Between the excellent climate and Charente geography, many people are attracted to this area for the quieter way of life and for a plethora of nature where you can participate in an abundance of outdoor activities year-round, from kayaking and canoeing on the river, taking hikes in the forests, as well as cycling and horseback riding. This area is known for the cognac vineyards and the production of this liquor. Wine grapes are also grown for winemaking, even though this area isn’t known for its wine. Cognac takes all the fame.
Main cities in Charente
Many expats choose to live in Charente for a slower pace of life.
- Angoulême doubles as the biggest city and the capital of the region. Plus, it has the status as the comic strip capital of France. If you’re a big fan of comics, this is your city. Visit the National Comic Strip, a museum dedicated to all things comics and time your visit to coincide with the International Comics Festival held every January and considered to be the biggest in Europe. Check out the 12th-century Saint Pierre cathedral and roam around the ramparts where you can take in impressive views of the Charente valley.
There are three airports– Limoges airport, Bordeaux and Bergerac airport that makes it easy to venture on a weekend escape to other areas in France, head to other European cities and a cinch for British expats to hop on a flight to the UK with frequent routes to numerous UK cities. If you prefer travelling via train, the SNCF railway offers many destinations, both local as well as long distance, so if you fancy a trip to Paris, you can choose if you go by air or by rail.
There are several charming villages and towns in this region. Here is a couple that should be on your list.
- The town of Cognac is famous for the production of Cognac, but this charming town is worth a stop to explore the old town and see the timbered houses. Get lost in the narrowed cobblestone roads as you meander through town. While here, don’t miss a Cognac distillery tour and if you want to learn more about Cognac production, visit the Cognac museum.
- La Rochelle is a beautiful port town with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. Spend a day wandering around the old town, admire the boats in the port and venture to the maritime museum to learn the history of this important spot.
Cost of living
With an idyllic landscape, relaxed pace of life and temperate climate, many expats choose to move to this area of France as a primary or secondary residence. The cost of living in Charente is affordable, and money typically goes further than in other French departments in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Charentaise houses are made of stone and often have exposed wooden beams and a courtyard. Buying a property in Charente has an average price of €193,000. The price range for a home is €80,000 to €371,000, depending on location, size and the condition it’s in. Homes in the countryside are usually less expensive than homes closer to small towns and cities. Thinking about a second residence in France? Check out our buying a holiday home in France guide for everything you need to know.
Choosing where to live in Charente can be challenging with so many beautiful small cities, towns and villages. If you like having access to plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets, and weekly markets, living in the capital may be an excellent fit. However, if a slower pace of life is more what you’re after, consider a village or hamlet. The best places to live in Charente are all a matter of preferences and each person’s lifestyle goals, as well as whether you prefer living in a more rural area or more urban centres. Have pets and are considering relocating? Here’s what you need to know about taking your pet to France.
Summary of weather
Charente is considered one of the best places in France for fantastic weather year-round. With an oceanic climate, it’s not too hot or too cold in this area, and the weather is often described as mild. There are also microclimates, so the weather is not the same in every town and city– some areas are drier while others get more rain, so keep that in mind when choosing a place to live. This area gets sufficient days of rain, which helps keep the farmland lush and thriving, as well as the vineyards, and there’s also plenty of sunshine. The rainiest months are in January, May, November, and December.
Winter months are cold but manageable, with average temperatures of 8- 10 degrees during the day with blue skies. January and February are considered the coldest months of the year. Summer weather is warm but not too hot, with temperatures usually around 26- 29 C but at night can be as low as 15 C, where you may want a light jacket. Even in the summer, you may experience a few rainy days. There are cooler temperatures during the spring and fall, but the weather is still pleasant.
Many people love living in Charente for the temperate climate and the ability to participate in outdoor activities year-round, whether it’s hiking, cycling or horseback riding.
Ready to pack your bags and move to Charente? Here’s everything you need to know about How to get French citizenship and residency.
History and culture
Charente is one of the 83 departments that was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. This department comes from the division of a previous province known as Angoumoiis and some areas of Saintonge. Thanks to the production of cognac, wine, and the paper and iron smelting industry, this has been a prosperous region.
Winemaking has been important in this area since the 12th century and was influenced by the marriage of Elanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England. Their union helped facilitate trade between England and France creating new markets and wine customers in England, which increased wine production to meet demand.
The Charente river has been an essential waterway for trade and transport, connecting the interior of the country to the coast, especially during the 18th century. During the 20th century, there was too much silt making it difficult for boats to navigate, and it wasn’t used as it had been previously.
In the late 1800s, many people left this region for job opportunities in the cities, leaving this rural area with a decrease in population. However, by the beginning of the 21st century, people have begun to return to this area thanks to new industries and businesses that provide jobs and expats that are choosing to call this region home.
Living in Charente offers the opportunity to enjoy the slower pace of life and experience many French cultural traditions, such as shopping at local produce markets or buying bread at the nearby bakery.