Why we love RURAL FRANCE | How to renovate an abandoned house | French lifestyle

Join our medieval tour in the French countryside in Charente! See the beautiful rural France with old stone house villages, medieval churches, abbeys and even the mystic 1000-year-old cemetery. Sit back, enjoy the gorgeous views, breath-taking music and join our search for the templar knights!
We are Robert and Jyrki - two artists living in Helsinki, Finland. With no renovation experience, but lots of enthusiasm and passion we take on the big challenge of renovating a property abroad. Get inspired by the French lifestyle in beautiful South West of France!
Follow us also on our Instagram @charenteliving
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Ambience by Megan Wofford
Air on the G String by Johannes Bornlöf (composer Bach)
Aeturnum by Christoffer Moe Ditlevesen
Solo flute piece En Bateau, Claude Debussy
#france #oldhouse #diy #charente #renovation #frenchhouse #medievaldynasty #middleages #rural #countryside #farmlife #churches #castle

[@francoisleyrat8659]

Hello guys ! As a local, I must admit I have a bit of admiration (and bewilderment ) for foreigners willing to leave for some time the comforts of their home countries to experience life in the (empty) French villages and in a long- neglected old house. I like your interest for history and architecture, which I know fairly well (I was born in nearby Dordogne, so the architecture, material colours are somewhat familiar to me). Indeed your vlog is like no other. Wishing you the best and happy discoveries to the two of you during your time in France!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks for the lovely comment Francois. We love the French culture and we are so thankful that we have been warmly welcomed there. We come from already rich cultural backgrounds so we love getting to experience another one.

[@denniscampeau6577]

Absolutely charming video with beautiful music, keep it coming!

[@Sushi2735]

I have to catch my breath! Your beautiful music has given me chill bumps. I have never been to the South of France. Unfortunately my closest friend and her husbands French home was right on the Brittany coast. I spent all my time in Brittany and Normandy, as I was well studied in WWII history. But my passion is old old church stones. I have driven everyone crazy with my desire to see every church and cathedral within a days dive of the coast. And I have seen and laid hands on too may to count over the years in Brittany and Normandy, and of course Paris. But I am a country mouse who enjoys the city in measured doses. The small town and their churches are fascinating and even very cold in July. We have toured Abby’s, cathedrals, convents, and small town churches. I can put my hands on the stones and actually feel the vibrations of the centuries. The presence of the stone masons and the men that quarried the rock can be felt. I have laid hands everywhere including Paris, and it’s always there. A soft din of time, that renews my soul. My friends and loved ones know I’m not mad for feeling the stones. Sometime at a quiet church, close your eyes and try it. Do not rush, just feel and wait. Let me know if time reaches out to you. As always, I enjoy you both so much. 💕

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for your lovely message. We agree the stone is so special and tells a story of many hundreds of years. We feel so fortunate having it all on our doorstep. We look forward to explore even more. Thanks for being with us again this week. Best regards.

[@vickiecorum322]

I am moved to tears by the beauty you have shown us. A history lesson never forgotten. After finding your channel I watched every episode. You both touch the soul of those of us who watch. Thank you.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Vickie for the heartfelt words. So happy you're enjoying the videos on our channel.

[@jaymurtagh]

Beautiful video gentlemen. The music and buildings, the wonderful countryside. Beautifully crafted together, it made this video So relaxing and enjoyable. You are very fortunate to have this on your doorstep

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Jay. We feel very lucky indeed!

[@SissyLove2000]

Hello! I'm from Kansas, USA and I want to thank you for the wonderful filming/music/content you provide. It's wonderfully calming and so beautiful. You played the Flute with so much heart, in the Church, I was moved to tears. Again, thank you for showing me sights and sounds that I'll never get to see in person. Be Carefree! ❤️

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the beautiful message Sissy. We are so happy that you have enjoyed the video. We hope to continue to bring beauty to your screen in the future. Greetings to you in Kansas.

[@florencecampana1515]

Please continue to inspire us. 🙏 😉

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Florence!!

[@figencebe9287]

WOWWW ❤ I LOVE ALL OF THIS VIDEO ❤ music, images of Roman architecture, the flute scene, the whole atmosphere, the wonderful editing … I just finished and I am starting to watch again …

[@charenteliving]

Aw thank you so much. Really happy that you like the video.

