Touring France Archives - Page 12 of 12 - Sea France Holidays
Categories
French Regions

Ile d’Oleron France Holiday Guide

Table of Contents





Ile d’Oleron France Holiday


Category: Charente Maritime
Administrative Area: La Rochelle
Capital : Saint Pierre d’Oleron
Cantons : 2 (Chateau d’Oleron , Saint Pierre d’Oleron)
Communes: 8
Rail Link: No (TER from Saujon and TGV from La Rochelle)
Nearest Airport: La Rochelle
Nearest Channel Port: Saint Malo
Surface Area: 175km2
Commerce: Many restaurants, bars, beaches, attractions, shopping
Economy: Tourism, oysters, salt, viticulture, commerce
To visit: Many great beaches
Category: Charente Maritime
Category: Charente Maritime

Category:

Administrative Area: La Rochelle
Administrative Area: La Rochelle

Administrative Area:

Capital : Saint Pierre d’Oleron
Capital : Saint Pierre d’Oleron

Capital :

Cantons : 2 (Chateau d’Oleron , Saint Pierre d’Oleron)
Cantons : 2 (Chateau d’Oleron , Saint Pierre d’Oleron)

Cantons :

Communes: 8
Communes: 8

Communes:

Rail Link: No (TER from Saujon and TGV from La Rochelle)
Rail Link: No (TER from Saujon and TGV from La Rochelle)

Rail Link:

Nearest Airport: La Rochelle
Nearest Airport: La Rochelle

Nearest Airport: 

Nearest Channel Port: Saint Malo
Nearest Channel Port: Saint Malo

Nearest Channel Port: 

Surface Area: 175km2
Surface Area: 175km2

Surface Area:

Commerce: Many restaurants, bars, beaches, attractions, shopping
Commerce: Many restaurants, bars, beaches, attractions, shopping

Commerce: 

Economy: Tourism, oysters, salt, viticulture, commerce
Economy: Tourism, oysters, salt, viticulture, commerce

Economy: 

To visit: Many great beaches
To visit: Many great beaches

To visit: 

Ile d’Oleron France Holiday Guide


  • Ile d’Oleron France Geography and Transport

  • Ile d’Oleron France Geography and Transport

  • Ile d’Oleron France Geography and Transport


    Ile d’Oleron France Geography and Transport
    Ile d’Oleron France Geography and Transport

    The Ile d’Oleron is the second largest island of France (behind Corsica), and is situated off the Atlantic coast of Charente Maritime.  Access to the island is via a 3km toll-free viaduct built in 1966.  There are options to get to Oleron by boat with Inter-Iles, who depart from La Rochelle to both Boyardville and St Denis via the Ile d’Aix.  The main access road to the island is the D728 via Marennes, and then over the 3km (toll-free) viaduct built in 1966.  The D728 links the island with Saintes (63km) and this gives access to the A10 motorway and other main routes.  There are no main rail links here, and the nearest access to the regional railway is at Saujon (49km).  The nearest commercial airport offering flights to the UK is La Rochelle.

    • Ile d’Oleron France Holiday Climate

    you can look hereyou could try these out

  • Ile d’Oleron France Holiday Climate

  • Ile d’Oleron France Holiday Climate


    Ile d’Oleron France Holiday Climate
    Ile d’Oleron France Holiday Climate

    The Islands position off the Atlantic coast means that summers are warm (but not too hot) and winters are temperate.  Average summer temperatures are between 20C and 23C (15C to 17C low), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (6C to 7C low).  Wettest month is November with an average of 62mm, and the driest periods are Mar, Jun, and Aug (23mm to 25mm).  Oleron is within the sunniest part of the Atlantic coast, with over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

    • Ile d’Oleron France Holidays And Tourism

  • Ile d’Oleron France Holidays And Tourism

  • Ile d’Oleron France Holidays And Tourism


    Ile d’Oleron France Holidays And Tourism
    Ile d’Oleron France Holidays And Tourism

    Oleron is 30km long and 10km at its widest point and covers an area of 175km2.  On the Atlantic facing coasts are pine forest and dune-backed surfing beaches, with La Grande Plage beach offering 12km of sandy beach towards the south.  On the continent-facing side is the Pertuis d’Antioche separating the island from the Ile de Re in the north, and housing the Ile d’Aix, Madame and Fort Boyard, as well as a large oyster farming industry.  The Bassin de Marennes-Oleron has 3000ha dedicated to the farming of oysters, and it produces 60% of the oysters in France.  Marennes-Oleron oysters are renowned the world over for their distinct flavor and green-tinged coloring.

