As you travel south, having crossed the Loire or travelled some of its length, you may realise that you are entering a new weather system as well as a new region of France. Having on several occasions travelled through heavy rain all the way from southern Britain I know this is where sunnier southern weather begins.
The regional capital is Poitiers, though La Rochelle with its busy port is perhaps just as important in the area. The Poitou-Charentes covers the 4 departments of Charente, Charente-Maritime, Vienne and Deux Sèvres, each with their own distinctive ways including three regional languages still spoken by minorities - but don't let that put you off. It just adds to the richness of the region which, whether you want an architect, or brandy, a wall-painting or a zoo, has something to offer everyone.
There are beach side chalets to be had as well as sturdy village houses and town apartments, though by going inland just a short distance you may find that prices will drop. Before you seriously approach an estate agent consider why you want buy in this delightful region - because you like it of course, but is this to be a family home with schools to be considered, have you a new job that you need to get to daily, is it to be a holiday home which you can let out at other times, or is this to be your retirement home? The answer to these and other questions - your budget of course - will affect the kind of properties your agent will show you. If possible be a little flexible. You may really like one small town for instance, but that doesn't necessarily mean not looking at other properties in towns as yet undiscovered.
If you will only be visiting the property from time to time consider what will happen while you are away. Will the garden need tending for instance? How about transport links? Are you intending to visit by car, train, plane - answers to all these questions may affect your final choice, but it is perhaps best not to let them dominate it - a house 20 minutes nearer the airport may be what you want, but also consider the beautiful property a little further out, after all how often will you need to fly?
What do you intend to do at the new property? If sailing is your thing then obviously the nearer to the coast you are the better, but hobbies such as bird watching or gardening are not so linked to place. Do you prefer a city with lots of night life and cultural activities or is a nearby village all you want with just occasional trips to larger places. How many rooms you do really need - don't spend a lot of money on rooms that will only be used once or twice a year by visitors unless you really want to do so.
Do find a bi-lingual house agent and half your work is done. They will know the region so much better than even a frequent visitor and can guide you through the intricate and perhaps delicate decisions and negotiations to be made. They can also put you in touch with a suitable notary, builder etc as needed. Make the agent your friend and let them know your specific requirements so that neither of you waste too much time visiting properties that don't quite fit your brief.
This is a region of contrasts from Cognac to Rochefort, St Germain to Angouleme. There will be lots to explore, lots to learn and lots to enjoy.
A place in Poitou-Charentes