[@virsanib]

Les images, la musique... Tout est tellement beau que j'en ai les larmes aux yeux! Merci, merci, merci!!

[@charenteliving]

Oh merci beaucoup! Votre commentaire est si gentil!

[@chrismont5475]

You should get the Mayor to set up a concert in the Church with you performing & a few others? It might bring business to your Village & your home if renting out rooms??

[@charenteliving]

Hopefully maybe in the summer I could play in our village. Would be nice to do!

[@hiris1903]

Thanks for another lovely video. You are both so calm and mellow, and I appreciate that you seem to be real people, not actors. The villages and monuments/buildings have so much beauty and drama in themselves. Loved the flute playing too.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the kind words. We so appreciate them. We feel very grateful to be a part of a wonderful place.

[@beiderbecke1927]

You let us absorb the wonderful visuals of this little tour without a tour guide voiceover. The music gave the visuals an edge that surpassed words, and the sound of your flute in that ancient abbey seemed to bring the faded painted decoration back to life. Magic. Thanks for transporting us.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you for the lovely comment. So glad you enjoyed it, and the music too!

[@torxsal7008]

Thanks for the nice tour and Beautiful music !

[@charenteliving]

Our pleasure, thank you!

[@LaReynedEpee]

What an unexpected pleasure that was

[@charenteliving]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lawrencebaker2318]

Thank you for the tour of the countryside and villages. The old churches are amazing and hauntingly beautiful. You just feel the weight of time visiting them. Thanks for the lovely music, as well!

[@charenteliving]

Our pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Harmonious-Living]

Another delightful video. Your joy for the area shines through, like the sun rays on the limestone buildings

[@charenteliving]

Aw thank you so much much for the lovely words!

[@phyllisburrell8661]

Luminesce.

[@williamfahey6066]

I am impressed that such a small a quiet little Village is so rich in history. I enjoyed your video, Jeff❤

[@charenteliving]

Yes France is just amazing and bursting with history and culture!

[@leighevans1489]

That was glorious and the flute playing in the church was magical.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Leigh!!

[@albertpeckham8708]

Hi Guys. The acoustics of the building are wonderful. You play the flute very very well. Thank you.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Albert for the kind comment!

[@daviddeveau5101]

Dreamy. And so lovely that you can take your flute anywhere you go.

[@charenteliving]

Yes a very handy instrument to take around!

[@leneanker9518]

What a wonderful way to start the day watching your lovely vlog.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Lene. Glad you liked it!

[@teresitastidem2846]

Beautiful...thank you for sharing the awesome views and music.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much, we are happy you liked it all!

[@jmbisme]

This video was so different from the others, I appreciate you taking the time to make it. I love the music that you choose, and as a violinist I absolutely loved the Bach Air!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed it. The arrangement of the Air is quite different, but we like it!

[@shelbycooper7504]

Extremely enjoyable especially the flute musician the church,I just closed my eyes just for a few moments of piece ❤❤

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Shelby, so glad you enjoyed it!

[@twoeejitsinfrance]

OMG! That want so unexpected but so moving and utter glorious in the church. 😍

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much , so glad you enjoyed it!

[@rvaprep]

I enjoyed the beautiful video snd especially the flute playing in the chapel.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Ralph. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rodolfogarcia4359]

Architecturally beautiful buildings. Music is beautiful for the settings in your video. Enjoyed watching very much.😀

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Rodolfo!! Glad you enjoyed and great to have you with us again this week.

[@elisabetharzberger2456]

WON DER FUL! thank you for showing the patrimoine and recording your art on the flute ❤

[@charenteliving]

So glad you liked it!!

[@elisabetharzberger2456]

for me the most beautiful abbaye: Lanville!

[@charenteliving]

Yes isn't it beautiful!!

[@catherinesteele598]

Thank you both so much for taking us along.❤the music was such a treat and the little villages.🥰

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Catherine, so glad you liked it!

[@reillybb1]

Thank you for a lovely day sight seeing.

[@charenteliving]

Our pleasure!

[@Wxcvbnmlk]

Bravo! Magnifique vidéo. Merci

[@charenteliving]

Merci beaucoup!

[@markclark5947]

Thank you so much for sharing your appreciation of the place that means so much to you.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Mark, glad you enjoyed!