    2

    • Ile d’Oleron France History

  • Ile d’Oleron France History

  • Ile d’Oleron France History


    Ile d’Oleron France History
    Ile d’Oleron France History

    Historically the island has been dominated by the English but has been in French hands since 1370.  Some of the islands were fortified during the 17th Century, in particular, the fortifications still intact at Le Chateau d’Oleron were developed with the aim of protecting the naval town of Rochefort from attack.  Oleron was amongst the last places liberated at the end of WWII, with the fortifications at Le Chateau being damaged during allied bombardments in 1945.  Nearby Fort Boyard was built as a part of the effort to fortify the entrance to the Charente estuary but ended up being used for a time as a prison, and currently to host the French TV show of the same name.

    th

     

    Like its neighbor the Ile de Re, l’Ile d’Oleron has a high proportion of properties that are classed as second homes (58%), underlining its popularity with affluent city dwellers as a place to own a holiday home.  The Pays  Marennes-Oleron was the most visited tourist area in the Charente Maritime in 2007, with almost two million nights spent in the number of hotels, gites and other ‘outdoors’ modes of accommodation.  It is the last category, including camping and mobile homes for example, that accommodated 90% of the overall number of visitors that year.

     

    Most of the communities on the island are geared up to accommodate large numbers of tourists, with many well equipped camping sites and a range of hotels and gites to suit all budgets.

     

    Categories
    French Regions

    Charente Maritime France Beach, Property For Sale, W/ Pools

    Charente Maritime France Beach, Property For Sale, W/ Pools

    Population: 577,389(INSEE99)
    Capital: La Rochelle
    President (Conseil Generale) : Dominique Bussereau (Right Wing UMP)
    Arrondissements: 5
    Cantons: 51
    Communes: 472
    Area : 6,864 km2
    Unemployment Rate: 9.6% (INSEE 2006)
    Crime: 55.6 per 1000 (64th best from 96 depts)
    Key Attractions: La Rochelle Aquarium, Zoo de La Palmyre
    Economy: Tourism, Commerce
    Avg Property Price: 3197 Euro per m2

    Description:

    Charente Maritime France Geography and Transport

    Charente Maritime is the western-most Department of the Poitou Charentes region, taking in much of the north side of the Gironde Estuary, the Cote Sauvage, the Atlantic islands of Re, Oleron, Aix and Madame, and extending north as far as the bay of Anse de l’Aiguillon and the border with Vendee (Pays de la Loire).  To the north and east is the border with Deux Sevres, and towards the south and east is the Charente.  The southern-most border is with Gironde (Aquitaine).  The key road through the department is the A10 toll road that runs north to Poitiers and beyond, and south to Bordeaux, and the A837 that connects with it and takes traffic north and west to La Rochelle.

     

    Whilst there is a regional rail network operating (TER) that links a significant number of towns, the department has access to the TGV (high-speed train) which carries passengers between Paris (Montparnasse) and La Rochelle, stopping off at Surgeres also within the department.  The department has a commercial airport at La Rochelle, offering a variety of routes to the UK with a number of budget airlines.  For places in the south of the region, Bordeaux Airport offers a viable alternative, and for those towards the west, Angouleme-Cognac Airport will provide a closer option.

    Charente Maritime France Climate

    This is the sunniest part of the Atlantic coast, with the coastal areas of the Charente Maritime receiving over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.  Coastal towns have more moderate year-round temperatures than those further inland, with warm (but not excessively hot) summers, and temperate winters.  The coastal areas typically receive less rainfall than their more inland neighbors.

    Tourism In Charente Maritime France

    The Charente Maritime is the joint second most visited part of France, behind the Var and level with neighboring Vendee.  Whilst 85% of visitors were from within France, of the 15% from outside the country, the overwhelming majority were British 37%.  It is not hard to see why so many people come here, with a sunny and warm climate, fantastic beaches and a huge diversity of attractions, the Charente Maritime is now more accessible than ever, with the ever-increasing number of budget airlines servicing the area, and the superb road and rail links.

