Help----My OH has now decided she wants to live in Charente Maritime,an area about which I know little. Where are the best places to live and (of course) where to avoid?
What is the area like generally? Thanks in advance.

Mmmmmm Does nobody live in 17land?

Ive never heard of it .... where is it?

I once saw visited - a place called Grosbout near Ruffec?
You know it?
Want to discuss?

If not then some good archaeology sites there.

Just sending love xxxx

Oh well, Ruffec is in 16land it seems
Still happy to discuss it if you want?
It's so quiet on this board at times

Yes Tres,,it is 16land
Dont know 17land sorry Jorgi

I worked in Charente Maritime earlier this year. It's OK, though I personally prefer the countryside to coastal areas so wouldn't choose Dept 17. I worked near La Palmyre which is kind of nice, though does get a bit dead in the winter months. The Savage Coast is very spectacular with some lovely walks along the rocky coastline. If you like cycling there's some pretty good cycling routes too.

My bugbear with the area was that everything shuts between September and March and finding even a restaurant open in mid-winter is almost impossible.

Hi Tres, Thanks for your reply. 16land is my choice. OH wants to be nearer to "the sea". Some work to be done by me to persuade said lady. We are going barmy just now trying to nail our buyers to the floor. Friday was supposed to be exchange day but it seems to have slipped. We have a temporary rental here to see us over the holiday period before we come to France househunting. My navigation may not be too good (sic). Tell us about Ruffec. Jorgi

Thanks for your reply. I think I agree with you. Its OH who needs leaning on (but I do have to keep her happy) Jorgi

Would you like us to post some really bad things about 17land so that you can use this as evidence? For example I have heard it has bad breath and a tendency to eat with its mouth open.

Where would you like to be going Jorgi?

My choice -Charente or (whisper) non touristy part of Lot et Garonne. Somewhere sans tourists where I can always get into a favourite bar or restaurant, where one lives an ordinary life in a nice property in a nice village. Boring?
Jorgi.

Not at all. The non-touristy bits of Lot et Garonne are nice.
I loved it around Condom as well (sorry but it is true ) a bit south of there.

So do I

Sorry folks...a brash Aussie out of here now

Is that where you were then?