At Charme Charentais - enjoy peace, space and the real French life. The Charente, a hidden pearl where life feels softer.
Shall we go to the Charente this summer?" ... "The Charente? Never heard of it...
What is unknown is unloved, but precisely for that reason, the region of the Charente (named after the homonymous river that crosses this region) feels like a hidden pearl in the heart of France. Unspoiled nature, picturesque villages and a mild southern climate, far from overcrowded beaches and busy city centers. Here you will still find "la France profonde": rural tranquility, rolling landscapes, a relaxed atmosphere and markets filled with fresh harvests, Cognac and Pineau that have developed their flavor in the cellars around the nearby town of Cognac. Everywhere you find rustic Romanesque churches, nestled for centuries in timeless villages, interconnected by winding walking and cycling paths. A region where the days pass more slowly and life feels softer.
Moreover, the Charente is an ideal base to discover two of France’s most beloved regions. To the west lies the Charente-Maritime, where you are welcomed 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 blowing the cobwebs away or wandering through small fishing harbours.
In the east, the Dordogne (also known as Périgord) awaits 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 the property and are happy to provide you with tips on excursions, hiking and cycling routes, markets, wine, Cognac and Pineau houses, and other hidden gems in the region."Au Charme Charentais" offers three cozy and comfortable gîtes, each with its own terrace equipped with an umbrella and comfortable outdoor furniture. The yellow and blue gîtes (each accommodating 4 people) are located next to each other and offer stunning views of the pool and castle from their spacious terraces. At the moment, we are still in the process of renovating a third gîte: the red gîte (for 6 people) is located on the ground floor and is specially adapted for wheelchair users. Both the bedroom, bathroom, and living room with kitchen are wheelchair accessible, including the spacious terrace overlooking the gently sloping, wooded hills.
All beds are 2 meters long and equipped with a comfortable boxspring combination. Each gîte has fast and free wifi. In addition, there are two shared gas barbecues, which can easily be borrowed.
You can rent the gîtes separately, but also together for families or friend groups up to 13/14 people. Ideal to enjoy together, with all comfort and full privacy.
Au Charme Charantais 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. Just 1.5 kilometers away, you'll also find a large supermarket (Super U), so everything is within easy reach for a comfortable stay.
- calm nature walking and cycling
- checkmate
- pet ban
- Blanzaguet Saint Cybard FR
- Arrival 16.00 - 20.00
- Departure 07.00 - 10.00
How the adventure of Erwin and Clara began
More than thirty years ago, during an internship in Nantes, Erwin fell in love with France: the relaxed lunches with colleagues who became friends, the soft climate, the rich history, and the streetscape filled with characterful facades and wooden shutters. The language also captivated him: complex and playful at the same time, and most beautiful when it sounds like a nostalgic chanson. It was the beginning of a lasting connection with this country.
Clara also immediately felt at home in the French way of life. With their children Rosanne and Jonatan, they spent many summers in the French countryside, where the land became synonymous with slowing down and enjoying genuine moments together. Gradually, a shared dream emerged: to create a place where others could experience this feeling too.
In 2021, this dream led them to the department of Charente, in southwestern France. A region with a mild climate and rolling landscapes reminiscent of Tuscany, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Dordogne, just a day's drive from Belgium. Here they found their place: a two-century-old stone farmhouse with a wide panorama and a breathtaking view of the 11th-century castle of Villebois-Lavalette. After years of careful restoration, they now welcome guests here, at a unique location where modern comfort and authentic charm harmoniously coexist.
Facilities
Picnic area Terrace with sun Garden Terrace
Outdoor pool Parasols
Hiking Canoeing Library Board game Paddle boarding Golf
Private parking Charging point for electric bicycles
Wi-Fi Personal check-in Public lounge Non-smoking rooms Washing machine Bicycle storage
Contact us
Au Charme Charentais
Address
9 Rue Grimordie du Peyrat
16320 Blanzaguet Saint Cybard
France
+32 468 460 368
aucharmecharentais@gmail.com
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