     

    Unsurprisingly, the area is well known for its seafood, in particular, the world-renowned Marennes-Oleron oysters, and the Bouchot Mussels of Anse de l’Aiguillon, but the whole coastline offers something different for visitors.  From Talmont sur Gironde one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its Troglodyte caves, to the 1950s designed town of Royan, with sweeping beaches and beyond to the Cote Sauvage and its unspoiled pine and dune-backed surfing beaches.  Further north is the islands, with a choice of calm waters facing the mainland, or the Atlantic side surfing beaches, and Chatelaillon Plage, with its huge beach and 700 Belle Epoque villas, giving a traditional seaside resort feel.  La Rochelle (the capital), is a vibrant seaport with excellent transport links, and a huge marina at Les Minimes and the town sees sailing as its trademark.  Further inland is the historic towns of Rochefort and Saintes, and the south-easterly town of Jonzac is within the heart of Pineau and Cognac making a country.

     

    The department is traversed by routes used by pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostella during the middle ages, and there are more than 200 roman churches to see, not to mention the numerous and diverse range of chateaux and medieval fortifications.  The Aquarium at La Rochelle is the most visited in France, and the Zoo de La Palmyre is also the most visited animal park.

     

    Charente Maritime France Economy

    Biggest companies in the Charente Maritime are COOP Atlantique (Carrefour, Coop supermarkets), Synteane (agricultural cooperative), and JCMI (auto concessionaires).  Amongst the biggest employers however are Alstom (TGV and Metro manufacturers), the Centre Hospitalier in La Rochelle, and the Dept of Charente Maritime.

     

    Charente Maritime France Keys Stats

    As with the whole of the Poitou Charentes region, Charente Maritime has a bigger proportion of older people (22% of the population is under 20 years, and 28% is over 60 years).  There are more males than females here (51% vs 49%), and this does not mirror the national picture.  14.2% of homes here are classed as second homes (higher than the national average 10.1%).

    Charente Maritime – Motorhome Facilities

    Key:
    No Number of spaces available
    OP Overnight parking
    W Freshwater
    GW Grey waste
    TD Toilet disposal
    WC Toilets
    HS Hardstanding
    EL Electric hook-up

    Description:

    Motorhome Facilities in Charente Maritime

     Aire de service/stationment pour camping-car

     

    The following is a list of places where it is possible to park up overnight, and where there are service points for taking on water and emptying waste.  These facilities are for motorhomes only, and not intended for use by caravans.  These are often owned and run by the local Mairie (Mayor), and many are open year-round.

     

    Place

    Post Code

    No

    OP

    W

    GW

    TD

    WC

    HS

    EL

    Angoulins

    17690

    ?

    Y

    Y

    N

    N

    Y

    Y

    N

    Angoulins/Aytre

    17690

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Archiac

    17520

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Aulnay

    17470

    15

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Boyardville

    17190

    30

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Burie

    17770

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    N

    N

    Chateau Renauld

    17800

    3

    Y

    N

    N

    N

    N

    Y

    N

    Echillais

    17620

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Fouras

    17450

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Fouras

    17450

    20

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Hiers-Brouage

    17320

    0

    N

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    N

    ?

    Jonzac

    17500

    2

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    La Bree les Bains

    17840

    20

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    La Palmyre

    17570

    100

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    La Palmyre

    17570

    30

    Y

    N

    N

    N

    N

    Y

    N

    La Rochelle

    17000

    60

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    La Rochelle

    17000

    50

    Y

    N

    N

    N

    N

    Y

    N

    La Tremblade

    17390

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Le Chateau d’Oleron

    17480

    12

    Y

    N

    N

    N

    N

    Y

    N

    Leoville

    17500

    6

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Les Mathes

    17570

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    N

    Y

    N

    Marans

    17230

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Meschers sur Gironde

    17132

    6

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Mortagne-sur-Gironde

    17120

    30

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    N

    N

    Pons

    17800

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Port les Minimes – La Rochelle

    17000

    40

    Y

    N

    N

    N

    N

    Y

    N

    Rochefort

    17300

    10

    ?

