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 Charente-Maritime department commanding €2,860 per square metre, a rise of 11%
over 2007. La Rochelle is dearer still, with the average house costing €299,300
in this city and its commuter belt, well over the departmental average of €207,500.
The city's many historic buildings, pretty parks and gardens are well worth the
extra expense, however. 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.
St Jean D'Argely offers the best value for money in this department, with house
prices averaging out at €124,100. 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 €1,350 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 spur of rock, surrounded
by the Thouet river and is dominated by its 17th-century château.
Over in the Charente department, you get even more valley for your money, with prices
getting noticeably cheaper the further from the coast that you venture. At just
€1,130 per square metre, the departmental average certainly doesn't foretell of
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, with even bustling Angoulême
and celebrated Cognac failing to command average house prices much over €125,000.
Still, that won't be the case for long; prices here grew 16.3% over 2007.
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 describes 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, apartments cost around €1,630 per square metre, rising to €1,660 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 €1,270 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 priced 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 - French Property
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