Vacation Rental Description
“The Old Customs House” has an unforgettable view overlooking the mouth of the Gironde into the Atlantic Ocean.
This prominent 1930’s house is truly in an unforgettable magnificent panoramic position situated on the edge of the outstanding peninsula village of “Talmont sur Gironde”, classified as “One of France’s most beautiful villages”. You can watch and hear the tide rolling in and out from the kitchen, lounge, bedroom and of course outside on the balcony, terrace and in the garden. At high tide you are only meters away from the water. You really might feel as if you are on a ship on the sea. The house was built on the foundations of the former “Customs House”, therefore, giving title to its present name.
For your holiday pleasure we have just finished renovating a 3 bedroom apartment on the 1st floor with splendid views overlooking the water. We have used only quality products to provide the comfort and style this magnificent house deserves.
Inside you will find a large comfortable living room, fully equipped beautiful built in kitchen-dinning room, (dishwasher, convection oven, induction hob, coffee maker, microwave, electric kettle,and food processor) 2 double bedrooms, each with their own bathroom or shower room and separate WC, (linen and hairdryers provided) a spare bedroom can also be rented which sleeps 3,separate laundry room, as well as 2 separate entries on to the terrace and then down to the walled in garden, which is shared with us. French and English TV and DVD Player. There is private parking.
The apartment provides the perfect view for JUST watching. There are many species of wildlife who visit the nature reserve of the white cliffs and the bay just outside the windows and balcony. Watching the fishermen & leisure boats going in and out of the small port with the tide is just such a relaxing pleasure. You can buy fresh fish from Talmont’s fishermen, Tutu and his son Xavier, who will even beep their boat’s horn as they go by to let you know the catch of the day has arrived. Off the shores are also the typical regional fishing huts called “carelets” which add their own special charm.
Talmont’s streets are lined with holly hocks and flowers. There are lovely artist’s shops in the village and several restaurants from which to choose. You will want to have a nosy around more than once!!! Hikers will enjoy the endless walking paths of the area. The pilgrim’s way also passes along this coast line.
The village was originally founded by Edward I of England in 1284. The stunning church of St Ragegonde has the typical roman saintonage style dating back to the 12th century.
St Ragegonde is sitting on the edge of the cliff surrounded by the sea on one side and has its ancient marine cemetery covered with holly hocks on the other. Talmont has its own local history museum and tourist information center. English guided tours are available.
The countryside outside Talmont is filled with Charentaise vineyards whose wines are really starting to make a name for themselves. The regional food specialties are seafood, shellfish, oysters, goat’s cheese, various duck & pork pâtés and Charentaise melons. The nearest farmers markets are in Meshers, (everyday except Mondays in the summer) St George de Didonne, Cozes (Wednesdays) and Royan (except Mondays). The bakery in Arces, 4km away has an excellent selection of breads, pastry and pizza as well as a small shop for necessities. Meshers, 5 kms away, has all your local amenities, bakers, doctors. nurses, pharmacy, large grocery store, etc. In summer, the bakery truck visits Talmont every day and will take special orders.
Here you will all find a truly enjoyable relaxing vacation experience!!
Facilities
Cable Satellite
Cleaning Service
Cooking Utensils
Dishwasher
Dryer
DVD
Heating
Kitchen
Linen Service
Microwave
Amenity Parking
Refrigerator
Sterio
TV
Washer
Talmont is 16 km south of Royan, 10 km south of the gorgeous white beaches of St Georges de Didonne and just minutes from the fine sandy coves of Meshers.
The famous wines of the Medoc are just across the estuary.It is a fun day out crossing by boat from Blaye or Royan, to the Medoc to visit the castles,their wine caves and the large dunes and waves of the Bay of Biscay.You can also drive to Bordeaux(1-1/2 hour away). On the north side of Royan you have the “savage coast” with its forests and natural beaches. There you will find one of the finest zoos in Europe “La Palmyre”.
We are just a walk away from the archaeological ruins of FA, what is believed to have been the largest Roman port of France during the Roman empire.
The Roman town of Saintes (25 min drive) has been labelled as a “city of art and history” by the minister of culture. There are many types of activities there including boat trips on the Charente River.
Activities
Adventure Sports
Biking
Boating
Playground
Cinema
Fishing
Horse Riding
Kayaking
Night Clubs
Restaurant
Sailing
Shopping
Tennis
Theater
Theme park
Water Skiing
Water Sports
Zoo/Wildlife
Rochefort is 1 hour from Talmont and La Rochelle (with its airport connecting the UK and France) is 1 ½ hours north.
We are 20 min from the exit of the A10 highway.
July – August, per week, 1150€
May, June & September, school holidays, Christmas/ New Year per week, 750€
Other months, apt 1 bedroom only, 500€
Apt 2 bedroom, 600€
Supplement the 3rd bedroom : 150€ per week
Linen and 150 kw electricity per week included
Towel rental is available for a supplement.
Departure cleaning is not included in the rental price. Should you desire housekeeping services there is a supplement of 60 €
Cooking classes, guided hiking tours, personal chef, cleaner and personal driver are available upon request.
Travel Options
- Nearest Airport : La Rochelle & Bordeaux at 100 kilometers distance;
- Nearest Train Station : Royan at 15 kilometers distance
- Nearest Town : Meschers at 4 kilometers distance