    N

    N

    N

    N

    Y

    N

    Ronce-les-Bains

    17390

    8

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Saintes

    17100

    20

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Soubise

    17780

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    St Agnant

    17620

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    St Cesaire

    17770

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    St Denis d’Oleron

    17650

    150

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    N

    N

    Y

    St Dizant du Gua

    17240

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    St Genis de Saintonge

    17240

    6

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    St Georges de Didonne

    17110

    8

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    St Jean d’Angely

    17400

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    St Martin de Re

    17410

    6

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    St Seurin d’Uzet

    17120

    4

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    St Thomas de Conac

    17150

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    St Trojan les Bains

    17370

    20

    ?

    N

    N

    N

    N

    Y

    N

    Chatelaillon Plage, Charente Maritime

    Population: 5959 (INSEE 2007)
    Postal Code: 17340
    Rail Link: Yes (TER)
    Nearest Airport: La Rochelle – (23km/14mi – 18mins)
    Nearest Channel Port: Saint-Malo (336km/209mi – 3h56mins)
    Nearest Seaside Beach: Chatelaillon Plage
    Commerce: Restaurants, bars, shops
    Economy: Tourism, commerce
    To visit: Marais d’Yves (Nature Reserve)
    Events: International Kite Festival (Easter weekend)
    Market: Daily
    Chatelaillon Plage, Charente Maritime

    Chatelaillon Plage Geography and Transport

    Chatelaillon Plage is a seaside town (area 6.5km2) situated on the Atlantic coast south of La Rochelle (23km).  The town is close to the N137 motorway that carries traffic north to La Rochelle, and south to Rochefort (20km).  Chatelaillon has a rail link through the regional network TER, and at La Rochelle, it is possible to connect to Paris (Montparnasse) via the TGV in around 3 hours.  The airport at La Rochelle offers flights to a number of UK destinations with a variety of budget airlines.

    Chatelaillon Plage Climate

    The effect of the Atlantic Ocean on the weather here brings warm (not excessively hot) summers and mild winters.  Summer temperatures average between 22C to 25C (14C to 17C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (4C to 5C night).  Wettest months are Oct and Nov (62mm to 65mm) and driest are Jun and Aug (24mm to 29mm).  This part of Charente Maritime receives in excess of 2000 hours of sunshine annually.

    Chatelaillon Plage, Charente Maritime

    Tourism In Chatelaillon Plage

    The town is characterized by the 700 or so buildings (villas, houses) preserved from the Belle Epoque period (1870s-1914), that are present here.  This seaside town boasts a 3km stretch of beach with panoramic views out to the islands (Re, Aix, Oleron) and the Pertuis d’Antioche (Antioche Strait).

    Amongst other activities here are the Casino, a thalassotherapy center and an oyster park, where tours and tasting are available.  To the south is Port des Boucholeurs where the tides and expanse of the beach are conducive to oyster farming, and south of here is a nature reserve (Marais d’Yves), with many species of migrating birds.  At Easter, Chatelaillon Plage plays host to an international kite festival, which includes a night-time show with searchlights and music.

    Chatelaillon Plage Facilities

    There are the usual seaside activities available here, such as sailing, swimming, and windsurfing, as well as beach volleyball.  There is an aquatic center (Centre Aquatique 29 degrees) that has 2 indoor pools, where the temperature is maintained at 29C all year round.  The facility also has 3 outdoor pools, complete with water slides.

    Chatelaillon Plage Economy

    Chatelaillon Plage 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 Chatelaillon Plage

    The town has 2 state nurseries, 3 primary schools, and 1 secondary school.  For college (Lycee), La Rochelle is approximately 18km.

    Chatelaillon Plage, Charente Maritime

    Chatelaillon Plage Key Stats

    Most of the properties in Chatelaillon Plage are main residences 63.5%, and 30.2% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (31.3% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (27.3% vs 18.2%).  18.8% of the local population is under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (47.5% vs 52.5%).

