Property For Sale In Poitou-Charentes

The region of Poitou-Charentes is situated north of Aquitaine, its western border being the Atlantic coast. Its capital city and largest town is Poitiers but its most famous town is La rochelle. Poitou-Charentes covers the departments of Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres and Vienne.

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Houses For Sale In Poitou-Charentes

The region of Poitou-Charentes is situated in central western area of France, just North of Aquitaine, on the Atlantic coast. The region has a population of 1,760,500 inhabitants and covers an area of 25,809 km2. This gives it a population density of only 68 people per km2, a number which is growing due to newcomers heading South from northern France and the U.K.

The region includes 4 departments: Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sevres and Vienne. The Charente-Maritime in particular attracts many new people who enjoy its Atlantic coastline and the long hours of sunshine that this area typically benefits from. In fact it has one of the highest number of average annual sunshine hours in France.

For many, La Rochelle is one of the most interesting towns in the region, together with Angouleme, Chatelleraut and Niort. However, the region of Poitou-Charentes doesn't have many very large cities when comparing it to Bordeaux in Aquitaine or Toulouse in the Midi-Pyrenees. The administrative capital which is Poitiers, situated in the northern end of Poitou-Charentes has less than 90,000 inhabitants.

Indeed the region is mainly rural with agriculture still being the most important economic activity, based wheat, corn and raising livestock. Fishing in the Atlantic ocean and tourism are also important to the regional economy. For example, the oysters of Marennes still provide important revenues as well as the world famous brandies from Cognac. For tourism there is of course La Rochelle and the seaside resort of Royan.

Tourism is growing in the region as people discover the wonderful countryside and coastline which is tranquil and serene. It is also packed with history. There are many old castles and houses that are worth visiting - reminding the visitor of the historical importance of Poitou-Charentes: Clovis, the first Frank king, beat the Wisigoths in 507 and Charles Martel stopped the progression of the Maurs in 733 are just two examples. The Poitou also became part of England for two centuries, following the marriage of Eleanor to Henry II.

Whether you prefer the lovely landscape of the Marais or the attraction of the Atlantic ocean, Poitou-Charentes has so many interesting and charming properties to suit all budgets - from a medieval castle in the Vienne to an apartment on the seafront at La Rochelle.