Discovering Charente (Dept 16)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Charente (Department 16) is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of south-west France, between the Atlantic coast and the rolling countryside of the Dordogne and Limousin. Named after the River Charente, the department is best known for producing the world-famous Cognac spirit, its peaceful rural landscapes, attractive market towns and relaxed way of life.
For English-speaking people considering living in Charente, moving to Charente, retiring in Charente, buying a holiday home or starting a business, it offers an appealing balance of affordability, accessibility and authentic French living. While it doesn't have the dramatic coastline or mountains found elsewhere in France, it compensates with friendly communities, excellent local produce and a slower, less stressful pace of life.
Charente At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
Historic name | Angoumois |
Department number | 16 |
Department capital | Angoulême |
Largest towns | Angoulême, Cognac, Soyaux, La Couronne, Ruelle-sur-Touvre, Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire |
Population | Approximately 355,000 |
Area | 5,956 km² |
Climate | Mild oceanic climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters |
Best suited for | Retirees, families, remote workers, entrepreneurs, second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, particularly outside the larger towns |
English-speaking community | Well established, especially around Ruffec, Confolens, Montbron and the south of the department |
Lifestyle summary | Affordable rural living, welcoming communities, vineyards, historic towns and relaxed French lifestyle |
Why Choose Charente?
Charente attracts people looking for an authentic French lifestyle without the high property prices found in many better-known regions.
Lifestyle
Life moves at a comfortable pace. Weekly markets, café terraces, local festivals and community events form an important part of everyday life. Residents often describe Charente as peaceful without feeling isolated.
Community
The department has welcomed British, Dutch and other international residents for many years. Many villages have active community groups where newcomers can quickly become involved, although learning French remains important for full integration.
Scenery
The countryside is characterised by:
Vineyards
Sunflower fields
Rolling farmland
River valleys
Oak forests
Limestone villages
The River Charente winds through much of the department, providing attractive walking and boating opportunities.
Accessibility
Charente enjoys an excellent central location.
Nearby airports include:
Bordeaux
Limoges
Bergerac
Poitiers
High-speed TGV services from Angoulême connect to Paris in around two hours, making occasional travel to the capital surprisingly convenient.
Food
Food lovers appreciate:
Cognac
Pineau des Charentes
Goat's cheese
Local beef
Duck
Charentais melons
Artisan bakeries
Fresh market produce
Many restaurants focus on seasonal regional ingredients rather than elaborate fine dining.
Culture
Charente combines traditional rural culture with modern creativity.
Angoulême is internationally recognised for its comic strip festival, while Cognac combines centuries of history with an internationally famous spirits industry.
Throughout the year you'll find:
village fêtes
antique fairs
wine events
music festivals
agricultural shows
Property
Property remains relatively affordable compared with neighbouring Dordogne, coastal Charente-Maritime and much of southern France.
Buyers can find:
renovated village homes
stone farmhouses
country cottages
manor houses
modern family homes
renovation projects
Pace of Life
People choosing Charente are often seeking a healthier work-life balance. Traffic is light, commuting is generally easy and life revolves around local communities rather than large cities.
Charente Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Affordable housing, good healthcare, relaxed pace and active expat communities. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Safe environment, good schools and plenty of outdoor space, although rural areas require more driving. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy access, attractive countryside and manageable property prices. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Growing tourism, food, property and service sectors offer opportunities, particularly for bilingual businesses. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Fibre broadband is increasingly available and the peaceful environment suits home working. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent walking, cycling, canoeing and countryside activities. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Angoulême provides urban amenities, but Charente is primarily rural. |
Popular Places to Live
Angoulême
Description
The department's capital sits on a hill overlooking the Charente Valley and offers the widest range of services.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Remote workers
Advantages
Excellent transport
TGV station
Hospitals
Shopping
Cultural events
Things to consider
Property prices are generally higher than elsewhere in the department.
Cognac
Description
A historic riverside town famous worldwide for its brandy production.
Ideal for
Professionals
Food and wine enthusiasts
Entrepreneurs
Advantages
Beautiful architecture
International reputation
Strong tourism
Restaurants
Things to consider
Tourism increases during the summer months.
Confolens
Description
A picturesque medieval town in northern Charente.
Ideal for
Retirees
Nature lovers
Advantages
Attractive setting
International folk festival
Friendly atmosphere
Things to consider
Limited shopping compared with larger towns.
Ruffec
Description
A popular market town with a sizeable English-speaking community.
Ideal for
Retirees
Families
New arrivals
Advantages
Good local services
Healthcare
Community groups
Things to consider
Nightlife is limited.
Montbron
Description
Located close to the Dordogne border, surrounded by forests and countryside.
