Poitou-Charentes

General
The Poitou-Charentes region of France is in the west and boarders the Atlantic. The climate is mild. The area is varied with towns, industry, beaches, forests, canals, and countryside. The area is well known for its religious patrimony, and has over 600 monuments, and great deal of Roman art.

Towns and Cities
Main towns in Poitou-Charentes are Angoulême (Charente), La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime), Niort (Deux-Sèvres), and Poitiers (Vienne)

Access
The area is fairly far from the UK by road, although motorways are fine. Air travel from the UK is possible to e.g. Poitiers, but not as frequent, or as cheap as some other areas of France.

Places of Interest
Futuroscope at Jaunay Clan- High tech theme park.
Chateau d'Oiron at Deux-Sèvres
Frescos of the Abbey of Saint-Savin
Confolens world folklore festival
Aquarium of La Rochelle
Various animal parks including Noah's Ark at Saint Clément des Balaines



Things to do
There are plenty of activities available in Poitou-Charentes region including fishing, walking, golf, wine tasting and more. You could also try one of the theme or animal parks.


Property
Poitou-Charentes has seen a sudden increase in popularity with UK citizens in recent years due to the relatively low prices and the rural setting. Prices are much higher then before now, pushed up in no small part due to the British and lower air fares! Bargains in the area are becoming much harder to find even though the area is less accessible now than it once was since the low-cost airline buzzaway stopped flying there leaving some British house buyers very disappointed and somewhat stranded.

Property Investment Value
Property has risen in the area recently. The signs are that it may continue to rise, but at a slower rate than before. If you are looking for an investment then Poitou-Charentes could be worthwhile, but there are probably better bets in France if you are looking for an investment property

Cuisine
As with other areas of France the Poitou-Charentes is famous for its own cuisine. Oysters of Marennes-Oléron is very well known. Other dishes include Chabicou cheese, snails, and Pineau des Charentes.




To Conclude
Poitou-Charentes has become increasingly popular over the last few years. On the plus side the area does boast a peaceful country setting. The negatives are comparative, inaccessibility, and distance from the UK. The area has acquired a decent reputation with UK property seekers, but this is mainly due to previously cheap prices rather than any special regional charm.