climate in Aquitaine

Hi, we are market gardeners on the west coast of Ireland and have been for the last 30 years.  We have noticed a steady increase in the length of winter over the last few years and an increase in winter storms/winds.  The window each year in which we can make a living from growing and being financially independent grows smaller each year.    We've gotten to the stage where we are seriously considering moving further south.  And so to the question we wish to ask.  Is there anyone here who has first hand knowledge (such as long term experience of growing a variety of crops and whose livelihood depends on the weather) of the climate in the south west  region of France near to the coast?  Certain meteorological web pages, in my opinion, filter climate change statistics.  I feel someone on the cold face would be more helpful to me.  Or is there anybody out there with similar thoughts or who are on the same page?

Hi Stephen,

Aquitaine is a fairly big region, maybe you could be more specific.  The weather will be dramatically different if you are to the north in the Dordogne area or to the south in the Atlantic Pyrenees

Climate is one thing , cost and soil are another
I live in North Anjou but the family has a house in the Vandee . I have been to Eire many times . The issue most farmers I have met in Vandee and further south are concerned about  is water or the lack of it , there are two reasons for this firstly there appears to be less rain in the region during the summer months plus many farmers have switched to growing maize which needs more water than the crops utilized previously . Results are predictable droughts are now common price of water going up aquifers going down .
As for finding somewhere any where within 15km of the coast forget it the price will be silly beyond belief .
How much land are you looking for ?
Here there is a lot of property for sale with a couple of acres at a reasonable price.
The climate is much  warmer than you are used to in Eire . That's why I am
happy to live in Anjou . It's hot but not
too hot, tomatoes not a problem out side
every year , capegoose Berrys ok that sort of stuff plus it rarely gets too hot for days on end Melons ok too .
Best bet is to visit and get some boots in the ground

David
David