Description:

Geography and Transport

Charente Maritime is the western-most Department of the Poitou Charentes region, taking in much of the north side of the Gironde Estuary, the Cote Sauvage, the Atlantic islands of Re, Oleron, Aix and Madame, and extending north as far as the bay of Anse de l'Aiguillon and the border with Vendee (Pays de la Loire).  To the north and east is the border with Deux Sevres, and towards the south and east is the Charente.  The southern-most border is with Gironde (Aquitaine).  The key road through the department is the A10 toll road that runs north to Poitiers and beyond, and south to Bordeaux, and the A837 that connects with it and takes traffic north and west to La Rochelle. 

Whilst there is a regional rail network operating (TER) that links a significant number of towns, the department has access to the TGV (high speed train) which carries passengers between Paris (Montparnasse) and La Rochelle, stopping off at Surgeres also within the department.  The department has a commercial airport at La Rochelle, offering a variety of routes to the UK with a number of budget airlines.  For places in the south of the region, Bordeaux Airport offers a viable alternative, and for those towards the west, Angouleme-Cognac Airport will provide a closer option.

Climate

This is the sunniest part of the Atlantic coast, with the coastal areas of the Charente Maritime receiving over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.  Coastal towns have more moderate year-round temperatures than those further inland, with warm (but not excessively hot) summers, and temperate winters.  The coastal areas typically receive less rainfall than their more inland neighbours. 

Tourism

The Charente Maritime is the joint second most visited part of France, behind the Var and level with neighbouring Vendee.  Whilst 85% of visitors were from within France, of the 15% from outside the country, the overwhelming majority were British 37%.  It is not hard to see why so many people come here, with a sunny and warm climate, fantastic beaches and a huge diversity of attractions, the Charente Maritime is now more accessible than ever, with the ever increasing number of budget airlines servicing the area, and the superb road and rail links. 

Unsurprisingly, the area is well known for its seafood, in particular the world renowned Marennes-Oleron oysters, and the Bouchot Mussels of Anse de l'Aiguillon, but the whole coastline offers something different for visitors.  From Talmont sur Gironde one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its Troglodyte caves, to the 1950s designed town of Royan, with sweeping beaches and beyond to the Cote Sauvage and its unspoilt pine and dune backed surfing beaches.  Further north are the islands, with a choice of calm waters facing the mainland, or the Atlantic side surfing beaches, and Chatelaillon Plage, with its huge beach and 700 Belle Epoque villas, giving a traditional seaside resort feel.  La Rochelle (the capital), is a vibrant seaport with excellent transport links, and a huge marina at Les Minimes, and the town sees sailing as its trademark.  Further inland are the historic towns of Rochefort and Saintes, and the south-easterly town of Jonzac is within the heart of Pineau and Cognac making country.

The department is traversed by routes used by pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostella during the middle ages, and there are more than 200 roman churches to see, not to mention the numerous and diverse range of chateaux and medieval fortifications.  The Aquarium at La Rochelle is the most visited in France, and the Zoo de La Palmyre is also the most visited animal park.

Economy

Biggest companies in the Charente Maritime are COOP Atlantique (Carrefour, Coop supermarkets), Synteane (agricultural cooperative), and JCMI (auto concessionaires).  Amongst the biggest employers however are Alstom (TGV and Metro manufacturers), the Centre Hospitalier in La Rochelle, and the Dept of Charente Maritime.

Keys Stats

As with the whole of the Poitou Charentes region, Charente Maritime has a bigger proportion of older people (22% of the population is under 20 years, and 28% is over 60 years).  There are more males than females here (51% vs 49%), and this does not mirror the national picture.  14.2% of homes here are classed as second homes (higher than the national average 10.1%).