Property for sale in Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime sits on France's Atlantic coast, its capital, La Rochelle, known as the white city for its gleaming limestone buildings and well connected by airport and TGV to the rest of France. This makes the department an easy base for buyers wanting coastal living. With its long maritime tradition, Charente-Maritime is home to La Rochelle's medieval towers guarding the harbour entrance, and to the fashionable Île de Re, joined to the mainland by bridge. Beyond the headline sights, buyers will find the larger Île d'Oleron, both islands prized for their whitewashed houses, and the vast wetland of the Marais Poitevin, known as Green Venice, explored by traditional flat-bottomed boat. Charente-Maritime is likewise known for being one of the sunniest departments in France, with reliably mild winters. Cognac's vineyards spill into the department's southern edge, adding a further layer of local produce. The housing stock runs from a smart apartment in La Rochelle, a cottage on Île de Re or Île d'Oleron, or a traditional Charentaise farmhouse further inland. With coastline, sunshine and island charm, it remains one of the most popular departments on the Atlantic coast. For those weighing up the market, houses in Charente-Maritime average €2,327/m².