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Poitou Charentes

Poitou-Charentes

Poitou-Charentes is made up of four départements (counties): Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne.

The region of Poitou Charentes is set between the valleys of the Loire and Dordogne and is full of surprises. Head to the coast and you will find stunning beaches and a number of water sports. Whilst inland visit historic towns, wooded valleys, vineyards and pretty villages where it is almost like time has stood still.

There are a number of famous sites within this region that it is worth considering on your visit. Poitiers is one of France’s very oldest cities with a tapestry dating from the 4th century and this is not to be missed. Whilst La Rochelle, the charming harbour town is the foremost yachting centre in western France.

This region is also home to the Futuroscope, a high-tech theme park devoted to the cinema and moving image – ideal for any family visit. If you are interested in Cognac you can take a free distillery tour to discover how this regionally famous drink is created within the medieval town bearing its name.

Beaches of Poitou-Charentes
Ride the waves. No less than 450 kilometres of coastline wend their way down the Poitou-Charente seashore. Between high and low seas, the long sandy beaches bordered by pine trees alternate with chalky cliffs and wild sites.

Vienne in Poitou-Charentes

Charente-Maritime in Poitou-Charentes

Deux-Sèvres in Poitou-Charentes

Charente in Poitou-Charentes

The Savours of Poitou-Charentes

Poitou-Charentes has quite a range of choice of local food produce for you to try like: oysters of Marennes-Oléron, Chabichou cheese, cognac & its routes 'les étapes du cognac', Pineau des Charentes, butter, goat cheese, lamb, mojhettes, snails and the list continues.

Health and Wellbeing in Poitou-Charentes

Poitou-Charentes has a splendid oceanic side rich in options to relieve and rest you. It offers through natural means thalassotherapy, using the natural springs and sea water materials to create a system to increase well-being.


Horse Riding in Poitou-Charentes
Horse riding is ripe in Poitou-Charentes offering differing rides for experienced and not so, young and old. There are guided group tours and also unguided for experienced riders. There are also quite a few racing venues if you’re up for a bet or two. Horse lovers will love Poitou-Charentes.

Cycling in Poitou-Charantes
There are over a 1000 km of trails for cyclists and hundreds of mountain biking routes marked out for your enjoyment in Poitou-Charentes. Gentle quiet relaxed excursions through the stunning scenery of back road routes in the countryside are enjoyable for everyone.

Discover the “Liquor of the Gods” in Poitou-Charentes

For over four centuries, Cognac has constituted one of the "fleurons" of Poitou-Charentes. So as to allow one to uncover all the secrets if this 'liqueur of the gods' as Victor Hugo termed it, the large trade houses propose guided visits and 'les étapes du cognac' will allow you to discover the vineyards of cognac.


Walking in Poitou-Charentes
Poitou-Charentes has many varied and beautiful excursions for walkers scattered all over the region. There are walks for all ages, guided and also trails marked out for the more independent explorers.

Water Sports in Poitou-Charentes

Poitou-Charentes has a lot to offer to water sport enthusiasts. Whether it’s sailing, canoe-kayaking, kite surfing or wind surfing, the region has excellent facilities around the coast and inland. On the beach and islands you will not be short of options. Relax on the beach or by the rivers and take in the sun or take a leisurely swim.


Boating in Poitou-Charentes

From Angoulême to the ocean, the Charente winds its way through the ancient provinces of Angoumois and Saintonge. Boats equipped for river cruises perpetuate the traditions of the gabares, who used to transport paper and Cognac. You will be immersed amidst the zone known for its eau de vie (water of life).

Golf in Poitou-Charentes

The delightful sound as the club hits the white green-tinted ball that flies away surrounded by amazing scenery awaits you. No doubt about it, you are on one of the numerous greens of Poitou-Charentes: Royan, Angoulême, Niort and Poitiers.


Fishing in Poitou-Charentes

Poitou-Charentes is well known in the fishing world. Pescalis nature and fishing centre is considered the number one fishing centre in Europe. Experienced and beginner fisher men and women are welcomed to join in. Adding to this are all the other places to fish in this water filled region.


For the Family in Poitou-Charentes
On-road Tourist Train: Train Touristique "Le Pibalou". Discover the history, flora, fauna and geography of the Marais Poitevin and see the local architecture in its villages from a small road train.

The Futuroscope Park in Poitou-Charentes

A gigantic sphere set against a sloping sheet of glass, a translucent cube jutting up from the ground, reflective organ pipes or crystals dividing up the sky with their mirrors are only some of the futuristic sights to see at Futuroscope. It is a futuristic universe, like a backdrop to a science fiction novel.

Poitou-Charentes: illustrious ambassadors

The history of Poitou-Charentes has been shaped by many notorious people: Charles Martel, Eleanor of Aquitaine, François I, Richelieu, Rabelais and Vauban. Each of these illustrious figures left his or her imprint on the region's history.


Living Memories of the Past in Poitou-Charentes

Historic museums of all differing types: comic books in Angoulême, automobile and motors in Châtellerault, marine in Rochefort, furniture and regional objects in Saintes or Niort, Beaux-Arts (fine arts) in Poitiers, La Rochelle, Niort, Saintes, Cognac, Angoulême., peasant traditions in Ranton , silver mines in Melle and more.


Puy du Fou®: Get ready for a journey through time!
Escape to the Grand Parc of the Puy du Fou® for an unforgettable trip with family or friends. Puy du Fou® is a whirlwind of extraordinary shows and a real breath of fresh air far from everyday hustle and bustle. Make the most of an exceptional entertainment program during the day, breath-taking shows at night, as well as 17 restaurants, a themed hotel and 45 hectares of pure green bliss. Days at Puy du Fou® are adventure and action-packed. Get ready for a journey through time!

Not to be missed in Poitou-Charentes

The dispute between Ancient and Modern is not on the agenda in this region where the vestiges of the past are keyed neatly into an openness to the future.

 

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Cycling for Softies/Cycling for Gourmets
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FRENCH TRAVEL SERVICE
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