[@flaviakaiser9204]

Beautiful scenes and heavenly music!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Flavia, this abbey is just wonderful.

[@jbart5260]

thank you for taking us along. Beautiful cinematography. I felt as if I was there. The music throughout was spot on. The flute performance was stunning! It felt so surreal with no other people around.

[@charenteliving]

So glad you liked it and thank you for the lovely comment!!

[@Arcanesse]

what a beautiful tribute to this church..

[@charenteliving]

It is a truly special place.

[@alan8943]

Thank you for this video. Fot the 13 minutes I was transported to another world.

[@charenteliving]

We are very happy hearing that you enjoyed the video and we managed to bring you to another world...

[@j.c4007]

La beauté et la simplicité de l'art roman en Charente 👍 Quelques églises ont conservé des peintures très colorées. Au hasard de vos promenades, je vous souhaite d'en découvrir. Il y a 50 ans de cela, je crois en avoir trouvé à Confolens.

[@charenteliving]

C'est un très belle region.

[@onedandylion]

Oh my! This was compelling and moving. Your perspective is intelligent and warm and I am very glad to follow your journey. Thank you for sharing these beautiful details.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the lovely comment. Your words are so appreciated! Glad to have you along with us!!

[@janetrothwell4448]

Hello, from the west coast of Canada🇨🇦 What a lovely way to spend a few moments this morning. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it.❤

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much for the lovely words Janet!

[@catherinecliff646]

So beautifully done, a glimpse of another world.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Cath. Look forward to showing you all the sites there some day!

[@chateaudelannoy]

Really nice filmed guys, well done. The last piece of music I loved the most 😊

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed!!

[@simonlabeuf7782]

Lucky (and quite adorable) chaps! Beautiful churches. I would have tried (awfully) to sing the gregorian tones of the ordinarium missae...

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Simon. We didn't dare to sing there haha!

[@simonlabeuf7782]

@@charenteliving I usually do. Especially in protestant churches. I love to sing (or in my case, destroy) the old latin mass...it feels natural... after centuries of silence bringing back its soul and melody

[@herbkailling9179]

Just love the countryside, music and two fellows. Good Job!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much.

[@jameswilliamson6665]

Very nice video. I love that region of France and the medieval architecture. Love visiting old churches and abbeys all over France. Just beautiful and astonishing , and that the State keeps them in such good repair.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks James. Yes the architecture is really wonderful, a great feeling of history.

[@heliedecastanet1882]

Merci et félicitations pour ce concert privé 😉

[@charenteliving]

Nôtre plaisir!!

[@greenb5716]

Amazing tour. I would buy a ticket to any concert or performance in one of the churches with that acoustic sound. Fantastic. Well done. ❤ thank you.

[@charenteliving]

So glad you enjoyed it. Would be great to do some concerts there, beautiful venues.

[@nimuehmoon872]

Dudes...the flute in the church...excellent sound...nice video...❤😉

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@Sushi2735]

Not fond of the expression “Dudes”, sounds like some 1970 stoner. But I’m sure that’s not what you meant.

[@jrousku]

Ahhhhh how beautiful 😍

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much!!

[@auntytutu]

Lovely - Merci🌸

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@eamonnohalloran2254]

Thank you for the travelogue of the district that you have chosen to live in ,in France. The Camino is on my bucket list of journeys I would love to take. Maybe starting from St. James Gate in Dublin. Again beautiful musical pieces and visual compositions of reflected light on that wonderful stone. It seems to sit in eternal presence on the landscape .Marking time till Judgement Day. I walk through a country graveyard always puts things in perspective,

[@charenteliving]

What lovely words Eamonn. We would love to walk the Camino some day too, although now we can say we have walked at least a few metres through the village haha! The stone of the buildings is so special here, almost blinding in the summer sun, different to the sparkling granite of back home in Ireland. Glad to have you with us again this week!

[@carolmcreynolds7761]

Wonderful video, thank you for sharing with us. The flute in the church was absolutely beautiful. ❤❤❤

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much for the lovely words Carol!

[@punainenzeepra]

Obsessed with those last aerial shots!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Suvi! Yes, we love them too :) The birds surprised us totally heh.

[@shelbycooper7504]

Amazing content thank you both for taking us on this journey

[@charenteliving]

Our pleasure!

