North of Charente and west of Vienne, is the region of the Deux Sèvres.

The main characteristic of the Deux Sevres is the very mild climate of the area, similar to that of Aquitaine.

As with the Charente and the Vienna, the Deux Sèvres has a rich historical heritage: the department has plenty of old churches to visit. The town of Parthenay is the best examples of the Deux-Sevres’ rich historical legacy, being a medieval town with many half-timbered properties.

The Deux Sèvres is also rich in gourmet food, with lots of rustic local dishes which you will love, amongst which the famous Chabichou goat cheese, Tourteau Fromagé cake, Angelica Liqueur and the worldwide famous Echiré butter.

Deux Sevres is famous with tourists for the Marais Poitevin, a humid marsh located on the west of Niort. The goat farms are also a great attraction for families. Parthenay and Oiron are two great places to visit if you are fond of history and architecture.

The department of the Deux Sèvres has a very relaxed lifestyle, deeply rooted in the French way of life. To get a taste of the local lifestyle, you can enjoy the ambience of the market during weekday mornings, or take part in the many cultural and musical festivals organized in the area.

The transport links are very good, with five international airports being less than 2 hours from Deux Sevres by car. The TGV (high-speed train) stops in Niort, the main town of the department, and reaches Paris in 2 hours, to Bordeaux in 1h30 and to Toulouse in 4h30. Another asset of the department is the very good motorway links linking it to Bordeaux, Nantes and Tours in 1h30 and to Paris in 4hrs.

Situated north of Charente, the Vienne is a department in central-western France. It is home to some stunning Romanesque architecture, much of which can be found in the departmental capital, Poitiers, which provides excellent transport links around Vienne.

Vienne promotes itself as a destination of amusement parks, animal parks, and outdoor leisure and as well as the well-known Futuroscope there are a couple of other smaller theme parks, and a whole range of family-focussed activities including the Vallée des Singes in Romagne, Planète Crocodiles in Civaux, and the eagles in Chauvigny.

Garden lovers will want to visit the extensive planned gardens in Parc de la Belle in Magné in the east of Vienne, where an extraordinary range of plants set-off very well the original farm estate that stands here.

The history buffs among you will be interested to learn that, although Vienne was only officially created during the French Revolution, it was here that Eleanor of Aquitaine lived, and her marriage to Henry II brought this part of France under English rule.

There are plenty of marked trails for those who fancy exploring Vienne by foot, or perhaps cycle along the Vélo Rail for wonderful views of the medieval citadel of Chauvigny and its five fortified châteaux.

Positioned between the Atlantic coast and the centre of France, the department is an active farming area with rolling fields full of cheerful yellow sunflowers, and is an ideal place for soaking up the pleasures of rural France. Known for its mild summers and winters, Vienne is popular among holidays and prospective homeowners whether they’re after the rural idyll or dynamic city living. The lazy meandering rivers overhung with oaks are perfect for a peaceful day’s fishing, a soothing paddle in a canoe or a leisurely ramble along the banks.

The region is known for enjoying rustic, hearty food, and the people of Vienne often enjoy visiting the numerous street markets to pick up local delicacies. The area is famous for its goat’s cheese and is also home to a number of different wines which are definitely worth trying.

Buying property in Vienne

Vienne is the perfect place for expats to relocate or purchase a second property due to the idyllic rural landscapes, vibrant city life in Poiters and the year-round mild climate. There’s a wide range of property styles and prices; from stone brick farmhouses, cream-coloured stone longères with sloping tiled roofs and sizeable charentaise houses, usually situated on a piece of land, which make ideal holiday homes.

Charente is situated in west-central France, to the north-west of the Dordogne department. It is named after the river on whose banks many of its towns have grown up, including the departmental capital Angoulême. A working river in the past, it is now widely used for river cruising and outdoor activities.

Situated in the region previously known as Poitou-Charentes (now Nouvelle Aquitaine), Charente has become increasingly popular over the years. Indeed, it’s easily accessible for holidaymakers, Brits and French alike– about half a day’s journey from Channel ports, with airports at Poitiers, La Rochelle, Limoges and Bordeaux. It is also one of France’s sunniest corners outside the Mediterranean coastal areas, and has one of the mildest climates in France.

The whole region is largely rural, with its landscape consisting mostly of beautiful countryside, with many charming towns and villages and gorgeous river spots.

In the southern part of the region, extensive vineyards provide the grapes that are used in the production of Cognac and the famous local ‘apéritif’ wine ‘Pineau des Charentes’.

Northern Charente

There are some interesting sights here in the north-west, including the abbey at Nanteuil-en-Vallee, Tusson with its medieval monastic garden (and fantastic tea room!), the market town of Ruffec, and of course Verteuil-sur-Charente with its restaurants and its’ incredible Chateau by the river banks.

Buying property in Charente

Until recently Charente was relatively undiscovered, but its tranquil scenery, pretty villages and traditional lifestyle now appeal greatly to house hunters seeking a gentler way of life. It’s a place to enjoy a lazy lunch in a quaint village square, join the locals in a game of boules, cycle through the vineyards, stock up with fresh produce at the market or head out on a wine tasting outing.

In the north of the area, the departments of Deux Sèvres (79) and Vienne (86) make up the historic Poitou region, centered on the ancient city of Poitiers.