Guide to Charente-Maritime & Property in Department 17
La Rochelle: The Heart of Charente-Maritime
La Rochelle, the capital of Charente-Maritime, is affectionately called La Ville Blanche (the White City). The coast gleams, sunlight illuminating the bright limestone facades. Originally established in the 10th century as a fishing village, the historic port has been well preserved, showcasing a variety of boats and yachts moored there, along with a lively seafront filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants. In the old town, 17th and 18th-century architecture truly comes to life. La Rochelle has carefully maintained and restored many of its historic buildings, inviting visitors to explore its streets, shop, and wander through the charming town centre.
Inviting and Popular Islands
Today, locals and tourists come to La Rochelle to enjoy its lively atmosphere, Atlantic beaches and offshore islands. In recent years, the city has made visiting the popular island of Île de Ré even easier by connecting visitors with a bridge to continue their adventure in Charente-Maritime.
Comparison of Charente and Provence
As a region, the Charente might be compared to Provence in terms of climate. The variation in property prices and living costs makes this area a popular choice for converting holiday homes into permanent residences. With three airports providing direct flights to fifteen UK cities, reaching Charente-Maritime is convenient for long weekends, family visits, or summer vacations. Key towns along the department include Saintes, Saint-Jean-d’Angély, and Royan, each offering coastal beauty, historic landmarks, and distinctive architecture.
Saint-Jean-d’Angély: A Gem of a Town
The charming tourist town of Saint-Jean-d’Angély has only about 8,000 residents; however, since it’s only an hour’s drive to the coast, you can enjoy daily life strolling along the cobbled streets all the way to the sandy shores. Nearby, and slightly busier, is Saintes, where you can comfortably live in renovated townhouses or traditional French stone properties. Your social life will also never be dull, with a diverse range of cultural museums, a cathedral, and lively shops, bars, and restaurants.
Royan: A Touch of Luxury
Finally, Royan provides a touch of luxury; situated near the coast and centrally located, the marina hosts expansive beaches and impressive boats. Moving briefly away from the beaches, you'll notice that the seaside town features intriguing architectural houses reflecting its history, along with historic monuments and churches worth exploring.
Key Information about the Charente-Maritime (17)
- Main City/Prefecture: La Rochelle
- Nearest Airport: La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport (in La Rochelle)
- Population: Around 650,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 6,864 sq. kilometres and 2,650 sq. miles
- Landmark: Fort Boyard, an iconic fortress located off the coast.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 8 million, lured by its islands (Ré and Oléron), Atlantic beaches and maritime heritage.
Types of Properties for Sale in Charente-Maritime
This part of the Atlantic coast offers a wide variety of properties, ranging from traditional stone Charentaise houses with colorful shutters to modern seaside villas. Buyers can choose vineyard estates close to Cognac, stylish apartments in La Rochelle's port, and contemporary villas in popular coastal areas like Royan or Île de Ré. The market is also elevated by luxury properties such as châteaux, mansions, and hôtels particuliers.
Common House Styles in the Department
- Traditional Charentaises – Recognisable by their pale limestone walls, flat tile roofs, and colourful shutters, these homes are often in the countryside near peaceful villages.
- Modern and Contemporary Villas – Many villas are situated in seaside areas, such as Royan or Île de Ré, and feature modern architecture, large windows, private pools, and an elegant style.
- Mansions and Vineyard Estates – In Cognac wine country, properties often include a Maison de Maître with outbuildings.
- Apartments & Townhouses – La Rochelle offers a vibrant city life with apartments and elegant townhouses in the town centre.
- Prestige Properties – For luxury seekers, the region offers grand residences, including hôtels particuliers, châteaux, and high-end villas with extensive grounds and pools.
Property Prices & Trends in Charente-Maritime in 2026
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,522 (April 2026)
- Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €4,407 (April 2026)
- Price trends: +6% over the last 12 months, +60% over the last 5 years (April 2026)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Charente-Maritime in 2026
- Average House Price in La Rochelle: €4,478 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Saintes: €2,084 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Royan: €3,136 per sq. metre (April 2026)
(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)
Looking to Buy a House in Charente-Maritime?
- Coastal Charm & Affordable Luxury: With its golden Atlantic beaches, historic islands (Ré, Oléron), sun-drenched vineyards, Charente-Maritime offers seaside villas, farmhouses, cottages and longères, often 20–30% cheaper than the Basque Coast or some coastal areas of Brittany.
- Strong Rental Income: Tourists visiting La Rochelle, Royan, and Île de Ré boost property yields to 6–9% annually, especially for beach holiday homes or renovated, often small, traditional fishermen's houses.
- Prime Location & Accessibility: La Rochelle Airport (1 hour to Paris), TGV to Bordeaux (2 hours), and easy access to Vendée make it ideal for second-home owners and weekend getaways to western France's sunniest coast.
- Mild Oceanic Climate: Warm summers (25–28°C) for sailing, oyster tasting, and beachcombing, and mild winters (8–12°C), perfect for outdoor living, seaside strolls and cycling along the Vélodyssée.
- Authentic Coastal Lifestyle: A maritime region famous for oyster festivals, pineau wine tastings, and historic ports. It combines salt-air living, seafood cuisine, and a relaxed community vibe.
Browse our Properties for Sale in Charente-Maritime
Explore our selection of houses, village homes, period mansions, luxury villas and countryside properties for sale in Charente-Maritime. These real estate listings are updated weekly by our trusted local agents. Please get in touch with us to arrange property visits or to discuss your search criteria.
