Chalais and Montmoreau are two market towns in the southern Charente, close to the Dordogne border and the Dronne valley. This guide explains where they are, what each town offers, what property types you find nearby, how to get there, and what to check before you make an offer. It describes the area; to see what is currently listed, browse Chalais and Montmoreau.
Quick answer: Chalais and Montmoreau are market towns in the southern Charente, about 15 km apart, in the Dronne valley corridor near the Dordogne border. Both have a weekly market and everyday services such as schools, medical facilities and a supermarket. Typical properties nearby are stone farmhouses, maisons de maître and rural houses. Bordeaux and Bergerac airports and the TGV at Angoulême serve the area.
Where Are Chalais and Montmoreau?
Both towns are in the southern Charente. Chalais is close to the Dordogne border and the Dronne valley. Montmoreau is a small market town about 15 km north of Chalais, in the same Dronne valley corridor.
Chalais and Montmoreau at a Glance
| Town | Services | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Chalais | Weekly market, medical facilities, schools, supermarkets | Bergerac Airport about 45 minutes; Bordeaux in under 1 hour 30 |
| Montmoreau | Weekly market, supermarket, schools, medical centre | Chalais station about 15 minutes; Angoulême TGV about 40 minutes; Bordeaux airport about 1 hour 20 |
Montmoreau's Romanesque church of Saint-Denis is a listed monument.
What Property Types Are Found Around Chalais and Montmoreau?
- Stone farmhouses and rural houses — see country houses and old stone properties
- Maisons de maître — see maisons de maître
- Village houses — see village houses
Our guide to maisons de maître in the Charente explains the type in detail.
How Do You Get to Chalais and Montmoreau?
Bergerac Airport is about 45 minutes from Chalais and Bordeaux is under 1 hour 30; Bordeaux airport is about 1 hour 20 from Montmoreau, and the TGV at Angoulême is about 40 minutes from Montmoreau. Flight routes and train timetables change, so check current services before you plan a visit. Our guide for UK buyers in the Charente covers the main routes.
What Should You Check Before Buying?
Check the seller's diagnostic reports, the condition of the building, drainage, boundaries and local planning rules. On an older stone property, ask for the full energy certificate. Your notaire can confirm legal points.
Where to Start
For a first look at what is listed at a set budget, see properties under €200,000. If you would like to talk through a property around Chalais or Montmoreau, get in touch — Town & Country Property France is happy to have a conversation without obligation.