About the Charente

“The most beautiful stream in my kingdom” Francois 1er

The Charente department is one of the most attractive in France and boasts the second sunniest climate (after the cote d'azur) with around 2,400 hours of sunshine each year.

Dominated by rolling hills covered in vines and sunflowers the scenery is breathtaking and many painters visit the region for the clarity of light.

Angouleme is the departmental capital and it boasts an airport with low cost flights to the UK and a station where you can catch the TGV to Paris, Lille and London (under 6 hours).   It is a pretty, walled City with a population of 43,000 and a plethora of bars, restaurants and leisure activities.

Cognac is the best known town in the Charente and is known throughout the World as the home of famous brands such as Remy Martin, Hennessy, Martell and Courvoisier. Like Angouleme it is lively throughout the year and hosts many festivals as well as having a theatre, multiplex cinema, swimming pool, tennis club and championship golf course.

Property prices are among the lowest in France (34% lower than the average) with an average price of €128,900 against a nationwide average of €195,400*.

In 2008 average house prices were:
2 bed – €87,900
3 bed - €115,400
4 bed - €145,400
5 bed - €167,800

*source – Notaires de France

The choice of property is huge. Ranging from small town centre apartments to imposing Maison de Maitres with towering views over the surrounding vineyards. There is something to suit every budget – and there are still gems to be found.

There are a bewildering array of estate agents covering the region but private sales still account for nearly half of all property transactions. If you are serious about property search then we believe that our mixture of 20 years property experience and in-depth local knowledge will allow us to save you time and money as well as offering peace of mind.