How La Grue Gites Helps You Find Your Dream French Home
Have you ever dreamed of swapping the hustle and bustle of UK life for peaceful countryside, better weather, and a more relaxed pace? Many of our guests at La Grue Gites have – and some go one step further. They turn their French holiday into a house-hunting mission.
Whether you’re casually considering a move or have already listed your home in the UK, staying with us offers a warm, supportive base while you search for your perfect property in the Charente.
A Real-Life Story: Jane and John’s House-Hunting Adventure
Take Jane and John (names changed for privacy), for example. They discovered La Grue Gites through a Facebook group and booked a one-week February break. Initially, it was just a winter holiday – time to explore and unwind.
During their stay, they enjoyed our recommendations on local towns, markets, scenic drives, and things to do. But by midweek, over coffee and croissants, they told us they were seriously considering relocating to the Charente. Their house in the UK was in a chain of sale, and they asked: Could we stay longer while we search for a home here?
They hadn’t realised La Grue Gites offered longer-term rentals – but we do! In fact, our gîtes are ideal for winter and spring stays, with proper insulation, heating, and all the comforts of home. We offered them a tailored quote, and they were delighted to discover that our monthly winter rental is roughly the same as our weekly peak-season rate (plus a little extra for heating).
A few weeks later, they returned for a 90-day stay – and by April, they had found and secured their new French home.
Questions Our House-Hunting Guests Ask
If you’re thinking about a similar move, here are some common questions we’ve been asked – and how we help:
🏠 Do you know any good Estate Agents?
Yes! We often connect guests with Veronica Callaghan at Leggett Immobilier, a fantastic local agent who’s lived here for 20 years. Veronica knows the local market inside out and has helped many of our guests find their ideal property.
Meet Veronica
📄 How do I understand property documents in French?
We recommend installing a translation app on your phone with camera mode to scan and translate. AI tools can also summarise or translate documents – a real help during the buying process.
🐾 Can we bring our dog?
Yes – we accept dogs in certain gîtes, subject to our pet policy. We know how important it is for your furry family members to be with you during a stressful move.
🧳 Can we store belongings with you if we need to return to the UK?
We’re happy to store small items like toiletries or essentials between visits. For larger storage needs, we can recommend local businesses with proper insurance and registration.
🛏️ Can we bring our own bedding and towels?
Absolutely. We also provide a spare set and offer a cleaning service to help keep your stay stress-free and comfortable.
📷 Can we see up-to-date photos before booking?
Yes – in fact, we insist on it! We always send current photos and videos so you know exactly what to expect, especially in the quieter seasons.
🪑 Should we ship our UK furniture?
Many guests ask this. Our advice? No – save your money. What works in a UK home often doesn’t suit a large French farmhouse. Instead, we recommend local brocantes, antique dealers, and second-hand shops. They’re full of bargains, full of character, and kinder to the planet.
🚗 Can you recommend car or health insurance providers?
Yes. We’ve built a list of English-speaking local contacts – from insurers to bankers – who can help you with everything from car cover to medical policies.
🏦 How do we open a French bank account?
You don’t need to rush into this until your property purchase is complete. We recommend either Britline (online banking for English speakers) or speaking to our local Credit Agricole adviser, who is brilliant with newcomers.
✉️ Can we set up a PO Box?
Visit our local La Poste, who can help you arrange this. Unfortunately, our gîtes can’t be used as a temporary postal address due to legal and insurance limitations.
⏰ Our sale has delayed – can we arrive late?
Yes, that’s no problem. Once your booking is confirmed and paid, the property is yours – no stress if your timeline shifts a little.
The Personal Touch: Why Guests Love Staying With Us
We’re not just a place to stay – we’re your local connection and support system.
Many of our guests fall in love with Aigre, our charming local town that feels more like a thriving village. We always recommend visiting on a Thursday morning – market day – for a truly French experience.
We also introduce guests to local producers and help them shop the French way. Think fresh vegetables, organic pasta, locally made cheese, and even award-winning local wines. Some of our favourites:
- Philippe Guedon – organic pasta & flours in Gourville
- Valérie & Marina Raffier – local cheese from their farm shop
- Mr Vilneau – IGP Charentais wines, five minutes away
- Aigre bakeries – always fresh and friendly (they remember you!)
Jane even asked for a list of local brocantes, and we gave her our favourites – one in Aigre, one here in Mons, and two excellent recycling shops.
Personal connections matter when you’re starting a new life. Moving to France is exciting – but also daunting. We help make it feel less overwhelming and more like coming home.
The Area: More Reasons to Love the Charente
Being just 30 minutes from Angoulême is a huge bonus. The city has a beautiful old quarter, great restaurants, a major hospital, and plenty of shopping – ideal for anyone renovating a new property.
And for weekend getaways? The stunning Atlantic coast is just 80 minutes away. We always recommend visiting Fouras – a fortified town with gorgeous beaches and amazing seafood.
Planning Your Own French Move?
Whether you’re at the dreaming stage or knee-deep in paperwork, we’re here to help. Stay for a week to explore, or book a longer rental while you house hunt. We offer more than just a roof over your head – we offer experience, support, and local know-how to make your dream of living in France a reality.
👉 Thinking of house hunting in the Charente? Get in touch and book your stay with us at La Grue Gites – your first step to French life starts here.