     

    Chatelaillon Plage Key Facilities and Services:

    Supermarket Post Office Doctors
    Bakers Hairdressers Pharmacies
    Butchers Banks Dentist
    Cafes/Bars Tabac Restaurants
    Disco Casino Swimming Pool

     

    Circuit Haute Saintonge, Motor Racing Circuit, La Genetouze, Charente Maritime

    Category: Sports
    2 x Tracks
    2.2km fast track for Car and Bike racing
    1.1km karting track
    Electric Karting – 12€ per session
    Conferencing facilities
    Description:

    Opened in summer 2009, this facility is predominantly used for track days, club days and ‘stages’ (teaching events) where you can even learn to drive economically.

    The 2.2 km long and 12-meter wide track includes amenities ranging from pit and paddock areas, and conferencing facilities.

    A separate 1.1km karting track offers electric karts for hire.

    You can check out the website by clicking here.

    La Grand-Font

    17360 LA GENETOUZE

    TEL : 05 46 04 08 10

     

    Coastal Paths of the Island of Ré – Footpath – Charente-Maritime

    Category: Walking
    10km
    2h30
    Reference: Topo-guide®
    “Promenades et randonnées
    dans l’île de Ré”,
    Comité départemental
    de randonnée pédestre de
    Charente-Maritime.

    Coastal Paths of the Island of Ré Description:

    PR 2, 10 km, 2 1/2 hours starting from Rivedoux, yellow signage, except on the coast. Reference: Topo-guide® “Promenades et randonnées dans l’île de Ré”, Comité départemental de randonnée pédestre de Charente-Maritime.

     

    Start from the entrance to the island to the right of the road from the bridge.  The walk takes you under the bridge and along Rivedoux’ southern beach then on to the coastal path.  The Défend marshes are protected by France’s coastal conservancy agency (Conservatoire du Littoral) and are visited by numerous birds during migration.

     

    Out to sea is the Chauveau Lighthouse. It stands on a vast plateau of rock famous for its shellfish. The path then turns inland, towards the old Le Taffetas and La Croix d’Yon distilleries. Scrub and thickets now cover land that grew vines and asparagus until the early 20th century. The path then enters the wood known as the Bois des Bragauds.

     

    In spring, the clearing carpeted with sweet clover contains countless orchids.  The path turns twice to the right and heads for Rivedoux.  Beyond a campsite, it skirts a water tower.  Then an unexpected alley provides a view of the tiny harbor in Rivedoux.  At low tide, you can see the oyster beds and, behind them, the slender curve of the bridge. Walk along the beach to the car park at the north end

     

    Jonzac, Charente Maritime

    Category: Charente Maritime
    Population: 3511 (INSEE 2007)
    Postal Code: 17500
    Rail Link: Yes (TER)
    Nearest Airport: Angouleme, Brie Champniers – (71km/44mi -1h9mins)
    Nearest Channel Port: Saint Malo (460km/286mi – 4h42mins)
    Nearest Seaside Beach: Meschers sur Gironde (50km/31mi – 54mins)
    Commerce: Restaurants, Shops, Casino
    Economy: Commerce, Cooperage
    To visit: Antilles de Jonzac (Covered Aqua Park)
    Market: Tues, Fri & Sat(small farmers market on Sunday)

    Jonzac, Charente Maritime Geography, and Transport

    Jonzac is a small town in the south of the Charente Maritime Department, in the heart of Cognac making country (altitude 26m to 87m).  The commune covers an area of 13.09m2.  Both the N137 and the A10 pass to the west of the town, carrying traffic north and south.  The nearest airport is at Angouleme (Charente), where budget flights to the UK are available.  The town has a regional rail link (TER).   Jonzac is the capital of the Haute Saintonge territory, the Saintonge ‘region’ being the historic center of Protestantism in France.  Jonzac is within the designated Petite Champagne region of the Cognac appellation.  The River Seugne passes through the town.

    Jonzac, Charente Maritime Climate

    The maritime climate here keeps summers warm and winters temperate.  Average summer temperatures are between 24C to 27C (13C to 15C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 11C (3C to 4C night).  September can be warm, with an average of 22C (12C night).  Wettest months are Oct and Nov (54mm to 57mm), and the driest months are July and Aug (32mm).   Jonzac is within an area that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

    Tourism In Jonzac, Charente Maritime

    Jonzac is a medieval town with a Romanesque Church and a 15th-century town gate and bridge.  Nearby at Meux (8km) is the Chateau de Meux, the early chateau being completed in 1250, but reconstructed after the 100 years war, it is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. Jonzac has its own chateau, originally constructed in the 11th century, but also a victim of the 100 years war, and extensively re-built in the 15th century.  The 15th Century Cloitre des Carmes is now a cultural center and museum.

