The Local area

The rural area of Charente-Maritime is mainly rolling hills interspersed with woods, vineyards, sunflower fields and tiny villages where time seems to have stood still for centuries. The area is largely undiscovered and perfect for exploring by bicycle or car. Chateaux of all shapes and sizes abound in the area, which is steeped in rich history.

The department of Charente-Maritime receives more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in France except Provence. The period from May to September is generally sunny and warm (although a complete absence of rain can never be guaranteed !)

Local Markets

Speciality markets abound in the local area. Just moment from the house, in the centre of St. Jean D'Angely there is a market every Wednesday and Saturday.  Here you can find a wonderful selection of cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables mostly grown by local small holdings from the local area. A variety of other stalls are available including flowers, clothes, cognac, and even a Indian curry stall with English proprietors. A much smaller market on Sunday mornings is a hundred yards further on past Ellis Park bar. 

If you want to get in the car for a few minutes, the main market moves to  historic Aulney de Saintonge on Sundays and the large town of Saintes on Thursdays. There is a market somewhere in the department virtually every day. .

Wine, Cognac, Pineau and Beer

Cognac and Pineau are the main drinks in the area with plenty of viticulteurs that you can drop into for a tasting, or you can visit great houses (eg. Hennesey, Martel, Remy-Martin) in Cognac town which is about 40 mins drive (also a perfect venue for lunch out).

The coastal area

The Department of Charente-Maritime has much more to offer than just good weather, food and wine.

The Atlantic coast is under 1hr drive and has expansive beaches with fine sand and areas of calm water and good surf.

Huitres shacks, found along the coast line and on the Isles offer the freshest oysters and mussels straight from their "back yard". (See photo right)

Pottery

The Poitou Charente is famed for its pottery. In fact there is one next door where the ceramic artist Isabelle Dupuy has her studio. She also offers courses in pottery. Please ask.

The village La Chappelle les Pots boasts a 12th century pottery which now modernised, offers free tours and a shop with a wide range of lovely chinaware in traditional designs.

Eating Out

Restaurants, pubs and cafes are everywhere. The vast majority cater for children and there are wonderful establishments to suit all tastes and budgets from 2 Michelin stars to take-away Pizza !

For more information on ideas for days out from your base at Logis St Jean see our "places to visit" section

The port of LaRochelle

Seafood is grown "out back" at this simple restaurant near Isle d'Oleron

"Ellis Park" Pub, St. Jean D'Angely

The beach at Fouras is only about 50mins drive

The "Moulin de Bain" restaurant looking over the river Charente.