BEAUMONT, as its name suggests, is situated on a rise in the land which overlooks the coastal plane of the Atlantic seabord with its landscape of winding rivers, sunflower fields and oyster beds.

The climate of the Charente Maritime ensures that the region is in the top league for hours of sunshine while not suffering from the extremes of temperature found in inland areas.

There is plenty to see and do, with historic towns, like La Rochelle and Saintes, or lively seaside resorts such as Royan all within about half an hour's drive. Rochefort (15 mins.) is the nearest large town with a superb morning market, good shops, museums and historic buildings. Smaller towns, for example the citadel of Brouage, as well as fascinating chateaux and the glorious beaches of the Côte Sauvage and the I'le d'Oleron are just as near. In fact, our nearest beach is only about 6km away. The area is a centre for bird watching with several reserves within easy reach (for further details, see below)

Restaurants mainly specialise in seafood (the area provides much of France with mussels and oysters) but there is always a choice, even on modest fixed-price menus which offer amazing value in the restaurants in the surrounding villages. Our nearest village, St. Agnant, is under 5 minutes away and has a good supermarket which also provides excellent take-away meals.