    Jonzac, Charente Maritime Facilities

    The municipal base de loisirs at the Huertebise leisure lake offers swimming, a playground, and picnic area, and there are sailing boats for hire.  Amongst other activities are archery, climbing, and horse-riding.  The Thermal Spa (discovered in 1979) is also sited at this facility, with the hot spring said to have healing properties for treatment of rheumatism and respiratory problems.  A big tourist draw is the Antilles de Jonzac, a large covered aquatic center (10,000m2) open all year round.  It includes a tropical wave pool, 60m water slide and a host of other health and beauty facilities.

    Jonzac, Charente Maritime Economy

    Chief companies here are SEUDIS (Leclerc supermarkets), and Radoux (wine barrels/cooperage).

    Jonzac 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).

    Education In Jonzac, Charente Maritime

    The town has state education at Nursery (2), Primary (1), Secondary School (1) and College (Lycee) levels.

    Jonzac, Charente Maritime Key Stats

    Most of the properties in Jonzac are main residences 76.5%, and 10% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (29.9% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (25.5% vs 18.2%).  20.7% of the local population is under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (45.1% vs 54.9%).

     

    Jonzac, Charente Maritime Key Facilities, and Services:

    Supermarket s Post Office Swimming Pool
    Bakers Hairdresser DIY Store
    Butchers Bank Dentist
    Bar/Tabac Pharmacy Doctor
    Restaurant Library Cafes
    Categories
    French Regions

    Charente France All You Need To Know!

     Charente France

    Population: 344,298(INSEE99)

    Department No: 16
    Capital: Angouleme
    President (Conseil General) : Michel Boutant (Socialist)
    Arrondissements : 3
    Cantons: 35
    Communes: 404
    Area : 5,956 km2
    Unemployment Rate: 8.3% (INSEE 2007)
    Crime: 28th safest Dept (out of 96) (2007)
    Key Attractions: Cognac Houses, Monolithic Church, Comic Strip Museum
    Economy: Cognac, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Commerce
    Avg Property Price: 1523 Euro per m2

    Description:

    Geography and Transport

     

    The Charente Department is the southeastern segment of the Poitou Charentes Region, bordering the Haute Vienne (Limousin) to the east, the Dordogne (Aquitaine) to the south.  The neighboring departments of Vienne (86) and Deux Sevres (79) is situated to the north, and Charente Maritime (17) is situated to the west.  The key arterial routes through the department are the RN10 (north-south), which has significant stretches of motorway (notably around Angouleme), and the RN141 (east-west) which carries traffic between Cognac – Angouleme – Limoges (Limousin).

     

    Whilst there is a regional rail network operating (TER) that links a significant number of towns, the department has access to the TGV (high-speed train) which carries passengers between Paris and Brussels in the North, and Bordeaux/Hendaye in the South.  The TGV stops at both Ruffec and, more frequently, Angouleme.  The department has a commercial airport at Brie/Champniers, and this was recently upgraded (new commerce and extended runway) and re-named Angouleme (Cognac) Airport ready for the introduction of budget airline routes to the UK from early 2008.  Prior to this, options by air were via La Rochelle, Poitiers, Limoges, Bordeaux, and Bergerac.

     

    Climate

    Whilst Charente is inland, its climate is driven by the Atlantic Ocean, and this results in warm (often hot) summers and cool (but not excessively cold) winters.  There is little difference between average temperatures across the department, although there can be significant differences in average rainfall.

     

    Tourism

    The beautiful and picturesque Vienne River sweeps through the northeast of the region via Confolens, but it is the River Charente which plays a more prominent part in the Department, winding its way down via Ruffec to Angouleme which is its most inland navigable point.  The River has historically played a major role as a trade route for the movement of salt and cognac, but now provides many superb opportunities for tourism.