French Property Search
€343,500 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Les Mathes, Charente-Maritime
LES MATHES (17) - Character house from the 1850s located in a peaceful, wooded environment less than a kilometer from the shops and 10 minutes from the beaches of La Palmyre. This 165 m2 building offers…
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ROYAN (17) - Superb location for this 1967 building, in the heart of a quiet and sought-after neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from the town center and the beach of PONTAILLAC.This charming single-story…
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ROYAN (17) - EXCLUSIVE TO MONNEREAU IMMOBILIER ROYAN. Ideally located in the heart of Royan, just 150 meters from the beach and the same distance from the market, this second-floor apartment offers a…
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€273,000 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Semussac, Charente-Maritime
SEMUSSAC (17) - Just minutes from the beaches of Royan and Meschers, this pretty stone house combines old-world charm with modern comfort. Completely renovated in 2019 with high-quality materials, it…
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Between JONZAC and BARBEZIEUX, close to Baignes in a quiet area - Old house with approximately 290 m2 of living space in the heart of a garden of approximately 8600 m2.The imposing entrance hall sets…
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€286,200 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Saint-Germain-de-Vibrac, Charente-Maritime
Close to JONZAC (17) - In a very pleasant environment, in a small hamlet. Pretty stone farmhouse of approximately 179 m2 of living space, carefully renovated in 2004. The main living room with fitted…
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€499,000 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Meschers-sur-Gironde, Charente-Maritime
MESCHERS-SUR-GIRONDE (17) - Just 350m from Vergnes Beach and Nonnes Beach, this beautiful house offers a privileged living environment, between sea and forest, in one of the most sought-after areas of…
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€1,236,000 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
La Palmyre, Charente-Maritime
LA PALMYRE (17) - Located in an exceptional setting, within a private and sought-after residential park, this superb contemporary villa offers approximately 177 m2 of living space on one level on an enclosed…
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€428,400 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
La Tremblade, Charente-Maritime
La Tremblade (17) - Main house of approximately 140 m2 of living space, mainly on one level, and two independent seasonal accommodations. The whole is built on a partially enclosed plot of 3500 m2 in…
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€265,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Léoville, Charente-Maritime
Between JONZAC and CHEVANCEAUX (17) - Beautiful farmhouse at the end of a cul-de-sac in the countryside, consisting of a main house and two separate dwellings. The main house features a veranda entrance,…
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At the gates of JONZAC (17) - Very beautiful building with its outbuildings built on a park of 9207 m2. This bourgeois residence was designed and built with a concern for aesthetics and respect for Saintonge…
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€830,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Mortagne-sur-Gironde, Charente-Maritime
Near Mortagne/Gironde - 1 hour from Bordeaux and 12 minutes from Mortagne sur Gironde, not far from charming little ports on the Atlantic coast, close to local shops, in an authentic and preserved setting,…
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€820,000 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Saint-Nazaire-sur-Charente, Charente-Maritime
Near Port des Barques and its legendary 'Île Madame', less than 15km from Rochefort, in the heart of a village close to shops, this charming character property comprises a 19th - century Charentaise cottage…
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€560,000 incl. fees
New Build and Off-Plan for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
Located on the banks of the Rompsay canal, a classified natural site, a popular and sought-after location! Between nature and the city centre, live in this modern, intimate residence, 5 minutes by bike…
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€435,000 incl. fees
New Build and Off-Plan for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
Ideally located in the residential area of La Rossignolette in La Rochelle, close to all amenities, the program is made up of 21 private accommodations that take advantage of the surrounding nature. These…
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€825,550 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Cierzac, Charente-Maritime
South of COGNAC (16) - In the quiet of a small hamlet, old farmhouse completely renovated very recently. The services are remarkable on more than 450 m2 of living space. The generous volumes, bathed in…
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€1,890,000 incl. fees
Modern Villa for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, Charente-Maritime
SAINT-PALAIS-SUR-MER (17) - This villa built on an enclosed plot of 1589 m2 with outbuildings benefits from an exceptional location.It has been the subject of great care. It is an old stone house, which…
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€387,000 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Meursac, Charente-Maritime
MEURSAC (17) - 15 minutes from the beaches of Royan, in the heart of the village of Meursac. Beautiful Saintonge mansion to renovate with its outbuildings built on a plot of 2560 m2. The building of 170…
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€988,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Archiac, Charente-Maritime
South of COGNAC (17) - Built thanks to the riches of the Petite Champagne vineyard of ARCHIAC, this splendid residence has crossed History. It was originally built in the 18th century with materials from…
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€1,312,500 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
La Clotte, Charente-Maritime
At the limit of Charente-Maritime and Gironde (17) - Close to COUTRAS and MONTGUYON - Quiet, a small village with some services. This property is remarkable for its stature and bourgeois character as…
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€675,000 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Nieulle-sur-Seudre, Charente-Maritime
At the heart of the Brouage, Oléron, Royan triangle, nestled in an authentic village of the exceptional site of the Seudre marshes, former relay of Saint Jacques de Compostelle full of history and charm.…
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€455,800 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Chepniers, Charente-Maritime
Exceptional location, in Charente maritime, at the gates of the Gironde, away from it all and yet in the heart of a town and its local shops, just 5 minutes from the free RN10 Bordeaux-Poitiers, beautiful…
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€799,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Mortagne-sur-Gironde, Charente-Maritime
Interesting rental yields with strong development potential for this property located just 1 hour from Bordeaux, less than 15 minutes from 3 cities offering all amenities, 15 minutes from the Gironde…
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€1,048,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Jonzac, Charente-Maritime
Only 30 minutes from Cognac and 1h from Bordeaux, in a bucolic setting, 'Domaine' offering 700 m2 of living space. The property is composed of an 18th century mansion, a reception room (150 m2), a 17th…
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