Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less) Hen or stag parties Corporate bookings House-swap
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car advised Nearest amenities: 0.4 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
We have a total of 5 apartements available from a 4 bedrooms on the first floor to a 2 bedrooms on the main floor.
Paradisiac South exposure!You will enjoy the sun rise , the sun set and the moon light overlooking the estuarie of gironde. This property is unique in France offering also a private grotte (cave) for sun bath, pic nic or fishing from the cliff with our private carrelet .( local fishing proccess )The Condo is design to highlight the historical point of the property mixed kindly with all modern amenities and decorate with Taste.You are just a 1/4 mile away from a public beach but very secluded, also 1/4 mile from the fresh open market, grocery store, dontown,and the local port where you will find a night life, restaurants, bars,etc... Meschers is one of the most best keep secrets of the south west of France with paysage very comparable at Carmel and Monterey CA.With of course the history and original culture of the area.Acrros the estuarie you will find all the most prestigious vineyard of Bordeaux Chateaux Margaux, Laffite Rotchild etc than you can join by road or take the ferry from Royan .In the opposite direction you will discover the vineyard of Cognac
Sunset from the terrass appt # 1
Living room appt # 2
The beach nearby plage des nones
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/15032
The Poitou-Charentes / Vendee / Charente Maritime region
Under the Sea
Above the sea and the fresh water, clouds rise up mirroring upon the surface from where they came, strange colors, light greens, pinks and purples. Fantastic creations that you see for only a moment and then regret their passing, decorations forming bizarre monuments, fantastic archways, sublime bridges, sometimes arches of triumph, the door of the ocean
Ocean and Gironde
Voluptuous embrace or passionate struggle, whichever, the ocean and Gironde will live for all eternity completely intertwined, constantly modifying the bed and the banks of the estuary.
The rythmic pulse of the tide makes itself felt far outside the limits of the estuary, laying down it's deposits, especially towards Mortagne on the rightland side of the river, towards Talais on the left hand side of the river. Obriously, the force between the ocean and the river in not equal. The volume of water that a fresh-water tide moves at the entrance to the Gironde is estimated at 1 billion 800 million m³ whereas the Garonne only unloads 30 million m³ of water. Strong currents are born in these tides, creating medial mayers, under water deltas from the Gironde, forming a semi-circular bar which is the outlet of the estuary.
the XIXth century, the large coaves of sand continuously moved by the wind were immobilized. Thousand of pine trees and holm oaks were planted. This is how the whole of the wild coast was born, the national forest of Courbre. 8000 hectares where stags, deer and wild boar live in the thick undergrowth which is crossed by only a few forest paths.
View points are not lacking : here is the highest, at the top of the 300 steps belonging to the lighthouse, one of the strongest on the Atlantic coast. There is a magnificent view from every angle.
Between the headland of Courbre and Royan, the beaches, of Palmyre, of Grand-Côte - and the first bays - Nauzan, Pontaillac, are open to the ocean waves. After Royan, from the Grande Conche, the shore borders the Gironde. The calcareous cliffs, with the many caves like at Meschers, which are indented with little bays carpeted with sand : known as baylets. On the top of the cliffs, the holm oaks fight against the wind and man.
All along the coast, there is a fragile equilibrium between marine and land waters, the rocks undergoing erosion, the earth beaten by the tides and the currents. Countryside, flora and fauna are at the mercy of man's development. To protect these sites, in 1976 the Conservatoire de l'Espace littoral et des Rivages Lacustres (The protective of coasts and lakeside shores) was created, installed in the old royal rope factory in Rochefort.
Royan Citadelle of the Gironde
This phoenix town has risen from its own ashes twice in a millennium. History has given Royan two very important roles to play. At the beginning of the 11th century, and for nearly eight hundred years, Royan was the stronghold to the Gironde, a bitterly disputed citadel because of its strategic location. During the 19th century, its lovely beaches, coves, and pine forests transformed Royan into an outstanding seaside resort.
From then until now it has been the capital of the "coast of beauty".
