Charente-Maritime is the department to the southeast of Poitou-Charentes, and is the most visited part of the region.

La Rochelle is a lovely coastal town just east of Ile de Ré, and unmissable if you are in the region

The Atlantic coast here includes some attractive (and very popular) islands such as Ile de Ré (and it’s major town at St-Martin-de-Ré) and Ile d’Oleron.

The classified ‘beautiful villages’ of Ars-en-Ré and La Flotte-en-Ré are among the many villages on the island. The small island of Ile d’Aix, the fortified island where Napoleon stayed, is also found just offshore.

Inland from La Rochelle the nearby towns at Marans and Surgeres also have some interesting features to explore.Continuing south along the coast in Charente-Maritime, visit Royan, a popular seaside resort and 4* ville fleurie; the lovely resort and zoo at La Palmyre, a little north from Royan; and also Meschers-sur-Gironde.

Inland a little are Rochefort, a 17th century grand new town around an important naval base; the ‘most beautiful village’ at Talmont-sur-Gironde; the town of Saintes; and the fortifications at Brouage.

The Charente River can be explored, as it passes through miles of rolling countryside between Angouleme and Rochefort, and is popular with visitors wanting to see the landscapes of the region. For a different water based experience head north to the marshy world of the Marais Poitevin around Marans in the northeast of Charente-Maritime.

Divided into 4 departments, Deux Sèvres, Vienne, Charente and Charente-Maritime, it is also the home of the world’s best-known brandy, and Cognac.

 Inland the region has woods and fields, and the Marais Poitevin marshes.  Poitou-Charentes is a leading holiday destination, claiming to be one of the sunniest regions in France, and is popular with the British.

 Style of Property

Traditional Charentaise houses are large with a cellar and garden and tend to be laid out in a symmetrical pattern.  Half-timbered properties can be found in towns such as Niort, Cognac, and Parthenay.  There are also lots of stone farmhouses with sloping roofs.

 What you can get for your money

 As would be expected, properties are more expensive on the coast than inland.  A two bedroom Townhouse with an attic (that could be converted into 2 bedrooms) cellar and garden costs €115,000.

 A large 4 bedroom Charentaise house with gardens in the region of €265,000.

 Travel

 The region is 4 – 6 hours drive from the channel ports and has motorway connections to Paris (4 hours).  The TGV from Paris is 2.5 hours; the main airports are at La Rochelle, Poitiers, and Angoulème.

When selling a property in France, it is up to the seller to ensure that a survey is carried out before the final transaction is made.  This survey called Dossier de Diagnostic Technique (DDT) must be undertaken and include asbestos, lead, energy efficiency, termites, gas, natural or technological risks, and electrics, and costs about 500 euros to complete.

Only the report on energy efficiency is required in all cases.  Obligatory reports on termites and risks are restricted to certain parts of the country.  An asbestos survey is required for a property granted planning permission before July 1997.  A lead survey is required for properties built before 1949.  Gas and electric surveys must be done for properties at least 15 years old.

From 2013, owners of septic tanks will also be required to report on the condition of the installation as part of the sale process. 

 To carry out the above surveys must be undertaken by people who have been accredited by the agency Cofrac (Comité français d’Accreditation) with the exception of reports on natural and technological risks, which comes from the Préfecture.

 Unfortunately there is much confusion with the period of validity as the above reports have different time spans, please see below details of validity.

Natural risks – up to six months.

Termites – up to six months.

Lead – up to one year (if found)

Gas and electricity – up to three years.

Energy efficiency – up to 10 years.

Asbestos – unlimited.

As a result of their limited life, most sellers wait until they have found a buyer before they pay out the surveys needed. The reports are then annexed to the sale contract, or attached to the deed of sale.

The Notaire will insist that the survey is completed, however omission of the reports does not necessarily invalidate the sale, but is worth bearing in mind to complete nevertheless.

