Cottage in Charente-Maritime, France

Les Chenes details

Move your mouse over the thumbnail to view

Les Chenes

View

Dining outside

The harbour

Home description

Les Chênes is a spacious bungalow standing in lovely grounds near to beaches.  Located in the beautiful Charente Maritime, the property is situated 1 kilometre from the picturesque harbour of Mortagne sur Gironde with its attractive setting and variety of restaurants. A 20 minute walk or 5 minute cycle from Les Chênes will take you to the old town of Mortagne, built on a clifftop and with a magnificent panoramic view of the Gironde Estuary and the Medoc beyond.

The surrounding countryside is a mixture of vines, cornfields and sunflowers and the nearest beaches are only 15 minutes away. Local produce is superb and plentiful. Specialities include oysters, mussels, cognac and Pineau de Charente (a blend of Charente grape juice and Cognac). The area benefits from a wonderfully warm climate and, in fact, is the second sunniest region in France after the Riviera. 

Accommodation detail

Living area

Double bedroom

Move your mouse over the thumbnail to view

Les Chênes is a detached bungalow set in its own grounds of about ¼ acre with a unique panoramic view over vineyards and fields to the Gironde Estuary and the Medoc beyond. A tranquil, unspoilt setting with easy access to lovely beaches (Meschers, St Georges de Didonne and Royan), bustling towns (Royan, Saintes, Cognac, La Rochelle and Bordeaux) and numerous places of interest.

The spacious rear garden is partly lawned but also offers a wooded area of mature trees, which provide welcome shade.

The bungalow can easily accommodate six persons in the three bedrooms. There is also a sofa bed in the lounge, which would offer sleeping space for another two persons. The kitchen, shower room and separate WC have all been recently installed providing modern facilities.

The bungalow offers comfortable accommodation comprising:

• 3 double bedrooms (1 twin-bedded, 2 double) + travel cot
• Newly installed shower room with large walk-in shower, wc & wash basin
• Separate wc
• Large lounge with French doors leading to the front garden with breathtaking views of the Estuary.  Playing cards and a selection of books are available.
• Dining area looking out to rear garden
• Well equipped newly fitted modern kitchen complete with fridge/freezer, cooker, microwave, washing machine & dishwasher
• Ample car parking space
• Oil fired central heating

Although the bungalow is not suitable for wheelchair users people with mobility difficulties would find it quite accessible. 

Outside

• Barbecue
• Deck chairs and sun loungers
• Boules, beach ball and bats and football
• Outdoor dining table and chairs with parasol
• Safe play area
• 4 adult cycles for guests' use - free of charge
• Table Tennis table (Full size)

The bread van visits regularly for crusty baguettes and delicious croissants and pastries!

About the location

Les Chênes is situated on the scenic and popular ‘Route Verte’ with its spectacular views along the estuary and the coast. The village of Mortagne sur Gironde (1 km) is made up of two parts – the village with its superb views over the estuary and the picturesque port with a variety of bars and restaurants at the harbour side. The nearest beaches are at Meschers (15 mins). There are also the superb beaches at St Georges de Didonne (20 mins) and Royan (25 mins). There are weekly markets in the nearby towns of Cozes and Gemozac and daily markets at Royan and St Georges de Didonne. During the season there are a variety of fetes, fairs, brocantes and evening markets held in local villages.

Places of interest include:

• Talmont sur Gironde (10 mins). Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France with its 12th century church overlooking the Gironde Estuary.
• Royan (25 mins). A lively seaside resort with a variety of bars & restaurants. Its massive sweep of soft, sandy beaches makes it a popular choice for families. Golf course is 10 mins from centre.
• Saintes (35 mins). Situated on the banks of the Charente River. This is a historical town with amphitheatre and archaeological museum. Boat trips can be taken down the river.
• Cognac (40 mins). The heart of the global Cognac business. The big cognac houses offer tours where the distillation process is demonstrated & explained. Prior booking necessary in high season.
• La Rochelle (70 mins). Picturesque town with its colourful harbour, cafes, restaurants, shops and ancient fortified port.
• La Palmyre Zoo (45 mins). One of the most beautiful zoological gardens in Europe spread over a 14 hectares site in the heart of pinewoods.
• The Medoc. Take the ferry from Royan or Blaye for 30 minute crossing to visit the beautiful vineyards of one of France’s famous wine growing regions.
• Cote Sauvage - Wild Coast (45 mins). Providing great conditions for surfing, wind surfing & sailing.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Bird Watching, Boules, Cycling, Fishing, Golf, Gourmet dining, Horse riding, Swimming, Table tennis, Tennis, Water sports, Wine tasting, Wine touring

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

Les Chênes is easy to reach. It is just 20 minutes from junction 36 of the A10 motorway.

• The ferry port of St Malo is approximately 4½ hours and Caen is approximately 5½ hours.
• There are direct flights to Bordeaux from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton, and London and to La Rochelle from Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southampton and London.
• The TGV stations at Angouleme and Bordeaux are approximately 1 hour away and offer fast, efficient train travel.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.