The Poitou Charentes region lies in central France bordering the Atlantic ocean, south of Pays de la Loire and north of Aquitaine. It incorporates the departments of Deux-Sevres, Vienne, Charente-Maritime and Charente. The regional capital is Poitiers and other major towns and cities are La Rochelle and Royan, picturesque coastal resorts, Cognac, famous for its liqueur production, and the pleasant city of Niort. There are some very pretty villages here as well as numerous attractive historic towns such as Saintes and Rochefort. This is also the home of Futoroscope, a well known futuristic theme park and a great place to take the children for a day out if you are on a family holiday.

Coastal areas are popular for their long sandy beaches, the rolling countryside along the Charente river is peaceful and beautiful and the expansive acres of vineyards in the Cognac area provide some lovely views. The Marais Poitevin, also known as Green Venice, is an area of canals and rivers, rich with birdlife.

Places to stay here include old stone houses, charentais cottages, renovated farmhouses, manoirs - mansions or manor houses, gites with pools, converted barns and bungalows. Of course there are luxury villas, apartments and boutique b&bs - or chambres d'hotes as well, but whatever rental property you are looking for, you should be able to hire your own unique hideaway.