Living in Charente

Choosing to live in Charente, between Angoulême, La Rochefoucauld and Confolens, does not mean cutting yourself off from the world. It means rediscovering a balance that has become rare: unspoilt nature, an affordable cost of living, local amenities, modern infrastructure and major cities within easy reach. Every year, this region attracts families, entrepreneurs, remote workers, self-employed professionals and retired people from all over France and abroad.

Work from here, without compromise

Working from home has changed the way people choose where to live. Fibre-optic broadband is now widely available across the region: the vast majority of towns and villages in Eastern Charente have access to superfast broadband. Video conferencing, business management and digital services all run smoothly.

In areas where fibre has not yet been rolled out, fixed 4G/5G and next-generation satellite services provide a reliable alternative for most uses.

Schools on a human scale

The area has a comprehensive network of schools, from nursery to sixth form. The main towns and villages are home to state and private schools, lower secondary schools, and general, technical and vocational upper secondary schools, as well as several special needs schools.

In Limoges and Angoulême, the range of opportunities is expanding, with recognised higher education programmes, specialist colleges and a vibrant student life.

For many families, having their home, school and activities close by changes their daily lives: less time spent travelling, more time spent together.

Local healthcare services

General practitioners, pharmacies, nursing practices, physiotherapists, dentists, diagnostic laboratories, multidisciplinary health centres and medical and social care facilities are spread throughout the region.

Angoulême General Hospital serves as the referral centre for much of the Charente region, with a branch hospital in Confolens.

For highly specialised care, the university hospitals in Limoges, Bordeaux and Poitiers – which are among the largest in the south-west – remain within easy reach. A rural lifestyle therefore does not preclude access to high-quality medical care.

Shops you can rely on every day

The main towns have all the essential shops:

• supermarkets and food shops
• bakeries, butchers and farmers’ markets
• pharmacies
• banks
• craftsmen and car repair shops
• restaurants and cafés
• administrative services

In addition, there are numerous local producers who favour short supply chains and weekly markets. For more specific requirements, Angoulême offers a full range of national retail chains, whilst Limoges and Bordeaux round off the offering with their large urban centres.

Simple and efficient transport

Eastern Charente enjoys a prime geographical location. Angoulême is connected to Paris by TGV in under two hours, making it just as easy to travel for business as it is to enjoy a weekend break.

The main roads provide quick access to Limoges, Poitiers, Bordeaux, Périgueux and the Atlantic coast. Limoges and Bordeaux airports offer domestic and international flights.

For many working people, this makes it possible to enjoy a peaceful life whilst continuing to work on a national or international scale.

A rich cultural life at your fingertips

Living in Eastern Charente means enjoying a wide range of cultural activities without the constraints of a major city.

Angoulême offers a rich programme of events throughout the year: international festivals, theatres, cinemas, museums, media libraries and exhibitions. Less than two hours away, Limoges boasts its opera house, museums and performance venues. Bordeaux rounds off the picture with its major cultural venues, concerts, major exhibitions and internationally renowned events.

Peace and quiet in everyday life, and a cultural gem just a few hours away.

A naturally healthy environment

Quality of life begins with the quality of the environment. Here, nature is ever-present: forests, valleys, rivers, lakes and farmland ensure excellent air quality and a constant sense of space.

Visual and noise pollution remain minimal, traffic flows smoothly and traffic jams are virtually non-existent. The pace of life encourages you to rediscover a more peaceful balance.

Safety that is appreciated

The first thing new residents tend to mention is almost always the sense of tranquillity. Neighbourly relations, community life and the close-knit nature of the local community foster a climate of trust.

Whilst not claiming that there are no incidents whatsoever, the area offers a quality of life sought after by families and pensioners alike: greater peace of mind, less stressful journeys, and an environment conducive to personal fulfilment.

A vibrant community life

The towns and villages of Eastern Charente boast a particularly vibrant community life. Whether it’s sport, music, theatre, heritage, walking, hunting, fishing, culture, community work or activities for children, everyone quickly finds their place and forges new bonds.

For those arriving from another region or country, this local way of life is often the best way to settle in.

Everyday luxury

Living here isn’t about giving things up. It’s about gaining. Gaining time by cutting down on journeys. Gaining space for your family. Gaining a more comfortable lifestyle.

Rediscover the joy of a garden, a walk in the woods, a farmers’ market, a starry sky or dinner with friends, without the hassles of big cities.

And whenever you fancy attending a major concert, visiting an international exhibition, going to a specialist medical appointment or going on a trip, Angoulême, Limoges and Bordeaux are all within easy reach.

It is this balance – which has become a rarity – that is now attracting a new generation of residents. Perhaps you will be next.