The Santons, a Celtic people, settled in this land, which was later called "Saintonge", in the 4th century B.C. The Santons welcomed the Romans who came to protect their country from the barbarians. Six years later, however, they had a burst of patriotism and answered the call of Vercingétorix.
Four centuries of peace enabled the region to develop. The Gallo-Romans created salt marshes and cultivated oysters along the Gironde and the mouth of the Seudre. They founded Médiolanum, later called Saintes, the capital of Saintonge. In the 12th century, with Aliénor d'Aquitaine, the Saintonge region including Royan, came under English rule and did not become French again until 1451. A century later, in 1562, religious wars invaded the peninsula. Royan's possession of the fortress was essential for the control of the Gironde. Thus the town was sometimes Huguenot, sometimes Catholic.
During the 18th century, Royan found peace again. Under the first empire, Royan became the convalescence centre for Napoleon's army.
seaside resort with everything you could want to have a good time. A fashionable beach, two casinos featuring great shows, a park with shady paths lined with lovely villas!
Wawes and Bathing were in Fashion
It was seaside tourism which made Royan a real town. The first bathers to launch the resort came from Bordeaux, the wine aristocracy, the upper middle class who went back up the Gironde by boat every week...
In 1826, nearly all the street were pawed. The number of stone house increased. In 1843 the civil society of bathing of Royan proposed "cold baths in waves on the beach by the sea, and warm sea water and fresh water baths inside the building." On the eve of the Second Empire, ballrooms, parties, concerts and other entertainment brought new distractions to the holidaymakers. Under the Second Empire the gas lampsburned and the candelabras illuminated the boulevards. In Pontaillac, dominated by the beach, the Gulf Hotel is a true palace. Already, the first regattas entertained the Grande Conche. Three unmissable moments punctuated the day of the perfect Royan tourist : the afternoon swim, the café des bains in the early evening and the casino later on ! Affluent people. The boulevards were widened, a golf course was opened, first 9 holes then 18... Even a flying club was opened ! From 1936, paid holidays animated the Grande Conche. But Royan remained the meeting place for all of Paris. Sacha Guitry, Emile Zola, Picasso, and many other artists made the fame of this seaside resort go way beyond our boundaries.
Seaside architecture is a completely separate architectural style which was born at the end of the XIXth century and which resulted in even more fantastic villas until the eve of the Second World War. Royan offered a remarkable range of this architecture where the extravagance and fantasy of the architects were freely expressed. Each villa is a world in itself, sometimes inspired from local characteristics, sometimes from the style of english cottages, sometimes from the size and adornments of neogothic chateaux, sometimes from the exotic styles of an oriental opera....one single basic principle for everything : to have an unlimited sightedunbeatable originality : elegant stones, seaside style and imposing neogothic mansions, temples of the idle society and the gentle lifestyle of the atlantic coast.
Beaches and Water sports
Beaches, coves and bays have made Royan and its surroundings a paradise with a record amount of sunshine. All kinds of sailing is practiced at the marina, between the waters of the Gironde and the Atlantic. Sailing or motor boats, Gironde or sea, Cordouan or the Perthuis, let yourself be guided. You just have to make the choice according to the weather and the tides. Tthe sailing territory of Royan is the only one in France to accumulate so many associated sites. A formula comparable to the affliation of valleys and ski lifts at ski resorts.
A important natural reserve for marine life, the wild estuary of the Gironde provides good catches for professional fishermen who can also fish in the sea: 1100 tons of fish of quality species are unloaded every year at Royan, a good third of them are sole.
It's hard to choose between the lovely chain of long beaches and discrete bays cut into the rocks with so many varied expositions to the sun. There are lively beaches where you can play many sports and meet other people as well as calm and private coves. The gentle slopes of the beaches at Royan seen to have been designed for the pleasure of bathers and children. Royan is the sunshine champion of the Atlantic coast with 2,400 glistening hours per year.
The quality of the fine sand plays an important part in this group of beautiful beaches making Royan and its surroundings a real beach lover's paradise.
