Charente-Maritime

The Charente-Maritime department is located on the Atlantic coast in southwestern France, and its center is the beautiful port city of La Rochelle. With long sandy beaches, well-known islands (Île de Ré, Île d'Oléron), and an oyster-farming and fishing industry, it is a popular summer tourism destination for the French. Its economy combines coastal tourism, fishing, agriculture (including cognac grapes), and maritime industries. A mild, sunny climate (one of the sunniest areas on France's western coast), a moderate cost of living, and a high quality of life make it particularly attractive to retirees and families.

La Rochelle, Rochefort, Saintes

• La Rochelle Université - A coastal university focused on the environment, digital technology, and marine sciences.

La Rochelle is a relatively safe student and tourist city. Some areas near the harbor are busier, but overall it is safe.

The Yélo bus network in La Rochelle, TER and TGV trains to Bordeaux and Paris, and sea routes to the surrounding islands.