The energy efficiency report is purely informative, and there are no implications if it is missing.  In all other cases, with one exception the seller merely loses their exoneration from legal action for hidden defects (vices caches).  For example, if the electrics survey was not undertaken, and a major electrical problem was later discovered, the seller might find it difficult to offer a suitable legal defence. 

Only in the case of a missing report on Natural and Technological risks (in areas where it is obligatory) could the buyer get the sale annulled, or obtain a reduction in the purchase price, for which a court ruling would be needed.

In no case is the owner of the property required by law to remedy any defects found as a result of the surveys. 

The month of October sees the final payment date for the taxe foncière property tax on October 15, or October 20 if you paying by internet.

Taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation are the two residential taxes which pay for the bulk of your local services and if you are resident in a building on January 1, you are liable for the whole year’s tax, even if you move out the next day.

Taxe foncière is paid by the owner or beneficial occupant of a site.  The tax you pay depends whether your land has buildings, which means there can be two parts to the bill: taxe foncière sur les propriétés bàties (land with buildings) and taxe foncière sur les propriétés non-bàties (no buildings).

Although the tax taxe foncière is a tax on property this is quite widely framed: it includes permanently moored boats, for example as well as offices and industrial property such as sheds and workshops.  Most caravans and mobile homes are exempt as are many rural buildings are used for agricultural purposes.

New-build homes or renovated properties which are used as a home are exempt for two years.  Allowances are only available for your main residence but you can get total exemption from the taxe foncière if you meet all of a group of conditions relating to age, disability benefit, specified income thresholds and the makeup of your fiscal household.

However, you need to contact your local tax office for information as only they can give you an official and definitive answer.  Some properties can qualify for a reduction if, for example, a rented house becomes vacant against your will and the situation lasts more than three months.

Your taxe foncière bill states the deadline for payment (and any extension if the demand is late).  It also gives the option of paying over 10 months, in one instalment or on the internet.

The other property tax is Taxe d’habitation which is paid by those who live in a building as owner, tenant, or on a free basis.  The final payment date is November 16 or (November 21 if paying over the internet.)

It is calculated upon the nominal rental value of your property and includes factors such as its situation, construction, area, and comfort.  You can check this at the Centre des Impots Fonciers by consulting the cadastraux land registers and asking for the relevant fiche de calcul.  The nominal value will probably not match what a real-life tenant would pay but if you think it is too high you can challenge it.

You can also pay in instalments over 10 months and payments are taken on the 15^th of the day each month.  If you want to start in January you must subscribe to a payment plan at your local Trésorie by December 15.

Urrutia Stone for All Your Property Renovation Needs

We’d like to introduce you to Urrutia Stone who specialise in the highest quality and widest range of interior and exterior Limestone, Travertine, Marble, Slate, Basalt and Sandstone flooring in France. They can provide just the right products, whatever your needs – for instance, a marble bathroom finish, a limestone floor in the kitchen, or maybe a new slate floor for the hallway or some travertine around the pool? Urratia have over 100 different types of stone for floors and walls, both interior and exterior not forgetting over 45 different Mosaic tiles to choose from and Terracotta tiles too. They can also deliver bespoke cut French Limestone if you’d like a Limestone staircase or fireplace for example. Available for delivery over all of France, (and most of Europe), everywhere from the Cote d’Azur to Paris, and from Bordeaux to La Rochelle. Their showroom is open 7 days a week, by appointment only, so please call Julian Urrutia, who speaks both French and English, to make an appointment on 05 53 57 40 07 or 0684 247 347. You can also email info@urrutiastone.com. Check out their superb products at www.urrutiastone.com. Don’t forget to mention you heard about them on French Property Connect.

To enroll your child in School in France is normally quite simple, proof of address and identity are generally all that is required. School insurance is not compulsory however without it your child would not be able to join in all the activities provided, for example school trips, etc.  Usually third party (reponsibilité civile) is the minimum, which is included in most household insurance policies, for dependants under 18 or still studying.  Check with your insurance company and ask them to give you proof to supply the school.