The Grande Conche is a sandy beach 2650 m long facing directly south, something which is very rare on the Atlantic Coast. This exceptional exposure adds to the assets of a natural harbour protected from the dominating winds by a providential geographical location. Without mentioning the gentle climate
At the top of the Atlantic coast's hit-parade of resorts blessed by the sun, Royan has many assets and charms. A business that's "afloat" with holiday makers and beach enthusiasts. Royan has a population of 22,000 in the winter which grows to about 80,000 in the high summer season. The Arvert Peninsula, welcomes nearly 450,000 holiday makers every year, with seasonal adjustments as they say. It is true that Charente-Maritime is the second most visited touristic region in France. Royan is proud of its Atlantic coast sunshine record, with some 2,400 hours of sunshine per year
The beach at Pontaillac was made fashionable by the Lacaze Family from Bordeaux, and has been frequented from the beginning by a worldly "high class" clientele. Nestled between ruggedly cliffs, the bay of Chay is the most intimate and one of the best beaches for families in Royan. The bay of Pigeonnier is also very calm. In the bathing season, pigeons fly around the cliffs.
The beaches from Saint-Georges to the Grande Côte as well as the unspoiled Côte Sauvage (the wild coast) are supervised by seasonal lifeguards from the Société Nautique de Sauvetage en Mer (The Nautical Lifesaving Society). There are more than 20 first aid posts along the coast.
A favoured port of call between La Rochelle and Arcachon, an anchored port in the heart of the city, well sheltered from the wind and the swell, directly open to the sea without any kind of lock. Royan has more than one asset in its seabag.
At the heart of the port of Royan, the new Nautical Space (1,200 m²) has an attractive architecture which pays tribute to the sea. Moorings and marine watch are there waiting for you. From the small sailing boat to the yacht, for children or confirmed skippers everything has been worked out for your satisfaction. (computerised reception, teaching room, qualified staff, all modern equipment) 3rd sailing harbour on the Atlantic coast with more than 1,000 docking rings. Royan has a harbour area of 3 ha allowing all types of sailing and navigation to be enjoyed in complete security. With the Nautical Space you can live with the open sea. Royan and you : a family atmosphere.
The regatta competitors who come to the Gironde are fine sailors, careful about currents, under currents and the turning of the tides.
Clearly separated from the area set aside for fishermen, the harbour has an area of three and a half hectares, accessible to all boats. Well sheltered, protected against storms and strong winds, the yachting harbour has specific advantages. Its surface area puts it in third place on the list of yachting harbours along the Atlantic coast. The harbour offers passing sailors the chance to berth in the heart of the town, with direct access to the shops and services provided by the city. A destination for coastal navigation, Royan has the particular characteristic of being able to offer departures into estuarine waters and also out to sea.
Light sailing - catamaran, sailing dinghy, beginners boat, windsurfing - surfing and body-boarding, canoeing, kayak, sea kiff, parascending, hydroplane, water-skiing, flying kites and sand-yachting. For the pleasure of sailing and gliding fans. Complete beginners welcome as well as future, not yet confirmed, enthusiasts.
An area for organised games
The programme of the "sailing centre", inspired by ski valleys and resorts which increased thier skiing areas by combining them, is the best that can be found in France. With six sites between Seudre and Gironde, there is an incredible choice : La Tremblade, Ronce-les-Bains, Les Mathes, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, Royan, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, Meschers and Mortagne-sur-Gironde. Together they form a vast space for leisure activities. During the summer at each of the sites, technical advisors in easily identified information points located in blue and white striped canvas tents, give information on weather conditions and excursions, help with equipment adjustments, and give technical advise regarding the rental of the right equipment suited to the individual and his or her level. First aid posts complete the picture, creating an environment where everyone can enjoy the beach and water in security and mutual respect.
Navigating the estuary
The countryside along the Gironde offers much variety, from the caves of Meschers to the beaches of the Côte de Beauté, from the lighthouse at Cordouan, whose silhouette dominates the mouth of the river, to the glistening coast on the other side, from the headland of Verdon to the Medoc coast.
Everyone spends midday at their own port or so the French saying goes. If you can't be at your own harbour, enjoy a stop over at Royan, a true port for the canal of the Midi. For the passers-by who are headed for the Mediterranean via the canal, Royan is also an important port of call.
