At Charme Charentais - enjoy peace, space and the real French life. The Charente, a hidden pearl where life feels softer.

To celebrate that we can safely welcome our guests with a new fence around the pool, we are offering a 20% discount when using the code "Cloture!" for bookings made by July 31, 2026.

Shall we go to the Charente this summer?” ... “The Charente? Never heard of it…”

Unfamiliar may be unloved, but precisely for that reason, the region of the Charente (named after the river that runs through it) feels like a hidden gem in the heart of France. Pristine nature, picturesque villages, and a mild Mediterranean climate, far from crowded beaches and busy centers. Here you will find "la France profonde": rural tranquility, rolling landscapes, a relaxed atmosphere, and markets filled with fresh produce, Cognac, and Pineau, which have matured in the cellars around the nearby town of Cognac. Everywhere you go, you'll find rustic Romanesque churches, nestled for centuries in timeless villages, connected by winding walking and cycling paths. A region where days pass more slowly and life feels gentler.

In addition, the Charente is an ideal base to explore two of France's most beloved regions. To the west lies the Charente-Maritime, where you are greeted by vast Atlantic beaches and delicious oysters or "fruits de mer" straight from the bay. The coast and dunes are wide, sunny, and perfect for a day of fresh air or exploring little fishing harbors.

To the east is the Dordogne (also known as Périgord) with its dozens of castles, medieval villages, prehistoric caves, and culinary delights. A region brimming with history, atmosphere, and flavor. In short, from the Charente, the best of southwestern France is within easy reach.

We also live on-site and are happy to provide tips on excursions, walking and cycling routes, markets, wineries, Cognac and Pineau houses, and other gems in the area. "Au Charme Charentais" has three atmospheric and comfortable gîtes, each with its own terrace equipped with an umbrella and garden furniture. The yellow and blue gîtes (each for 4 people) are next to each other and offer a beautiful view of the pool and castle from their spacious terraces. At the moment, we are still busy renovating a third gîte: the red gîte (for 6 people) is located on the ground floor and is specially designed for wheelchair users. The bedroom, bathroom, and living room with kitchen are all step-free, including the large terrace overlooking the gently rolling, wooded hills.

All beds are 2 meters long and equipped with a comfortable box spring combination. Each gîte has fast and free Wi-Fi. There are also two communal gas barbecues that can be easily borrowed.

You can rent the gîtes separately, but also together for families or friend groups up to 13/14 people. Ideal for enjoying each other's company with all the comfort and complete privacy.

Au Charme Charentais is within walking distance of the picturesque village of Villebois Lavalette (recognized as a Petite Cité de Caractère), where the Saturday market, local shops, and three cozy restaurants invite you to explore and enjoy at your own pace. There's also a large supermarket (Super U) just 1.5 kilometers away, so everything is within easy reach for a comfortable stay.