone of Cognac production.  The town is famous for its breed of chicken ‘la poule noire de Barbezieux‘, which almost disappeared, but is now bred successfully in the town.  The 15^th Century Chateau that stands in the center of the town replaced the original which was destroyed in the 100 years war.  For leisure, there is an equestrian center, tennis and beach volleyball courts, and a municipal swimming pool.  The town also has a cinema.  The Hot Air Ballooning ‘Coup d’Europe’ (European Cup) is held in nearby Blanzac (16km) during August.

Barbezieux Saint Hilaire France Economy

Not surprisingly, cognac production accounts for the majority of economic activity here, but the main enterprise is Motoculture Herriberr, makers of gardening and horticultural equipment.  Barbezieux Saint Hilaire is part of the Sud Charente economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 8.8%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Barbezieux Saint Hilaire France Facilities

Barbeziuex Saint Hilaire has most amenities, including a supermarket, restaurant and swimming pool.

Education In Barbezieux Saint Hilaire France

The town has state education at Nursery (2), Primary (2), High School (1) and College (Lycee) levels, and there is a private option for Nursery to High School with the Catholic institution Sainte Marie.

Barbezieux Saint Hilaire France Key Stats

Most of the properties in Barbezieux St Hilaire are main residences 87.4%, and 2.8% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (28.7% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (24.1% vs 18.2%).  21.3% of the local population is under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (46.4% vs 53.6%).

Barbezieux Saint Hilaire France Key Facilities and Services

Supermarket	Post Office	Cinema
Baker	Hairdresser	Hardware Store
Café	Bank	Dentist
Bar/Tabac	Pharmacy	Doctor
Restaurant	Butcher

 

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Barbezieres Charente France Geography and Transport

Barbezieres is a small hamlet (area 9.29 km²) situated in the northwest corner of the Charente at an altitude of 79m to 141m, close to the Charente Maritime border, northwest of Angouleme and northeast of Cognac.  The RN10 (Poitiers-Bordeaux) is approximately 25km east of the hamlet, and the RN141 is South of Barbezieres.  Flights direct to the UK are available 3 times per week from Angouleme airport.  Ruffec (32km North West) is the closest link to the TGV mainline, where it is possible to be in Paris in around 2h30min.
See also:  Aigre

 

Barbezieres Charente France Climate

The climate here is Maritime, and therefore temperate where each of the four seasons is clearly defined.   In Winter the average temperature reaches 9C to 10C (3C night), and in the Summer this rises to between 24C to 27C (13C-15C night).  The Autumn can also be warm, with average temperatures in Sept of 23C and Oct 19C.  The wettest months are usually October and November, June and July being the driest.  Barbezieres is part of a zone which receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism In Barbezieres Charente France

The Hamlet has a small chateau (privately owner) and church dating back to the 12^thcentury.

Facilities In Barbezieres Charente France

Most basic amenities can be found in Aigre (10km) general store, restaurant, butcher, baker and a post office to name a few, there is also a Market on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  The closest Supermarket is in Villejesus (12km) and Rouillac (19km) has the closest swimming pool.

Barbezieres Charente France Economy

Barbeziers is part of the Angouleme economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 9.7%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Education In Barbezieres Charente France

Nursery/Primary schools can be found in Aigre (10km) as can a High School (College).  College (Lycee) can be found in Chef Boutonne (22km) or Ruffec (26km).

Barbezieres Charente France Key Stats

Many of the properties in Barbezieres are classed as main residences 72.1% (this is lower than the national average of 83%) and 14% of properties are second homes.  In Barbezieres there are more males than females (54.5 vs 45.5%). The amount of people over 60 is higher than the national average 38.8% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (35.4% vs 18.2%). People aged under 19 is lower than the national average (15.6% vs 24.6%).