La Garenne Saint Germain

In the heart of the countryside

Set within a mature park, landscaped in the mid-19th century and planted with majestic trees, Saint Germain is a countryside estate whose oldest buildings date back to the 18th century.
 

A place steeped in history

Built in 1793, the adjoining wine cellars date from the heyday of wine-making before the phylloxera epidemic.
The long design of the ‘longère’ buildings reflects their original purpose: storing barrels lengthways.
 

Each holiday cottage has its own character

The estate’s charming holiday cottages have been fully renovated with your comfort in mind. 

Moving through the estate from the entrance, you will first see ‘Le Pigeonnier’, a former dovecote where pigeons could roost.

Then you have the former stables – L’Écurie – once home to the estate’s draught horses, where you can also stay. You will also see the old bread oven, once used to bake bread for the family and the village.

At the centre of the building stands a small tower – La Petite Tour – known as ‘La Cuisine de Grand-Mère’ (Granny’s Kitchen). It was the heart and soul of the family home, was where our grandmother prepared festive family meals. There is a special energy in this room that leaves no one unmoved.

A third wing was added in the 19th century, completing the horseshoe-shaped layout typical of Charente country homes.
 

Where land meets sea

Rooted in four generations of Charentais rural life and a legacy of Norman shipwrights, it is a place where land and sea meet, both genealogically and geographically.

The estate and its owners reflect this philosophy. 

As the son, grandson and great-grandson of successive owners of the estate, I come from a family of Charentais farmers and Norman shipwrights.

After several years abroad and a career with international companies in business travel, hospitality and retail, I decided in 2020 — with a little help from Covid — to return to my home region and open “Saint Germain” to visitors.

My two brothers and I have brought together our complimentary experience in farming, food, gastronomy and business travel to create new experiences for our guests.

We set out to breathe new life into the estate through three key areas, centred on people and the environment:

• Healthy, varied, regenerative farming practices that respect the local environment and landscape.
• Accommodation that offers private guests and businesses an immersive experience in unspoilt, restorative surroundings.
• Simple, enjoyable food that celebrates local produce.

I offer a warm, family atmosphere centred on people – a place where you can be well looked after, share good times, reconnect and recharge.
 
You will receive a warm reception at La Garenne Saint Germain, where you will feel right at home.
 
See you soon!

William ROUSSEAU
Manager

Enjoy a peaceful retreat in an exceptional setting: a four-hectare park with its own small lake, in the open Charente countryside.

Stay in a holiday cottage or guest room in a charming, renovated 19th-century house, ideal for a family holiday, a romantic weekend away or a business trip in Charente-Maritime.

La Garenne Saint-Germain offers quick and easy access to the region’s most popular destinations, including:

• La Rochelle: 30 min
• Niort: 40 min
• Rochefort: 20 min
• Surgères: 5 min

Within easy reach of the estate, you will find plenty to do, with walking and cycling trails, fishing, golf and a treetop adventure park, as well as an equestrian centre just 300 metres away.

Just a short stroll from the estate, La Ferme Saint Germain is a fourth-generation farm that has been practising organic farming for the past 25 years. It sells its produce directly to the public outside Mathilde’s bakery, where sourdough bread is baked in a traditional wood-fired oven three times a week.

The holiday cottages at La Garenne Saint Germain have been officially awarded a 3-star rating by Charentes Tourisme, recognising the quality, comfort and facilities they offer.