MONTEMBOEUF IN THE CHARENTE is warm and sunny.

The Region of POITOU CHARENTES averages 2,300 hours of sunshine a year and is second only to the Mediterranean. It is set on a high temperature contour. Montemboeuf is located close to the highest point of the Charente at L'Arbre at 313 metres (around 1,000 ft) and so benefits from generally high pressure and good weather.

The winter is short. But because of its position the cottage at Montemboeuf does get ice and snow! This provides a very attractive setting with the open fields and trees all glistening against a backdrop of rising ground and azure sky. The indoor wood burning fire is most romantic.

Spring comes early. The abundant fruit and other garden trees when in blossom are a truly wonderful sight. March and April provide warm sunny days, but not the intense heat of later in the year. Summers are long and temperatures can reach well over 80 degrees at times during July and August, with the months of June and September only slightly below. Autumn is a lovely time and the fruit trees have an abundance of fruit which is gorgeous to eat.

Given this nice weather, you get used to living and eating outdoors in the sunshine. You can either do this on the terrace overlooking the pool with superb views beyond or in the cool of the shady garden with its fruit and other trees.

SPRING and AUTUMN BREAKS can be really enjoyable, whilst WINTER can be romantic and a great getaway.

Weather Today www.wofrance.fr

5 day forecast for Angouleme International Airport www.BBC.co.uk/Weather