[@nativetexson]

Beautiful video. Being an architect and historic preservationist, I constantly soak up the construction of the buildings and history associated with them. Meandering about the countryside to do so is a great pastime. Since closing on my property in Occitanie last month, I have been doing the same thing that you guys did in this video. I have made some amazing discoveries. How were the acoustics in the abbey when you were playing the flute? Cheers gentlemen.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Glen! Its great and so exciting to explore all the wonderful local areas. Glad you're settling in there! Acoustics were quite amazing, but overpowering, one couldn't play any piece with too much detail as it would be lost in the echo of the church.

[@nativetexson]

@@charenteliving I was wondering about that because of all the hard surfaces.

[@marciap5919]

Admirable! Maravilloso, bello, bello. Creo que no son las palabras adecuadas para admirar tanta grandeza e historia. Me encantó verte tocar esa música y en ese lugar realmente inspirador. 👏👏❤️

[@charenteliving]

Muchas gracias por las hermosas palabras. Muy feliz de que hayas disfrutado el video.

[@shirleygraham6229]

I have seen this vlog before but honestly think I enjoyed it more the second time around. You do the filming beautifully, it is wonderful to see such lovely places and your music choices are not only suitable but stunning. Thank you. Best wishs.

[@charenteliving]

Oh thank you so much Shirley for the lovely words!! So happy you enjoy it!

[@susannejohnson6904]

You are right, the acoustics are amazing. Loved the tour of your area.

[@charenteliving]

Thank you Susanne! Glad you liked it. Yes, such an acoustic it was.

[@nicolethijs5428]

Well guys this was one of the best vlogs you made. The sights are gorgeous and the music mesmorising. The piece of you playing the flute in the church was angelic! Shame that one of the most beautiful peaceful moments was interupted with two adds…. I know you can’t help this but it was a real shame! I went back and watched it all a second time!😊

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Nicole. So happy you enjoyed it and we really appreciate your comments. So sorry about the adverts, they seem to arrive when you least want them. Great to have you with us this week!

[@lizschultz1]

Another absolutely stunning video - so beautifully presented and accompanied by such moving music .... tears welled up more than once! I can't describe the range of feelings I experience when seeing such beautiful villages and their buildings steeped in such amazing history. I felt them often when we headed to the northern hemisphere for 5 months in 2014, and surprisingly, the feelings were just the same as I watched your video. But oh to have been there to hear such clarity of the flute in that beautiful church - it was a real lump in the throat moment nonetheless. Then the drone finale - absolutely wonderful... I've just watched your video again and the best way I can describe my feelings is that I'm literally being filled up with immense joy, but also sadness... almost grief, to see Nature's decay gradually creating her own beauty. Thank you both so much for a very, very special and quite emotional visit into the French countryside accompanied by Adagio, but confess that Benedictus is the single most beautiful piece of music I've ever heard in my life - I can almost not bear to listen because of how it makes me feel! Crazy eh?! Love from an old and emotionally incontinent country girl from Oz ❤️🦘

[@charenteliving]

Hi Liz. Thanks for such a touching message. We are so happy you were able to enjoy our videos. It is a very special place there and we feel so blessed to be a part of it. We hope to continue to give all of our viewers special moments away from the normal day and to take a trip with us wherever we are going. We love the history and architecture there, and editing this video was such a joy as all the sites were so lovely. Lots of greetings to you in Australia. We both have family over there and know its also a fabulous place. Best regards from us.

[@deanviewofachateaumybandbi7899]

Beautiful. A couple of places for me to visit.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Dean!

[@phyllisburrell8661]

Dean, you haven't posted your church bells, in a long time. : )

[@deanviewofachateaumybandbi7899]

@@phyllisburrell8661 just uploaded one, it went on for about 4 minutes.

[@phyllisburrell8661]

@@deanviewofachateaumybandbi7899 thanks Dean : )

[@celiaellen3408]

SENSATIONAL

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Celia!

[@adelinefinlay1582]

Absolutely stunning vlog…thanks for sharing x

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much Adeline!!

[@cathyagain5841]

Excellent tour. Thank you ❤

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Cathy.

[@johnbourke2778]

I have driven to France many times and Love it as most Irish do,it always fascinates me when driving through all these little villages that one rarely sees another human being!

