CHARENTE - VENDÉE
LANDSCAPE
The scenery of the Charente is pleasant countryside, sprinkled with small
towns and villages, more and more given over to vineyards as one approaches Cognac. These wide horizons are impressive, especially with the marvelous Summer light on them. In the north of the region is the mysterious ‘Venise Verte’ small canals and waterways shut in from the world by trees. The valley of the river Charente is very pretty with wooded banks and attractive waterfronts in towns and villages. The coast of the Charente Maritime has both sheltered and bracing beaches. One can visit the three islands off this coast: Ré, Aix and Oléron which help protect the beaches from the Atlantic waves.
And it is within this context that you will find the houses that Cuendet proposes for rent: panoramic and cosy apartments with sea views, independent villas, with panoramic terraces, villas with swimming pool and direct access to the sea.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
The region has a rich architectural heritage mainly of Romanesque origin. Saintes was the Roman capital of Western Gaul and one of the most important stop-overs for the pilgrims on their way to St James of Compostela.
As a whole, this region has over 700 Romanesque churches, abbeys and other religious buildings, a celebration of the faith in the 11th and 12th centuries. Cognac is a pleasant town with its ancient ‘maisons’ of the great distillery houses which can be identified by the characteristic blackened mould on their walls. This is encouraged by the slight but continuous evaporation of alcohol whilst the brandy is being aged in oak vats – a loss which is known in the trade as the ‘angels share’.
FOOD AND WINE
Fish and seafood are the principal delights. There are oysters from Marennes and Oléron and most other varieties of shellfish. Amongst the fish, try eel, pike and trout as well as the sea fish landed and bought direct at the quayside.
What finer combination is there in this area than an ‘assiette de fruits de
mer’ with a bottle of chilled Muscadet Sur Lie?
One should not forget also that the inland region is one of the most famous for dairy products and beef, also snails from the vineyards and goats cheese. There are no notable local red wines, most of the grapes go towards producing Cognac (some also to make Pineau, the local apéritif). It is thoroughly recommended that one visits a distillery when in Cognac.
CLIMATE
This region has been called the Atlantic Riviera thanks to the highest sunshine record on the west coast of France. It has a particularly mild
climate in Spring and Autumn.
LEISURE AND SPORT
300 miles of coastline plus the three offshore islands make this region a beach paradise. Royan and St. Georges are pleasant, if popular, resorts. Boat trips on the Charente river are available (half or whole day). There is tennis and riding at various local centres.
EXCURSIONS
Half day: La Rochelle. Royan. Marennes. Cognac, Jarnac and Angoulême. La Palmyre Zoo. Whole day: the Islands, sea fishing trips. Bordeaux and vineyards. The Venise Verte. Boat trip up the river Charente.