The Charente Maritime is famous for its micro climate and enjoys long hot summers and very mild winters so necessary for the production of fine grapes used to make the wonderful wines and cognac brandy. It’s 470 kilometres of coastline is noted for long sandy beaches, marinas, golf courses and islands. The combination of the words “Charente” and “Maritime” help to capture the magic of this department, producing as it does the best from the land with the Cognac grapes, cereal crops and fields of Sunflowers, and the best from the ocean with the oysters, mussels and fish; the Charente-Maritime is a magnificent and exceptional part of France. Le Moulin Chaillou is at the heart of this department being excellently placed for all facilities needed to enjoy a holiday in a warm climate
Pons itself is a pretty medieval town, complete with castle keep (the first ‘Donjon’ was raised to the ground by Richard the Lion heart in 1179) , Pilgrims Hospital and the Chapel Notre-Dame Marie. At Le Moulin Chaillou you can enjoy the relaxing sounds of the river Seugne, walk around the numerous islands and explore the area. An absolute paradise for lovers of nature and fishing or for those who just wish to relax. On the land we have numerous visitors including red deer, red squirrels, kingfishers, herons and in the water otters, ducks, moorhens and several species of fish, including trout, chub, roach and pike. Furthermore, due to its excellent proximity to Pons via the grounds rear gate you are only 5 minutes away from the nearest Boulangerie for your morning croissant or pain au chocolate.
The first recorded date of our watermill was in 1340 when all the watermills of Pons were individually named. The name Chaillou is derived from an old French word meaning foundation - the rock that the watermill is actually built on. In fact the Romans brought the mechanics of the watermill to France when they first invaded and settled in the Poitou Charente, and there is some evidence to suggest that the very first watermill on site would have been Roman. The area does boast of a Gallo-Roman past and the architecture of many of the towns and villages blossom with stunning examples.
