Take a Road Trip from La Rochelle to Bordeaux

The west coast of France is regularly visited and written about, but we have a guide to our favourite towns that zig-zag from La Rochelle in Charente-Maritime down to Bordeaux. This area of France is renowned for having one of the most pleasant climates along with the French Riviera, partly due to the influence of the Gulf Stream from Spain. Whether you live here or are just visiting, now is the perfect time to experience its rich culture and fascinating history. However, don’t worry - there’s still time to relax as we head south to the beautiful city of Bordeaux.

The Pirate City of La Rochelle

La Rochelle has charmingly preserved its architectural heritage, making it one of the most picturesque and historically rich cities, attracting tourists year-round. At the heart of the city is the “Vieux Port” (Old Harbour), where you can enjoy a delicious meal at one of its seafood restaurants, followed by an evening promenade with stunning views of this well-preserved old town. 

Within the town centre, you can find properties ranging from medieval houses to private town mansions, dating from the 15th to the 18th century, with fine sculptured stone facades that you could sit and admire for days. Owning a property in La Rochelle or one of its surrounding towns allows you to offer your friends or guests long weekends or breaks away that will never fail to satisfy their thirst for culture, as there is always a new church, museum, or park to discover.

Sleepy Cognac in Charente

Heading south and slightly inland, we head to Cognac, best known for its production of France’s finest spirit, but soon to be loved by you for the scenic Charente Valley and sleepy villages. You will find properties here that include pretty 19th-century stone-built French mansions and 15th-century Renaissance homes. Once you have visited the must-see Cognac distilleries, it’s time to explore the rest of this alluring riverside town, choosing from bustling modern boulevards or quiet historic monuments and of course, the Charente river.

Many of the buildings in Cognac were constructed from the local white stone found throughout the area, making the architecture distinctive and striking. You will notice the mix of old and new as you experience the medieval cobbled streets contrasted with the new ‘English style’ gardens. Homes in this area are often unique, with land, outbuildings, and even separate accommodations, allowing you to share your drop of Cognac with your guests. Once you have taken in all that Cognac has to offer, Paris is only two and a half hours away, or visit one of the many sleepy but curious villages that surround the town.

Angouleme Festivals

Nicknamed the “balcony of the southwest” Angouleme overlooks a meander of the Charente River and is less than an hours’ drive from Cognac. Like many towns in France, Angouleme has a fascinating heritage, but it is also renowned for its comic strips and holds an annual festival that attracts authors, illustrators and enthusiasts from all over the world. That’s not to say Angouleme isn’t rich in history, because it is; it’s just that you don’t often experience such a modern culture with a historic centre.

We salute Angouleme for embracing its vibrant new image and urge you to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Walking tours, cathedrals, museums, and panoramic views - all of this diverse culture is surrounded by large boulevards that stand above the original walls that once protected the town. Looking out from the heart of the town into the surrounding countryside, you will find properties described as exceptional, prestigious and authentic.

Discover your perfect style among the properties for sale near Angoulême. You will fall in love with a stone mansion in a unique woodland location or be in awe of a large, modern villa designed by an architect, set in an enclosed 6,000-square-meter park. To complete your visit to the area, why not add a boat trip to soak up the picturesque scenery along the river?

Royan by the Ocean

Join us as we head back across this region of France towards to seaside resort of Royan, bursting with crashing waves and sandy beaches that stretch along the Atlantic coast. Unlike the other towns and cities we have visited, Royan has a long history as a seaside town; however, you can still satisfy your cultural cravings with visits to its surrounding towns and villages. Royan is a place to relax and have fun with your friends and family, as its beaches are arguably the finest in France.
 
Local properties include stone houses with water mills set in a peaceful area amongst mature trees and trickling streams, or a stone Charentaise home with enclosed grounds, charming features and a cosy fireplace for days spent away from the coast. You will notice that Royan is home to some modern attractions, the church is unlike the region’s Romanesque style, and the covered market is certainly a striking piece of modern architecture. As you walk through the town, you will appreciate the revolutionary styles of architecture and, of course, the unmissable views of the Atlantic. Further south, heading towards Bordeaux, lies the area near the estuary and the Gironde River.

Bordeaux, the Wine Capital

We have now reached the end of our tour from La Rochelle as we enter the city of Bordeaux. Known, of course, as the world’s wine capital and La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux also has strong historic links as part of the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble” of the 18th century. We could talk about some of its 362 historic monuments, but you must experience them for yourself during your many visits to Bordeaux, as once you have tasted just one drop of this city, you may never want to leave.

We have now entered the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region at the base of the Garonne River, with an ever-growing city and suburbs, it’s one of the largest areas in France. With a range of properties available in Bordeaux, you may also still find that some specific streets have échoppes. An échoppe is a workshop; however, in Bordeaux, they have also served as houses. This type of property is widespread throughout the city and typically features a garden and a well. Obviously, Bordeaux is also home to large historic chateaux and fabulously renovated homes, all located close to the centre of Bordeaux.

Has our tour influenced you to choose a favourite town or city? Then why not visit them all! At My-French-House, you can find properties across this popular region of southwest France, choosing from over 100 country houses, farmhouses, or even your own French château. You have discovered the history and culture that oozes from each town, and our properties are no different, authentic or newly renovated, the style of your French home is limitless.