    Charente may be famous for the Charentaise Slipper, Cognac, and Pineau des Charentes, but there is a great variety of things to see and do here for visitors.  Picturesque lakes and rivers for outdoor pursuits like fishing, swimming and canoeing, historic buildings and monuments, pretty villages, spectacular castles, wildlife, animal parks and zoos, tranquil walks and cycle paths, rolling countryside and events as diverse as rock concerts, comic strip festivals, folk festivals, hot air ballooning and classic car racing.

    The most popular attractions (statistically) in the Charente are the Cognac Houses, the Monolithic Church of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, and the Museum of the Comic Strip in Angouleme, whilst by far the most popular event was the Comic Strip Festival in Angouleme.

     

    Economy

    Major companies in the Charente are Cognac Houses like Hennessy, Remy/Cointreau, and Martell, but in addition, Leroy Somer (manufacturing/engineering), Schnieder Electric and Auchan (supermarkets) also have a sizeable presence.

     

    Key Stats

    As with the whole of the Poitou Charentes region, Charente has a bigger proportion of older people than younger people (22% of the population is under 20 years, and 25% is over 60 years).  There are more males than females here (51% vs 49%), and this does not match the national picture.  5.5% of homes here are classed as second homes (less than the national average).

    Centre Aquatique – Châtelaillon-Plage

    Châtelaillon-Plage Aqua Centre has 2 indoor pools, 2 jacuzzis, 110m Water slide all kept at a temperature of 29o.

    Outside there are 2 further pools and 2 slides, a paddling pool, lots of fun for all.

    Also, there are:

    • Hammam, Spa, and Sauna
    • Summer and School Holidays: open 10 am -8 pm
    • School Times Closed at lunchtimes.

    Prices

    • Adult 4.75€
    • Child 3-13 3.30€

    If possible to buy tickets for 10 visits at a reduced cost.

     

    Charente – Motorhome Facilities

    Key:
    No Number of spaces available
    OP Overnight parking
    W Freshwater
    GW Grey waste
    TD Toilet disposal
    WC Toilets
    HS Hardstanding
    EL Electric hook-up

    Description:

    Motorhome Facilities in Charente

    Aire de service/stationment pour camping-car

    The following is a list of places where it is possible to park up overnight, and where there are service points for taking on water and emptying waste.  These facilities are for motorhomes only, and not intended for use by caravans.  These are often owned and run by the local Mairie (Mayor), and many are open year-round.

    Place

    Post Code

    No

    OP

    W

    GW

    TD

    WC

    HS

    EL

    Cellefrouin

    16260

    30

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Chasseneuil sur Bonnieure

    16260

    4

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Chassenon

    16150

    3

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Chatain Besson/Ecuras

    16220

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Cognac

    16100

    4

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Confolens

    16500

    20

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Criteuil La Magdelaine

    16300

    2

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Jarnac

    16200

    20

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    La Couronne

    16400

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Lesignac Durand

    16310

    6

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Londigny

    16700

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Mansle

    16230

    2

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Massignac

    16130

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Merignac

    16200

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Nersac

    16440

    7

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Pressignac

    16150

    5

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Rouillac

    16170

    7

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Roullet St Estephe

    16440

    20

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    N

    Roumazieres-Loubert

    16270

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Segonzac

    16130

    4

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    St Quentin-sur-Charente

    16150

    10

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    St Yreix

    16700

    8

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Verteuil sur Charente

    16510

    10

    Y

    Y

    N

    N

    N

    Y

    Y

    Voeuil et Giget

    16400

    3

    Y

    Y

    Y

    Y

    N

    Y

    Y

    Chateau de Bagnolet, Cognac, Charente

    • Colonial-style chateau
    • Owned by Hennessy family
    • Banks of the Charente river
    • Gardens open to the public once a year
    • Arboretum

    Built in 1810 by the Augier family and bought by Auguste Hennessy in 1841, this quasi-colonial style building is set in 7ha of parklands on the banks of the Charente River.

    The park, which was re-designed in 1910, can be visited each year as part of the ‘Rendez-vous des jardins’ event.   A winter garden was added to the property in 1876, and today contains a rich botanical collection including hibiscus, bougainvilleas and citrus fruits.

    Gently sloping terrain towards the bank of the Charente River hosts an arboretum, with yews, maples, Japanese fusains, and silver limes.