The Gîtes are  situated in quiet countryside between the villages of Etaules and Les Mathes surrounded by rolling farmland, vineyards and sunflower fields, close to the local seaside resort of La Palmyre and Atlantic Beaches.   Etaules is traditional in its appearance and you can find all the usual amenities of a typical French village including boulangerie, charcuterie, fromagerie, pharmacy, post office and 2 small supermarkets. A market is held every Thursday. It can be reached in a couple of minutes by car. There is a small  Artisan Boulangerie within walking or cycling distance (500m).  Situated just around the corner from Les Lavandes are the vineyards of the local Pineau producer Jean-Jacques Monnerie where you can sample and buy this local aperitif. There is a large Champion supermarket in the next village (Arvert) which is a 5 minute drive from Les Lavandes.

A few miles to the west are the beautiful beaches at La Palmyre, La Grande Cote and La Cote Sauvage which are within cycling distance if you're feeling energetic, (on country lanes and cycle paths) or, less than 10 minutes by car where you will find ample free parking facilities. All the beaches are linked by cycle paths through the pine forests.

There are many small towns and villages to explore locally including La Palmyre with it’s zoo, marina and shops, Les Mathes, St Palais-sur-Mer, La Tremblade on the Seudre river and it’s oyster beds, Ronces Les Bains, Mornac-sur-Seudre (one of the most beautiful villages of France) and the large resort of Royan with it’s many shops, central market and evening street entertainment. 

THE CHARENTE MARITIME - PAY ROYANNAIS

With a weather pattern to rival the Cote d’Azur with almost 2,400 hours of annual sunshine, it’s the perfect place to holiday

The “Cote de Beaute” (coast of beauty) has 70km of shoreline alternating between fine sandy beaches and rocky coast.  Less than 10 mins drive to the west and southwest of Etaules are the wide sandy beaches of La Grande Cote, La Palmyre and La Cote Sauvage bordered by sand dunes and pine forests comprising of more than 10,000 hectares with well marked pedestrian paths and cycle tracks. The coastline is watched over by the Phare de la Coubre lighthouse more than 60m high with wonderful views of the surrounding area. From St Palais-sur-Mer to Mescher-sur-Gironde there are a number of small, sheltered sandy coves.

Facing the Atlantic ocean on the edge of the Saintonge region in the south of the Charente Maritime the Pays Royannais comprises as much water as it does land.  Situated between the estuaries of the Seudre and Gironde rivers, the region is blessed with an astonishing variety of landscapes.

To the north is the River Seudre which is home to the largest oyster farming area in Europe.  It's a fascinating fusion of land and water with oyster beds occupying the same grid pattern as the salt marshes once found here with tiny ports, a shoreline lined by brightly coloured huts and flat bottomed boats coming and going with the rhythm of the tides.

The Gironde estuary to the south is a natural conservation area and in contrast to the flat lands of the Seudre is characterised by gently rolling hills culminating in cliffs overlooking the river.  The agricultural land of crops and vineyards is the home of Pineau, the local aperitif, (cognac blended with grape juice) which is a  perfect accompaniment to the renowned local fish and seafood cuisine.  Winding roads twist and turn passing old windmills by fields of sunflowers catching glimpses of the estuary.