Ideal for
Outdoor enthusiasts
Second-home owners
Advantages
Peaceful setting
Affordable homes
Walking routes
Things to consider
Car ownership is essential.
Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire
Description
A thriving southern Charente market town.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Weekly market
Good road links
Schools
Things to consider
Fewer cultural attractions than Angoulême.
Jarnac
Description
A charming riverside town with close links to the Cognac industry.
Ideal for
Retirees
Couples
Advantages
Attractive river walks
Local markets
Historic centre
Things to consider
Employment opportunities are relatively limited.
Cost of Living
Charente is widely regarded as one of the better-value departments in south-west France.
Property affordability
Property generally costs less than in neighbouring Dordogne, Charente-Maritime and Bordeaux's surrounding areas. Rural homes with land remain particularly good value.
Shopping
Supermarkets, independent shops and weekly markets provide a good balance between convenience and locally produced food. Fresh produce is often excellent value.
Utilities
Utility costs are broadly in line with the French average, although heating costs vary depending on the age and insulation of a property.
Eating out
From traditional village cafés to quality restaurants, eating out is generally affordable compared with many tourist regions.
Overall value for money
Charente offers excellent overall value, particularly for retirees and second-home owners looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing quality of life.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is good, particularly around the larger towns.
Main hospitals
Angoulême
Cognac
Ruffec
These hospitals provide emergency care, surgery and a wide range of specialist services.
Healthcare availability
Most towns have GPs, dentists and pharmacies, although finding a doctor accepting new patients may take time in some rural areas.
Access to specialists
Most specialists are based in Angoulême and Cognac, while more specialised treatments may involve travel to Bordeaux, Poitiers or Limoges.
Pharmacies
Every town has at least one pharmacy, with many operating emergency rotas outside normal opening hours.
General healthcare considerations
France's healthcare system is highly regarded, but registering with local healthcare providers soon after moving is recommended.
Education
Families relocating to Charente have several options.
Schools
The department offers:
Nursery schools
Primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges
Colleges
Angoulême provides higher education opportunities alongside vocational and technical training.
International options
There are limited fully international schools within Charente itself, although bilingual and international education is available in nearby departments.
Language schools
French language courses for adults are available through local associations, private tutors and community education centres.
Getting Around
Airports
The nearest airports include:
Bordeaux
Bergerac
Limoges
Poitiers
These provide domestic and international connections, including flights to the UK and other European destinations.
Rail
Angoulême is on the high-speed TGV network, offering direct services to Paris, Bordeaux and beyond.
Regional trains connect many other towns.
Roads
The N10 provides fast north-south access between Paris, Poitiers, Angoulême and Bordeaux.
Roads throughout the department are generally well maintained.
Public transport
Bus services exist but are limited in many rural areas.
Is a car recommended?
Yes. A car is strongly recommended unless you plan to live in Angoulême or central Cognac.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Angoulême | Thursday & Saturday |
Cognac | Tuesday, Friday & Saturday |
Ruffec | Wednesday & Saturday |
Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire | Saturday |
Confolens | Saturday |
Jarnac | Tuesday |
Montbron | Thursday |
Chalais | Monday |
Local Food & Drink
Charente is famous for its gastronomy.
Specialities include:
Cognac
Pineau des Charentes
Charentais melon
Goat's cheese
Duck dishes
Beef from the Limousin area
Walnut products
Artisan bread
Local honey
Seasonal mushrooms
Fresh river fish
Traditional pastries
Things to Do
There is plenty to enjoy throughout the year.
Historic sites
Angoulême Old Town
Château de La Rochefoucauld
Romanesque churches
Medieval villages
Outdoor activities
Walking
Cycling
Canoeing
Fishing
Horse riding
Golf
Museums
Comic strip museums in Angoulême
Cognac distillery visitor centres
Local history museums
Festivals
International Comics Festival (Angoulême)
Cognac Blues Passions
Confolens International Folklore Festival
Local wine festivals
Summer village fêtes
Nature
River Charente
Touvre Springs
Forests
Nature reserves
Family attractions
Adventure parks
River cruises
Animal parks
Leisure lakes
Canoe hire centres
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
English is spoken in some areas, but daily life is much easier if you make an effort to learn French.
Rural living
Many villages are peaceful and welcoming, but shops and services may be several kilometres away.
Internet
Fibre broadband continues to expand across the department, although speeds still vary in the most rural locations.
Seasonal tourism
Unlike coastal regions, Charente experiences relatively modest seasonal tourism, making it pleasant year-round.
Climate
Summers are warm without usually reaching the extreme temperatures experienced further south. Winters are generally mild, though occasional frosts occur.
Community life
Village associations, sports clubs, markets and local events provide excellent opportunities to meet neighbours and become part of the community.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
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Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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