Imagine leaving behind a grey morning in England and, a short flight later, finding yourself among the sun-drenched vineyards of south west France. Tucked away in the Charente Maritime countryside, Chatenet Holiday Gîtes provides an inviting base for photographers looking to explore one of France’s most picturesque and varied regions. Here, quiet country lanes wind through fields of sunflowers and historic villages punctuate the rolling landscape, while birdsong and the scent of freshly baked pastries from the local boulangerie fill the air.
The business is owned by Craig and Leila, who were both born and raised in Bournemouth. After spending many years imagining a slower life in France, they finally made the move in late 2020. Having celebrated 25 years of marriage and with their children beginning to make their own way in life, the couple decided it was time to turn their long held dream into reality.
They had already fallen in love with the area, not only for its natural beauty, but for its relaxed pace, food, wine and unspoilt countryside. Before long, they decided to share that experience with others and opened Chatenet Holiday Gîtes.
Surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the Seugne Valley, the complex includes two spacious cottages accommodating up to six guests each, as well as a romantic two person gîte with its own sauna and hot tub. Photographers can visit as a couple, with family or as part of a group of friends, while the entire complex can also be booked for a larger group stay.
Each cottage provides the freedom and flexibility of self catering accommodation, allowing guests to plan their days around the weather and the best light. Early risers can head out to photograph the surrounding countryside, while evenings can be spent watching the changing light sweep across the vineyards before returning to relax beside the pool.
The immediate area offers plenty of inspiration without the need to travel far. Photographers can explore peaceful walks immersed in nature, visit family-run vineyards and small rural communities, capturing everything from wide landscapes and seasonal details to local architecture and everyday French life. The nearby market town of Chevanceaux is just four miles away, while Montendre, approximately six miles from the gîtes, offers a château, lake and lively Thursday market. Jonzac is around 13 miles away and provides a wider selection of restaurants, streets, markets and architectural details to explore.
Those willing to venture a little further will find an impressive variety of photographic opportunities. Blaye, around 24 miles away, is home to a vast UNESCO listed citadel overlooking the Gironde Estuary. Its ramparts, underground passages and sweeping riverside views make it a fascinating location for architectural, landscape and travel photography.
Cognac lies approximately 32 miles away, while the medieval streets, vineyards and historic architecture of Saint Émilion can be reached in around an hour. Bordeaux is also close enough for a full day of street, architectural and night photography, with highlights including its grand neoclassical buildings, riverside reflections and atmospheric old quarters, while Bergerac, just 90 minutes away, also makes an ideal day trip, with fewer crowds and a quieter ambience, plus both are fantastic options to fly into from the UK.
In the opposite direction, the sandy beaches around Royan offer a change of scenery, with the Atlantic coastline providing opportunities to photograph seascapes, harbours and sweeping skies.
One of the great advantages of Chatenet’s location is that it feels removed from the busiest tourist routes while remaining well placed for exploring the wider region. The N10 is only a few miles away, providing easy access to market towns, vineyards, coastal locations, historic villages and cities.
Craig and Leila are also happy to share recommendations based on guests’ interests, helping photographers find locations that suit the subjects they most enjoy capturing. Airport collections and accompanied outings may also be arranged in advance, subject to availability and an additional charge.
The area changes noticeably throughout the year, giving photographers a different experience in every season. Spring brings blossom, fresh green vines and quieter locations, while summer fills the landscape with sunlight, sunflowers and long evenings outdoors. Local villages host concerts, day and night markets, and vineyard events throughout the warmer months.
Autumn brings the grape harvest, changing colours and a busier rhythm to the vineyards, creating opportunities to document one of the most important times in the region’s calendar. Even winter has its own quiet appeal, with crisp wintry walks, softer light and far fewer visitors at many of the area’s best known locations.
Wine is an important part of life at Chatenet. The gîtes sit between three of the world’s most celebrated wine destinations, Cognac, Bordeaux and Saint Émilion, with vineyards surrounding the property and many local producers offering tastings throughout the year.
After moving to France, Craig and Leila completed the demanding two year WSET Diploma in Wine in Bordeaux. The qualification included extensive study and blind tastings of wines from around the world, giving them the knowledge and confidence to introduce guests to the wines of their new home.
They have since opened a licensed tasting room at Chatenet, complete with comfortable seating, air conditioning, an overhead projector and a temperature controlled cellar. Guests can take part in guided tastings, learn more about the region’s producers and discover bottles they may not otherwise encounter. On quieter evenings, the room can also be used to enjoy a film or watch a sporting event.
What once felt like a distant dream has now become their everyday life. Through Chatenet Holiday Gîtes, they can share the landscape, culture and slower pace that first drew them to the region. For photographers searching for somewhere peaceful to stay, rich in subjects and within easy reach of vineyards, markets, medieval streets, historic cities and the Atlantic coast, Chatenet makes a wonderfully versatile base. Whether the aim is to fill a portfolio, develop a personal project or simply enjoy exploring France with a camera, inspiration can be found in almost every direction.
Find out more at: www.chatenetholidaygites.net
*Airport collections and accompanied outings are available at an additional charge and must be agreed in advance. All arrangements are subject to availability.*
