Poitou-Charentes is well sought after by British buyers, thanks to superb transport links and warm sunny climate. Heat is transferred to the area by the Gulf stream and trapped by unusually high levels of insolation, meaning that despite its latitude, the region enjoys temperatures comparable to more southern climes.
The region boasts several fine examples of Roman architecture, especially in the bigger towns, while small white limestone cottages roofed with red, domed tiles are the preserve of the seaside resorts and marshland. The same stone can be seen along the coast in the form of the limestone cliffs near La Rochelle.
The area’s villages and towns bear the scars of its troubled past and fortified towns and villages are rife. Naturally, prices are steepest along the coast, with the department of Charente- Maritime commanding €1,962 per square metre. La Rochelle is even pricier, with average property prices coming in €2,434. The city’s many historic buildings, pretty parks and gardens make it well worth the extra expense. La Rochelle is considered one of the best-maintained cities in western France and consequently attracts many tourists year round. Its attractive quaysides stretch along the old harbour, while the industrial, deep harbour – known as La Pallice – is further out to sea. The city has a large aquarium and the biggest marina for pleasure boats in Europe at Les Minimes.
The medieval town of Pons offers the best value for money in this department, with prices averaging out at €1,113 per square metre. Rochefort, Royan and the many spa towns in between are popular with holidaymakers for their historical roots and natural beauty. The rolling valleys of Deux-Sèvres are no less beautiful, but offer considerably better value for money, averaging out at €1,288 per square metre.
To the west, near Niort, lies the marshland known as the Marais Poitevin, dubbed Little Venice for its ‘floating’ villages that are interlaced with waterways, towpaths and quaysides, and navigated by punts. Coulon, listed as one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, is made up of rows of limewashed cottages with brightly painted shutters.
Over in the Thouet valley, the area is dotted with Romanesque churches, used by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Medieval Parthenay and Thouars are both celebrated for their historical past. The former is known for its medieval St Jacques district, with timbered houses, fortifications and Romanesque churches galore. Thouars was built on a rocky spur, surrounded by the Thouet river, and dominated by its 17th-century château.
Over in the department of Charente, you get even better value, with prices getting noticeably cheaper the further from the coast that you venture. At just €1,277 per square metre, the departmental average certainly doesn’t reflect the area’s beauty or history. Romanesque churches, mills and vineyards are dotted along the fertile banks of the Charente and all for a song.
Angoulême is a lively town, with great shops lining the narrow, cobbled streets and spectacular views from the outer boulevards that are built above the city walls to form ramparts, known as remparts locally, where the city hosts an annual car rally. The market, Les Halles, was restored in 2004 and is well worth a visit.
Cognac, meanwhile, gives its name to the well known distilled brandy that is its bread and butter. The town’s cognac museum explains the distillation process, while a drive along the ‘cognac road’ will reward the explorer with a host of estates, distilleries, museums, restaurants and B&Bs that are involved in the industry in various ways.
As Vienne houses the region’s capital, Poitiers, it is no wonder that prices are higher. Here, properties cost around €1,339 per square metre, rising to €1,581 as you get closer to Poitiers. Good transport links and impressive Romanesque architecture make this district particularly popular with residents and sightseers alike. The city’s university is considered one of the best in France and the student population is huge – one of the biggest in France. This means demand for rental property is consistently high, with 27,000 students needing accommodation annually, including the 4,000 foreign students that study at the university each year.
Also in Vienne, Châtellerault is decidedly cheaper at €1,254 per square metre, but no less fascinating, with its military past and Henry IV bridge over the Vienne. The nearby Anglin valley is home to Angles sur l’Anglin, classified as one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, where ‘Jours d’Angles’ workshops, produce embroidered table linen.
The valley also boasts several Magdalanian caves along the riverbanks and the valley is prized for its natural beauty – showcased to best effect in the botanic gardens at La Bussière or the rose garden at La Puye.
Source: French Property Buying Guide 2010 / 2011
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