Flights to La Rochelle, Angouleme, Bordeaux and Poitiers (all 1 hr drive) from Gatwick Luton Stansted Liverpool Dublin Bristol B'ham and Edinburgh. To Nantes (2.5 hr drive) from Dublin East Midlands Liverpool Stansted Shannon via Ryanair, Easyjet, Air France & BA. Dual carriageway throughout from channel ports (3 to 5 hr drive)
UNSPOILT BEACHES on the Arvert peninsula, as well as on ile d'Oléron, where the Atlantic waves are at their best. All are well known for their beautiful white sandy beaches. Other stunning beaches on Ile de Ré and ile d'Aix, and all under 50'. Stylish white sandy town beaches in Royan, and Meschers. CASTLES in Jonzac (30'), Pons (10') Le Douhet (10'), Surgères (40'), St Porchaire (15'), Cognac (10'), Jarnac (15'). WALLED medieval towns or remains in Saintes (5'), Pons, Brouage (40), ile d'Aix and ile de Ré. With Cognac a 15' drive, one of the famous Martell, Hennessy or Remy Martin distilleries are a must.
ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS
Gliding in Saintes and Royan. Parachuting in Royan (breathtaking views - so to speak!- of the seafront for miles. Excellent 18 hole GOLF courses in Cognac, Royan and Fontcouverte near Saintes (5km)
Birdwatching the in marshlands near Rochefort and La Rochelle around the oyster farms.
FOOD
Local speciality is seafood of course, with lots of different shellfish and fresh fish and prawns. Fresh oysters and muscles barbecued on a bed of pine needles a must! The local pineau to go with it a must too! Many local boulangeries make their own corn, cereal, apricot, fig, hazelnut, walnut or seaweed bread. Dont' miss the Saturday morning market in Saintes which is the most colourful and typical one of the week. Daily market in Saintes and weekly markets in surrounding villages. Beautiful daily markets in La Rochelle and Royan.
This is an area rich in history, on the mediaeval pilgrim route from N. Europe to Compostelle and Romanesque churches abound. There is good music especially in Saintes and the festivals range all genres. Lots of local events, art exhibitions and sporting events. Fishing is available locally.
This area is renowned for its sunny climate and rivals the Mediterranean of S.E France in the summer months. Bordeaux wine producing area and villages (St Emilion, Graves) approx. 1 hour's drive. Just 5' away is Saintes on the river Charente. This 2000 year old town has many places to visit with its Roman Heritage and a renowned music festival in the summer. Saturday market a must!
The centre of the village is a 20' ride or a 5' drive. Chaniers has a boulangerie, a well stocked mini supermarket, a chemists, post office, bar, restaurants, doctors, and a tiny weekly market. The barn is ideal for walking and cycling through the forests, vineyards, sunflower fields and old villages on our doorstep
Other Activities:
Windsurfing and paragliding on the Atlantic waves, sunbathing on wild unspoilt white-sand beaches near Royan and Saint Palais
