My name is Louise Franklin, and I have been living in France since I graduated in 1994 from University College London ( First class BA Hons.) I work with a registered French Estate Agency and I know the Charente Maritime well. I have a wide range of houses including everything from restoration projects to châteaux.

I can help you with every aspect of your house hunting, from the initial purchase to settling in and even starting a business in France. Should you wish, I can put you in contact with experts who can give further advice regarding:

Being a Mum myself I can let you know about local schools and how to enroll your children.

I provide a complete, all round service so that buying a property in France is an exciting and pleasurable experience.

I aim to have a good choice of properties, but if you are looking for something specific I will also actively search for the perfect property.

SOUTHERN CHARENTE MARITIME.

This area really has it all. We have a micro-climate, qualifying as the 2 nd sunniest area of France. It is also very accessible, being only half an hour from Bordeaux and its international airport/TGV link. As far as the countryside is concerned, it is paradise. The landscape is rolling, and has a mixture of vines, forest and meadows. For fishing fans there are many rivers and lakes.

The local eating is wonderful, with a superb variety of restaurants serving local produce. Why not try oysters from La Rochelle or, if you are feeling adventurous, Charentais snails?! The fruit and vegetables here are also delicious. As for wine, the charentais wines are going up and up in quality, and we are surrounded by the world-famous châteaux which produce cognac. Don't forget to stop off and taste some...

The local towns and villages are well worth visiting. We are based in Montendre near Jonzac, a Roman spa town. It is full of atmosphere and is very picturesque. Slightly to the south are the villages of Montendre and Montguyon. Montendre has a big market on Thursdays, and also a “marché nocturne” on Tuesday evenings. The marché nocturne is brilliant; the village centre is filled with stalls selling food. You can buy whatever takes your fancy, and the whole village sits down at trestle tables, eats and parties. Great fun, and a fantastic way to make new friends. Montguyon boasts a huge folk festival in the summer, plus a medieval fête in its ancient château. Prepare to see an entire town dressed up in medieval garb, and knights charging around on horses!

For those wanting to start business, the local council and development society are absolutely fantastic about giving help and advice. There is a true support network, and entrepreneurs are made welcome.

The Charente Maritime has gorgeous rural scenery and an unspoilt Atlantic coastline. It's flora and fauna - rare orchids, genets, birdlife etc- will make it the perfect place for nature lovers. It is rich in ancient history, but has many projects, especially in the tourist industry, to prepare the area for the 21 st century.