For private tuition you can claim for 50% against your income tax to a limit of 10,000 euros per year, and many schools will help parents with the paperwork.  Travel passes, canteen cards, insurance documents, clubs (carnet de correspondence) all require passport photos.

The System

Ecole Maternelle – 3 Years study for 3 to 6 years old.

Ecole primaries – 5 years study for 6 to 11 years old.

Collège – 4 years study for 11 to 15 years old.

Lycée general – 3 years study for 15 to 18 years old.

Lycée professionnel – 3 years study for 15 to 18 years old, offering general education plus vocational diplomas at 3 levels including the BAC.

Ages in the French system are inly indicative; as children repeat years, there can be often a 2 year age difference within a class.  Schooling is obligatory until the age of 18.  The wide range of vocational BTS (HND) equivalent courses are offered in lycées, so tuition is free. 

 Fort Boyard is a fort located between the Ile d’Aix and the Ile d’Oleron in the Pertuis d’Antioche straits, on the west coast of France, it is 61 metres long, 31 metres wide, and its walls are 20 metres high.

The construction of the Fort was first considered by Louis XIV between 1661 and 1667 but Vuaban  his leading military engineer, famously advised against it, saying ‘Sire, it would be easier to catch the moon with the teeth than take on such an endeavour in such a location’.  Fort Boyard was to form a line of fortification with Fort Enet and Fort de la Rade on Ile d’Aix to protect the arsenal of Rochefort from Royal Navy incursions.

Construction of the Fort did not begin in earnest until 1801, under Napoleon, in order to protect the coast and especially the arsenal of Rochefort from possible incursions by foreign and especially British Navies.  At that time, cannons only had a limited range, and the distance between the two islands of Aix and Oleron were too large to block the passage.

Following difficulties in establishing a firm base, stone blocks had to be installed on the sandy seabed during low tide, where they could sink under their own weight, the project was then suspended in 1809.  Construction resumed in 1837 under Louis-Philippe, following renewed tensions with the United Kingdom.  The fortifications were completed in 1857, with sufficient room for a garrison of 250 men.

However by the time of its completion, the range of cannons had markedly increased, making the Fort unnecessary for National Defence.

Under the Paris commune of 1871, Fort Boyard was briefly used as a prison, before being abandoned a few years later.  Over time, the fort slowly crumbled and deteriorated into the sea as it was left unmaintained.

In 1961 the commune sold the fort to the Department of Charente-Maritime.  Six years later, the final scene of the film Les Aventuriers was filmed at the remains of the Fort, then in 1988, restoration work commenced on Fort Boyard in order to prepare it for a television game show, also named Fort Boyard, restoration finished in 1989 and filming commenced in 1990.  Fort Boyard has been used as the set for the show to this present day.

This guide concerntrates on travel by ferry for Dogs and Cats abroad, and to help you plan ahead for travelling, however you must allow at least 8 months beforehand to get the vaccination and documents required.  Here are some steps below to help and guide you through the process.

Step 1 Your pet must be micro-chipped with a chip conforming to ISO standard, your vet will do this, also your pet must be at least 3 months old before having the anti-rabies vaccination.  Approximate cost for a micro-chip £20.

Step 2 Your vet vaccinates your pet against rabies using an approved serum, ensure that full details, including the serum batch number is entered on your pets vaccination record, approximate cost £33.

Step 3 You must allow 30 days to pass to allow the necessary rabies anti-bodies to develop, then take your pet back to the vet for a blood test, note down the date as the vet will inform you of the results in 2-3 weeks.  Approximate cost £50.

Step 4 Please note that your pet is eligible for re-entry to the UK 6 months after the date of the blood test.

 Step 5 Ask you vet for a PETS 1 certificate, this form is often called the Pets Passport, it can be issued any time after a successful blood test result.  If you leave it until nearer the time you travel abroad allow at least a week, your vet may need to see the vaccination record and will normally charge a consultation fee for issuing the form, once issued it is valid for 2 years from the date the blood test was taken.  You will also need a PETS 5 form to travel to France which your vet can issue.

