Explore Charente Maritime & Properties for Sale
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, with a variety of boats and yachts moored there and 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, allowing them 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. Just beyond the beaches, you'll notice the seaside town features intriguing historic houses, along with 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 Found in Charente-Maritime
This part of the Atlantic coast offers a wide variety of properties, ranging from traditional stone Charentaise houses with colourful 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 in Charente-Maritime in 2026
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,452
- Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €4,377
- Price trends: -4% over the last 12 months, +48% over the last 5 years
House Prices in the Main Towns in Charente-Maritime in 2026
- Average House Price in La Rochelle: €4,656 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Saintes: €2,170 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Royan: €3,213 per sq. metre
(Source: Le Figaro - October 2026)
Understanding the Charente-Maritime Property Market
Property prices in Charente-Maritime have softened during 2026, with average house price estimates declining by almost 3% between April and October. Apartment prices have remained comparatively stable, falling by less than 1%. The annual trend shows a 4% decline, although prices remain approximately 48% higher than five years ago.
Significant differences persist between the main towns. Average house prices in La Rochelle are more than twice those recorded in Saintes, while Royan occupies a position between the two. These contrasts illustrate the importance of location when assessing property values across the department.
Reasons to Buy a House in Charente-Maritime
- Coastal Charm & Affordable Luxury: With its golden Atlantic beaches, historic islands (Ré, Oléron), and 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. Please contact us to arrange property visits or discuss your search criteria.
French Property Search
ROYAN (17) - Located in the sought-after Chay district, just 200 meters from the beaches and shops, this 52 sq m apartment offers a most pleasant living environment. The entrance leads to a bright living…
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€399,000 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, Charente-Maritime
Exceptional location in a popular tourist area, close to the beautiful beaches of Saint Georges de Didonne and Meschers, only 20mn from Royan, just 1H15mn from Bordeaux with its International Airport…
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€231,000 incl. fees
Apartment for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, Charente-Maritime
SAINT-GEORGES-DE-DIDONNE (17) - In the sought-after Vallières district, facing the ocean, this 28.82 sq m (Carrez Law) apartment is located in a building with an elevator. It benefits from abundant natural…
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CLAM (17) - Near JONZAC (17) - Single-story house of approximately 118 m2 of living space, built on a fenced and wooded plot of 1,842 m2, in a quiet and pleasant setting. The entrance hall with built-in…
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€554,850 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Meschers-sur-Gironde, Charente-Maritime
MESCHERS-SUR-GIRONDE (17) - Beautiful, traditionally built villa constructed in 1997 on a fully enclosed and landscaped plot of 5,975 m2, which is entirely buildable. Located just 5 minutes from the beaches…
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€150,000 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Meschers-sur-Gironde, Charente-Maritime
MESCHERS-SUR-GIRONDE - Just 400 meters from Nonnes Beach, in a quiet cul-de-sac, this 30 sq m (323 sq ft) holiday home is an ideal opportunity for a seaside getaway or seasonal rental investment. It comprises…
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€399,000 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Breuillet, Charente-Maritime
BREUILLET (17) - Located 10 minutes from the Grande Côte, in the heart of Breuillet where all amenities are within walking distance, this property comprising two houses with outbuildings offers the ideal…
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€155,150 incl. fees
House for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Brie-sous-Archiac, Charente-Maritime
Between Barbezieux and Jonzac (17) - This beautiful, secluded property, surrounded by a splendid park, offers a privileged setting for a family. Built on 4,957 m2 of land, it offers 130 m2 of living space…
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€262,500 incl. fees
Apartment for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, Charente-Maritime
SAINT-GEORGES-DE-DIDONNE (17) - Prime location On the ground floor of a secure residence, this 68 sq m (732 sq ft) apartment offers immediate access to the beach of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne.It is just…
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ROYAN (17) - A few steps from the Grande Conche beach, on the second line, in a quiet area close to services. This sleeping beauty from the late 19th century with English influences requires major renovation…
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LA PALMYRE (17) - Located in the heart of town, this ground-floor apartment offers 42 sq m of living space. A bright living room with an open-plan kitchen opens onto a partially covered terrace and a…
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€378,000 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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€275,600 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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€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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€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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€760,000 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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€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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€445,200 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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€1,195,000 incl. fees
Countryside house for Sale in Nouvelle Aquitaine
Mortagne-sur-Gironde, Charente-Maritime
View over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde Estuary, a stone's throw from a marina, this exceptional property completely restored in 2005 (of 750m2 hab.with 6 bedrooms) was once a 'Domaine de meunier'.It…
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