Secret Charentes: Immersion In The Expertise That Makes The Region Thrive
Between the ocean and vineyards, the Charentes reveal a living heritage where wood, leather, glass... and even gin are still crafted! Join us for a 100% authentic getaway, meeting creators who have the Midas touch.
The Charentes: a region where the art of living is crafted on a daily basis.
Need a big breath of fresh air, authentic encounters, and tasty delights on your plate? Head to the Charentes! Here, 2,000 hours of sunshine a year (almost as much as the French Riviera) set the pace: we take our time and cultivate the art of living well. According to the Regional Tourism Committee, more than one in three travelers now comes to "live a local experience." That's fortunate: with cutting-edge distilleries, artisan workshops, and committed farms, the area is brimming with gems to explore... and savor!
Jaja House: Angoulême Distills Its Creative Spirit
On the banks of the Charente, in a neighborhood undergoing a complete transformation, Maison Jaja is getting ready to make your evenings sparkle. Spanning 700 m², a gleaming still stands like a work of art. Aurélien, co-founder of La Débauche brewery, has taken on a new challenge: to master distillation as he has tamed hops. The result? An aromatic gin and a whisky promising notes of local grains.
- Pure tastings or in creative cocktails,
- locavore cuisine orchestrated by a chef with a starred background,
- a large sunny courtyard for chilling by the river.
High Saintonge: The Ateliers de la Corderie, a laboratory of tactile emotions
In the ancient ropeworks of Jonzac, eight artisans have breathed new life into the stone walls. Stained glass, leather, mosaic, basketry, marquetry, pottery, wax, and blown glass... Here, one touches, tests, and creates. In 2024, nearly 1,200 visitors came through the doors for an introductory course (figures from the Tourist Office). For two hours or a whole day, you leave with your own creation, and the pride that comes with it! A nice snub to artificial intelligence: here's to the intelligence of the hands.
Aunis Marais Poitevin: Local Counter® restores the flavor of traditions.
Heading northwest, between gentle marshes and groves. The Local Counter® acts as a matchmaker between curious individuals and passionate producers:
- November 20: marquetry workshop with Marion Dieumegard (La Belette) to create a unique bookmark (€44),
- October 29: a dive into the making of a butter pat at the Bois des Moines Farm (€60 per adult, gourmet basket included).
After churning it yourself, you'll never look at your morning toast the same way again!
Destination Cognac: Barrels, Balsamic & Extra-Large Expertise
Cognac needs no introduction, but are you familiar with the behind the scenes? At Bassac, the Tonnellerie 109 opens its doors (8 euros per visit): smell the scent of heated oak, listen to the hoops echoing, admire the precise movements of Jean-Baptiste Chenu as he repairs a barrel. A few kilometers further, in Bouteville, the eponymous Baume produces balsamic condiments aged in former Cognac barrels. Three types of tours (ranging from 5.50 euros to 24 euros) to understand why 95% of aromas are born in the wood. A tip for foodies: it's a treasure to twist lentils, cheeses, or even chocolate desserts.
Vals de Saintonge: creative tourism has found its setting
In Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente, labeled as a "City & Crafts of Art", each alley hides a workshop. During an afternoon, one can become a potter, a cutler, or a painter. In the evening, one sits down at the brand new restaurant "Le Temple", set up in a former place of worship, as its name suggests. On the menu: seasonal products + short supply chains = reduced carbon footprint. According to ADEME, eating locally can cut food transport emissions in half. In other words, indulging here also means taking care of the planet.
Why are these skills increasingly captivating travelers?
The World Tourism Organization estimates that 54% of visitors are now looking for an "immersive experience". In France, the arts and crafts sector brings together 60,000 businesses and is worth 8 billion euros. The Charentes region is riding this wave: accessibility (Paris, Angoulême in 1 hour and 42 minutes by TGV), diversity of landscapes, and especially human encounters that leave a mark. It's no surprise that the region has a satisfaction rate of 94% (CRT survey 2023).
Practical information: prepare your getaway with peace of mind.
When to go? Autumn still offers 18°C during the day and golden colors on the vineyards.
How to get there? Take the TGV to Angoulême or Surgères, then rent a car or take regional buses.
Where to stay? From a guest room in an old wine storehouse (from €85 per night) to a boutique design hotel in the city center.
Reservations: remember to book your workshops online, as groups are limited to 6-10 people to maintain an intimate atmosphere.
Nota Bene: What is "intelligence of the hands"?
We speak of "intelligence of the hands" to describe this intuitive knowledge of materials and movements. Hammering, shaping, feeling the right temperature of glass or the flexibility of leather: knowledge often passed down in hushed tones, from generation to generation. In an ultra-digital world, these manual skills become a heritage to preserve and a source of inspiration for all of us.
In short: the Charentes, a playground for the curious
From the Angoulême still to the Cognac barrels, through the workshops of Haute-Saintonge, the Charentes are as much an experience as they are a destination. You learn, you taste, you create, and above all, you leave with memories that don't fit in a suitcase. So, ready to book your next weekend?
