The Region

St Savinien is in the heart of the area known as the Saintonge, which only seems to have been “discovered” by the British in the last ten years. The pretty Charente river, which flows through it, is ideal for coarse fishing and the area generally, with its gentle hills, is good for cycling, especially as there is a huge network of lanes and tracks through fields, woods and by the river, little used by cars.

Visits to the beautiful Roman town of Saintes (24km) and mediaeval La Rochelle (50km) are a must; châteaux open to the public are nearby and the coast and offshore islands are ideal for day trips.

Pretty beaches at Fouras (near Rochefort) are 30 minutes away, super beaches near Royan, on Ile d'Oléron and elsewhere are 50 minutes or less.

There are road bridges to the 2 largest islands, a ferry to the other. Venise Verte, where you can punt or paddle your way through the maze of tree-canopied canals is an hour's drive. Golfers will find an excellent golf course at Saintes.

There are other towns of great historic and architectural quality to visit, such as Rochefort and St Jean d'Angély, as well as the distilleries of Cognac and a multitude of Romanesque churches.

Along the coast are the oyster beds for which Charente Maritime is famous oysters and mussels are easily and cheaply available and seafood in general features prominently on the menus of local restaurants.