 Step 6 Once you have chosen your ferry route, your pet can only travel in the vehicle and must remain in it throughout the voyage, however you can always go and check on your pet with a member of crew, and make sure that your pet is comfortable and has plenty of air and water.

Step 7 Very important to remember is that you will need to visit a vet abroad for your pet, and must get an obligatory tick and worm treatment between 24 and 48 hours before you board for your return travel.  There is no leeway on these times and you won’t be able to travel if you fall outside them, so plan in advance and locate a vet where you are going and remember to confirm their opening hours, and closure.

Step 8 It is advisory also to treat your pet with Frontline against fleas and ticks a day or two before you travel, ticks are quite common in France.

 Step 9 When departing UK or France, allow extra check-in time as the pets procedure takes longer than normal, at the check-in your pet remains in the car whilst the staff scans and checks that the micro-chip number corresponds with the certificate, they will then give back the certificate to you.

 Step 10 Don’t forget your pet must have treatment before leaving France against ticks, the vet will put drops onto your pets neck, and give a tablet, then the vet will give you a signed form confirming the date, time, and where the treatment took place.  Make sure that you arrive at your check-in so that you can board between 24-48 hours after the above treatment.  If you miss it the treatment must be done again and you will have to wait until another 24 hours before you can travel.

For further infomation call the Pets Helpline 0870 241 1710 (8.30-5pm weekdays) or check with Defra www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm, or contact your vet for full details, and then Bon Voyage. 

St. Nicholas and La Chaine towers at the entrance to the ancient port of La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France, Europe

Eurostar has a useful page on its website detailing how to get to La Rochelle from London’s St Pancras International Train Station – ‘for the smoothest, most stress-free route’.  It’s easy to reach La Rochelle with Eurostar; simply change at Paris and travel on to La Rochelle with  TGV.

Visit Eurostar’s page http://destinationsen.eurostar.com/sisp/?fx=location&loc_id=133202

Francofolies Music Festival 10 July to 14 July

This year La Rochelle is celebrating it’s 25^th year of the music festival called Francofolies.  The festival was created in 1984 by Jean-Louis Foulquier, and over the years has welcomed 122,000 spectators.  There are 5 different music stages in the heart of the town and Port to suit everyone, as well as street entertainment and dancing.  The atmosphere is fantastic and you can enjoy the music from the local cafes and restaurants from late morning through to the evening. This is a real night to remember, make sure you don’t miss it!

 For more information see website http://www.francofolies.fr/accueil/index.html                                                          

Bastille Day 14th July Celebrations in La Rochelle

Bastille day is celebrated all over France and is a National holiday to commemorate the end of the Monarchy in France.  It’s a day with a host of activities from food markets, live music, dancing and fireworks.  The best place is to head into the heart of La Rochelle and watch the fireworks late evening over the sea and port.  However the town centre is not accessible by car, so there are shuttle buses just outside the town, and can drop you off right in the centre, and they run frequently.

For more information see website www.larochelle-tourisme.com

Sailing Expeditions by Catamaran,
Fort Boyard, Ile de Ré, Ile de Aix, Ile d’Oleron

If you like sailing, then this is perfect for you, embark on board the Bluenote and Nosy be for sailing expeditions on a catamaran and sail along the beautiful sites of Ile de Ré.  Also on offer are full or half-day expeditions with a tour around Fort Boyard, Ile de Aix, and swimming with picnic near the beaches of Ile d’Oleron.  There are also themed expeditions from 14 July to 15 August where you can enjoy oyster tasting, firework displays, and sunset evenings. 

For more information please see website www.catamaran-bluenote.com

Tusson Medieval Gardens

Or if you prefer a quieter pace, then why not visit the Medieval gardens of Tusson.  Tusson is located near Cognac in the Charente, open throughout the summer, and you can walk through the 4 different gardens and enjoy the many different plants that are grown.  Then venture into the historical town if you have the energy to visit the Abbey. 

For more information see website http://www.visitcharente.com/what_to_see/gardens_galore