[@charenteliving]

Thanks for the comment John. Yes sometimes the villages feel completely empty, especially as the evening closes in and all the shutters are closed on the houses.

[@andreasnores-9386]

Very nice

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Andreas!

[@LimousinLife]

Robert and Jyrki, you have the most beautiful thoughtful eye for the aesthetic and your taste in music is perfect for the scenes you depict. Will you live in the Charente full time at some point. Robert, your playing was absolutely wonderful. I hope to see more of your adventures and lifestyle. Gary

[@charenteliving]

Thanks Gary. We maybe at some point will move there, but for now we will have to live in both places due to our work. Thank you so much for the lovely compliments!!

[@ouririshcountrylife591]

Love the Music

[@charenteliving]

Glad you liked it!

[@delanebredvik]

Beautiful Vlog!

[@charenteliving]

Thank you so much!

[@waltercook4868]

I have never heard anyone say they have been dying to try the acoustics of a church. It made me smile. I smiled again with your singing flute and music selections. I wonder, how is the acoustics for a tin penny whistle in a French wood?

[@charenteliving]

The acoustics were quite something there. Tin whistle in the woods can be next so! haha

[@AndromedaFrequencyTherapies]

Just beautiful ! my mother lives in Charente. I visited her last summer in Saleignes. Its nr St Jean ! such a stunning part of France. Really looking forward to returning this summer.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks so much Sarah. We are very lucky I must say. Hope your Mum is enjoying her life in Charente too!

[@AndromedaFrequencyTherapies]

@@charenteliving shes been there 20 yrs and still cant really speak French lol, guess its her age but yes shes loves France and the boots sales and all.

[@phyllisburrell8661]

Late to view, but appreciate you sharing with us. Really enjoyed the concert, you're very gifted, thankful for you to give us that treat. Your viewers are multiplying, as I expected. : ) As always, my best regards, from San Diego California.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks for being with us again Phyllis. Hope all is well with you in San Diego. Glad you enjoyed the video, we enjoyed making it. Hopefully the channel continues to grow, fingers crossed. Thanks for your support!!

[@thechatelaine]

❤❤

[@charenteliving]

🙂🙂

[@wp4217]

this guy talking in the background adapted well enough, he speaks as if he's already dead

[@charenteliving]

Haha we hope he is not dead yet!

[@peterwhite9261]

As a gay married Catholic, I appreciate the and still feel these churches are Holy. However, I asked my priest if I returned to the church, could I receive communion. He replied, I think you know the answer to that. I was a choir singer and a lay minister for years in my home town before I married. I have decided to keep Christ close as I am created in his image. Apparently, if I die, I could get last rites, so said my priest. Go figure! Sorry for the rant. Your vlog was beautiful with beautiful music and scenery. Playing the flute in that church was awesome.

[@charenteliving]

Thanks for the message Peter. We can hold God as close as we want or need without any priest having to interfere with their closed minded visions and attitudes. And we agree these buildings are sacred spaces, there for us all. Glad you enjoyed the video and flute playing.

[@artnodulot1525]

there is a lot of old chuch in my region .in my village the church is from the 12 th .PARC DES CAUSSES DU QUERCY

[@charenteliving]

It must be beautiful in your region!

[@maisondixtussongraemeandph4568]

Great video! Nice to see you got to Tusson. Your drone footage is amazing but it does make me a bit nervous when you see the birds flying so close (!)

[@charenteliving]

Thanks lads. Thankfully the drone doesn't fly so fast and has very small little propellors so it would be quite ok around the birds, once they don't decide to land on top of it.

[@trusting3lind946]

Avez vous croisez des fantômes dans le cimetière ? Ahah Très jolie vidéo en tout cas ! … alors quel est votre (vos) vin(s) français du moment que vous aimez bien ? Je suis bien curieux ☺️

[@charenteliving]

Haha pas encore de fantômes ! Vin préféré en ce moment, c'est une question difficile... Nous aimons bien sûr le vin de Bordeaux, nous en avons eu un bon le week-end au Château Morillon.

[@figencebe9287]

would you please write the titles and the composers of the different musics you chose …

[@charenteliving]

Yes we will add the info to the description of the video.

[@figencebe9287]

thank you 🙏