In the Charente Maritime, only 45-minutes from Cognac and an hour from the coast, Château de la Vie enjoys an enviable location just south of a charming small town with restaurants, shops and the town’s twice-weekly market within walking distance.
There is a choice of bakeries in the local town so you can wander down to get freshly baked morning pastries and bread as well as a pretty square with cafes perfect for a morning coffee or early evening aperitif. Just outside the village there is a UNESCO World Heritage listed church which is on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The vibrant market takes place on a Thursday and Sunday morning and there are also essential amenities such as a pharmacy, a convenience store, post office and a play area for younger guests. On Thursday evenings look out for the fish and chip van that passes through the town!
There are various horse-riding stables across the region, including stables within a ten-minute drive and within half an hour you can reach Golf Louis Royer Guillet near Saintes with some amazing views, as well as a choice of others within an hour or so. Fishing (with a permit which you can usually pick up from a tabac or tourist office) and there are plenty of opportunities along the river in Saint-Jean-d'Angély or along the Charente river. Finally, there are many signposted footpaths and trails across the area for keen walkers and cyclists and the chateau has bikes for guests to use.
The nearby town of Saint-Jean-d'Angély (20km) is a lovely place to take stroll by the river and has a great park for kids. There are also châteaux in the region to explore, such as the fairy-tale castle Chateau de la Roche Courbon with its prehistoric caves, 45 minutes away.
A little further away, Saintes (40km) is worthy of a visit along the Charentes river as is Cognac (45km) with its delightful old town and wonderful places to dine, especially by the river. Visit the big Cognac houses both in the city and in Jarnac (50km) where you can enjoy fabulous brandy tastings and more excellent cuisine.
Angoulême (66km) is also a great day out, located above the Charente river with wonderful valley views. It’s a city full of art and history and also popular due to its National Comic Strip and Image Centre, a fantastic museum.
If you fancy a trip to the coast, you’ll find beaches in about an hour in such as Fouras (65km) or a little further there’s Plage des Minimes (84km), near La Rochelle, which can be combined with a trip to the charming island of Île de Ré. The west coast is renowned for the abundance oysters and seafood and you will have a wonderful meal looking out to the sea with a lovely crisp glass of wine and Moules Frites! Martime lovers shouldn’t miss the town of Rochefort (55km) with its fascinating naval history.
The Region
From the Loire estuary to cosmopolitan La Rochelle and historic Saintes, this part of the Atlantic coast and its surroundings attract visitors who come for the region’s superb beaches, charming market towns, delicious oysters and rich history.
Starting just south of the fine city of Nantes, the Marais wetlands are a paradise for keen bird watchers and the perfect place for peaceful nature walks, cycle rides and canoeing through the marshes. Then there’s the blue-flag beaches, seaside resorts and fishing villages of the Côte de Jade alongside walking paths, cycling trails and horse-riding opportunities. The sunsets along this part of the coastline are especially idyllic.
The Atlantic island of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île is loved for its vast beaches, sand dunes and watersports. Admire its incredible landscapes, dig for shellfish, learn about the history of the island’s salt production and cycle to your hearts content passing historic sites, forests, salt marshes and coast – stop off for oysters en route for an authentic island experience.
Back to the mainland, discover characterful markets in the likes of Machecoul, Challans and La Roche-sur-Yon with Vendée specialities including beef, pork, Challans poultry, oysters, mussels, sardines, salt, white beans and a great range seasonal fruit and vegetables.
The Atlantic beaches of the Vendée coastline are wonderful, ideal for surfing and other water-based adventures, many backed by endless nature and woodland. La Tranche-sur-Mer has earned its ‘Famille Plus’ designation with its blue-flag beach, attractive promenade and family-friendly activities. For a change of scene, explore Le Marais Poitevin by boat and appreciate it’s magnificent natural surroundings -it's known as the ‘Green Venice’,
Puy du Fou is another highlight of this region, often considered one of the best theme parks in the world with its immersive adventures, period villages and spectacular shows.
Further south, passing La Rochelle and the wonderful islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, head inland in the Charente Maritime and spend time in the historic town of Saint-Jean-d'Angely with its Abbaye Royale, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Santiago de Compostela route.
Historians will also adore the 11th century Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes. The city’s old quarter is a joy to explore whilst the Roman amphitheatre and Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes, another UNESCO World Heritage site, are a must-see during your time. End your day with a cruise along the Charente, a picturesque river that continues east towards Cognac, Jarnac and the vibrant city of Angoulême.