Square Net Fishing
Before, during square net fishing it was just the nets that moved. You would go by boat to the place where there were fish. Then you would set up your hut. Be that as it may, this traditional fishing dates from at least two centuries ago, on the water and then from the coast , fishing from these huts on stilks that have such a pictures silhouette.
Laid on the sea bed, these square nets catch all the fish who swim above it, to get them out you need to throw them in the air, whilst they are all wriggling on this fine mesh trampoline. Square net fishing is an old fishing technique, a special kind of fishing that is only done between March and July on the open sea.
Today, some 660 square nets have been counted in the Charente-Maritime region. Only used for leisure fishing. the prawn from charente still need to fear these square nets, but they share this fear with mullets, plaice, soles and eels. These progressions towards the sea, wooden landing stages covered with huts are a part of the countryside. Even better, they belong to our patrimony.
The Royan fishermen of noble species use fishing and trawl nets in the sea and a variety of nets in the Gironde estuary. The fish are carefully looked after. They are put in covered tubs under cellophane film upon which ice is placed . This prevents the ice from being in direct contact with the fish.
The flotilla at Royan? 25 small fishing boats of less than 12 meters set off daily to fish inshore with trawler nets, pots or drift nets. They even fish for eels in the Gironde at the right season. The members of this league bring back conger and bass which are still alive, the little trawlers concentrate on small sole and shrimp. Trawlers and the pot boats catch cuttlefish, pot boats also catch prawns in their submerged traps. In the harbour, the pot boats are recognisable by their many poles on which pennants of all colours flutter. These pennants are used to locate the lobster pots in the sea
Meschers-sur-Gironde area
Sport and Leisure
Air, forests and sand provide a full inventory of sports and leisure activities. Sailing, sand yachting, regatta art and kite flying, golfing, leisure and sports fishing, squash or Basque pelota, diving…Pleasure rhymes with leisure in activities such as parachuting, gliding, riding in ultra light planes or flying miniature remote control planes…and let's not forget hiking, horseback riding and cycling.
The casino : Place your bets
Gambling is always a great temptation. Who can resist trying their luck at the slot machines ? The famous one-armed bandits don't scare anyone and are good fun for those with a taste for gambling in their blood. One hundred slot machines, blackjack, roulette and shows, we have it all. A haven for the resort's regular migrating night birds. After swimming, winning, or at least trying your luck.
Cap Royan : Discover the best of the sea
How can you refuse a seawater cure while relaxing in a dressing gown ? Let the sea give you its best. Set off immediately for Cap Royan between fine sand and blue sky, under the sun and the gentle pressure of saltwater. This is the only establishment created and managed by doctors. Cap Royan, institute of new generation seawater therapy, nestled between two crescent beaches on Fort du Chay Hill facing the sea and enjoying its benefits. The centre at Cap Royan is directed by a complete, dynamic and thoughtful medical team.
Golf and Tennis
The Golf de Royan is a truly exceptional course set in a unique landscape in the middle of a magnificent forest. You can play golf here without ever coming across a road or a house. The course attracts the best players.
In the heart of the Coubre forest, the eighteen holes and their fairways fit in well with the relief of the natural dunes, a rolling green cut into an ocean of pine trees...
The "Tennis Garden" is made up of sixteen courts with ocean views (fourteen are clay courts, three are indoors, and two have all-weather soft synthetic surfaces). There is a club-house as well as terraces with panoramic views. Training programmes with accommodations, group or individual lessons are also available
The Green Oyster County
There are many ways to follow the oyster road from Saujon to Ronce-les-Bains with stop overs in the oyster farming villages of the Seudre. On the little tourist train, by boat, by car and of course by bike, crossing oyster beds and marshes. Mornac-sur-Seudre, with it's covered markets from the 18th century, is one of the most beautiful fortified villages in France. Chaillavette, Chatreusac, the ports of green oyster country, are also ports of call where you can stroll around the colourful fishing huts breathing in the scent of the sea. The museum consecrated to the breeding and history of oysters is well worth seeing in Tremblade, the first oyster-farming port in France.
