Area guide to Charente-Maritime

Western France’s coastal gem

Located on France’s Atlantic coast, the Charente-Maritime is known for its stunning shoreline, which stretches for over 460 kilometres, charming seaside towns, and picturesque islands, such as the Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron. With a mild climate, rich cultural heritage, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, it’s an increasingly sought-after destination for both visitors and property buyers.

La Rochelle, the département’s capital, is a vibrant port city steeped in history. The city is a cultural hub, home to museums, galleries, and theatres that attract both locals and tourists year-round. Its Old Port is lined with seafood restaurants, cafés, and bars, framed by medieval towers that reflect its maritime roots.

Inland, the region is dotted with tranquil rivers, rolling farmland, and vineyards, particularly in the south, where it borders Cognac. The Charente River offers boating, fishing, and riverside walks, while the marshlands of the Marais Poitevin, often called the “Green Venice” is ideal for canal trips.

Culture and gastronomy

The Charente-Maritime hosts a wide range of cultural events and festivals. Held in July, La Rochelle’s Francofolies is one of the largest music festivals in France. The Grand Pavois, an international boat show, celebrates the region’s nautical heritage, whilst in Royan, the Un Violon sur le Sable festival brings classical music to the beach. Throughout the region, weekly markets offer the chance to sample local specialties such as oysters, seafood, and Pineau des Charentes, a local aperitif.

Charente-Maritime’s property appeal

The Charente-Maritime attracts both domestic and international buyers alike. French buyers are drawn to the major cities, such as La Rochelle and Rochefort, for their culture, schools and variety of amenities, meanwhile, for holiday homes, many favour the islands. The area has long been popular with British buyers, in part thanks to its proximity to the UK, as have buyers from Denmark and Belgium. However over recent years, the region has seen a growing number of buyers from America.

Here we present a curated selection of some of the current properties on the market: