Chez Iris
Chambres d'Hôtes
17610 Chaniers - Charente Maritime - France
Chez Iris
Chambres d'Hôtes
11 impasse Pampanie,
chez Perineau
17610 Chaniers
France
Jean & Grahame Wood
0033 (0)5 46 93 38 71
In case of difficulty
09 64 37 08 40
06 82 78 73 60
siret : 508 869 6090 0018
The Charente Maritime has the warmest microclimate in France after the Cote d'Azur.
Chez Iris is situated at Chez Périneau in a cluster of 18 th century farm buildings 1 mile to the West of the commune of Chaniers on the ancient valley road between Cognac and Saintes. The house is above the flood plain of the Charente which flows a short distance from our doors. Sunflowers, vines, maize, and wheat dominate the beautiful rolling countryside, which unfolds to little stone canal tiled houses. Many of the elegant ancient churches date from the 11th century and are on the pilgrimage routes to Compostella.
Facilities
Chaniers centre has several shops, a bank, a medical centre and four restaurants. It has one of the few remaining river ferries, which is free. It takes 2 motor vehicles, bikes and foot passengers to Courcoury during the months of July and August. The delicious aperitif, Pineau de Charente, may be tasted and bought at many local vineyards.
Barrels of Cognac and gabarres full of salt were brought along the River Charente to Saintes where many rich Cognac merchants built magnificent houses which may still be seen lining the river.
On the opposite bank the 1st Century Roman Arch of Germanicus still stands. River trips are available and an excellent way to explore the area.
Saintes was the ancient capital of the Santones tribe and the chief town in Saintonge; there is a swimming pool, many restaurants, several art galleries and museums including a superb museum of archaeology and excellent shops around the pedestrianised centre
Although ancient, Saintes has a lively programme of activities and is twinned with seven towns worldwide. The beautiful 11th century Abbaye aux Dames is a musical centre of excellence and hosts the Summer University in July and various theatrical and musical festivals. Saintes currently holds the highest award for France in Bloom - 4 stars. This year's theme is Children's Games .
Region
Neolithic remains have been found just 5 miles away and now the Paléosite offers an interesting day out.
Cognac is only 12 miles to the East where there is a choice of 4 Cognac houses to visit their cellars, taste their products and learn about "the part of the angels".
The beaches of Royan, Marennes, Fouras (ferry to Ile d'Aix) and the isle of Oléron are all within an hour's easy travel. La Rochelle and the Isle of Ré are about 50 miles. All these coastal resorts offer much to the holiday maker; there are the salt pans of the Ile de Re, the Napoleon museum and views of Fort Boyard from Ile d'Aix. Delicious seafood such as mussels and Marennes oysters are available throughout Charente Maritime.
Bordeaux, 70 miles, offers all the facilities of a regional capital.
This is an excellent location for sight seeing, as an overnight stay, as a base for exploring by bike or house-hunting in the area.
We are open any time of the year for local events such as weddings and other family gatherings.
Very convenient for events at the Saintes Airfield (Armée de l'Air) - only 10 minutes away.
