Charente is a sun-drenched department of rolling vineyards, gentle rivers, and Romanesque churches. Located just inland from the Atlantic, it’s best known for its production of Cognac and its relaxed, easy-going lifestyle.

​

The capital, Angoulême, sits atop a hill overlooking the Charente River and is famed for its comic book festival, medieval walls, and buzzing old quarter. Cognac, of course, is a global name, where distilleries like Hennessy and Rémy Martin line the streets. Jarnac, Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, and Rouillac are charming towns surrounded by vines, sunflower fields, and quiet lanes.

​

Visitors enjoy river cruises on the Charente, wine and cognac tastings, and exploring quaint villages such as Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, with its monolithic church and artisan shops. The department is dotted with abbeys, Romanesque churches, and peaceful countryside trails.

​

Property in Charente includes elegant maisons de maître, charentaise farmhouses, and stone cottages with exposed beams and courtyards. With a warm climate and great transport links (including a TGV to Paris), it’s a popular choice for expats and retirees seeking a sunny slice of French life.