Meschers' Caves.
Meschers will seduce you with its white cliffs where the wind and the sea have hollowed out deep caves, its five beaches of fine sand in the hollows of the cozy bays, its fishing boats which make their up the Gironde and its market at the foot of the large square bell-tower of its 15th century church.
Cordouan the Oldest Lightouse in France
Cordouan ! The pride of the Gironde and the oldest lighthouse in France. Long ago, there was a rocky outcrop which linked the lighthouse to the Grave headland. Now the link is barely visible at low tide and Corduan's isolation adds to the magnifience of its architecture. For four hundred years, its light has shone 40 km out into the open sea. The Cordouan lighthouse and Notre Dame de Paris were the first two monuments to be classified as historical monuments in 1862 at the requested of Merimee.
A new town full of light
Facing the sea behind an arena of sand, the new town of Royan is bathed in sunlight. The unpretentious city was designed by a team of architects lead by Corbusier and inspired by the Modern movement and the Athens Charter. The urban architectural style was typical of the construction in the period after the war. An open air museum.
Zoo of The Palmyre
Nothing in common with a traditional zoo!
While so many other zoos provoke compassion for all the poor beasts deprived of their freedom, the Zoo de la Palmyre is a state-of-the-art zoological park whose 15 hectares provide a lovely spacious home for the animals in a remarkably well-kept natural site.
Talmont the Jewel,
Since the 11th century, the Saintonge region has been the home of Romanesque churches whose beauty reached their peak in the middle of the 12th century.
A kind of archaic simplicity is found in this squat but elegant architecture, which creates an intimate and welcoming ambiance. Even though each church has some unique feature on its facade or tower, they have similarities which give the impression that they come from the same family. The churches along the pilgrimage route to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle display the famous shell decoration.
How to get there
Fly to bordeaux, rent a car,take tollroad A6 north for 40 km until Mirambeau city . take the exit then for royan for about 35km then exit at meschers. you just arived but you also can go on mapy.fr .type the airport name the the addresse 61 bvd des falaises 17132 meschers et voila !
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Bordeaux: 120 km
Railway:
Royan: 9 km
Ferry:
Royan: 9 km
Activities near Meschers-sur-Gironde
Sports: Tennis in town Watersports Waterpark Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation A winter sun break Good nightlife City breaks Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
DVD player, Sea view
General:
Central heating, TV, Video player, CD player, Satellite TV
Sofabeds (1), Double beds (4), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 6, Sleeps maximum of 8
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Shared garden, Private garden, BBQ, Private fishing lake / river
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: Cathedral ceiling highlighting the wood bean and stone wall.Dramatic view diving in the ocean.Great sunrise and sunset....The property does not provide linen for bed, batheroom,or kitchen. Each bed are full size bed 140 cm large by 205 cm de long.standard sized.
Further details outdoors: Private grotte available for sun tanning fishing or pic nique.Carrelet available for fishing like the locals do with with the typic square net fishing..
Further details
All linen and bed linen are furnished. They must be wash and fully dry and set up as it was at departure. The apartment must be clean as well. If for any reason you do not want to do it we have a maid service for an extra 120 euros .
Conditions
30 % deposit upfront . full payment 90 day prior arrival w/ 500 euros deposit for incidentals refundable
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Medium season fall and spring
30 Sep 07
16 Nov 07
995£836
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0-
1 Week
Low season winter
16 Nov 07
21 Dec 07
750£630
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1 Week
low season
21 Dec 07
1 Jun 08
750£630
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1 Week
Peak season summer time
1 Jun 08
1 Oct 08
1690£1,420
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1 Week
31
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Payment must be done by electronic fund transfer , check ,or credit card.reservation are note secure until fund are available on our account. 20 % off in November and December except holidays !!!!
Guestbook
Absolutely fabulous location and facilities ! perfect for a honey moon with a sunset to die for.... Paul MN
Great time ,great people, great food, phenomenal properties and what a view !!! Felicia UK
Best keep secret of the south west of France you will fall in love with Meschers ... Eric Ger
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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Available
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Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/15032
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