Poitou Charentes region
The region of Poitou-Charente has a lovely climate with over 2,200 hours of sunshine per year. There are over 300 miles of sandy beaches on which to enjoy the sunshine and many activities and sites of interest are on offer. The region is well served with communications, with direct flights from the UK to the region and TGV links with Paris and the rest of France. Some of the many activities on offer include horse racing and riding, beach clubs, sailing, windsurfing, sand yachting, cycling and miles of walking paths.
The accommodation in the region is as varied as the landscape. There are city hotels certainly, but far more numerous are country auberges and gites, many with private pools offering self catering accommodation at prices to suit all budgets.
The Departments
The department of Charente is justly famous for Cognac which has been produced around the town of the same name since the 18th century. Visits to the producers are possible from April - November. Besides cognac, the department is famous for melons and snails. There are many Roman sites to visit in the department and several chateaux and churches to enjoy. The medieval town of Confolens is found on the river Vienne and has many interesting half timbered buildings. The main town in the department is Angouleme where you will find many interesting historic and cultural sites as well as shopping, cafes, restaurants and hotels.
The port of La Rochelle, in the Charente-Maritime, has all forms of maritime activity on offer. It also has many interesting buildings to visit. Just off the coast is the Ile de Re, which has over 60 kms of cycling tracks, long sandy beaches, forests and peace and quiet. There are several fashionable seaside resorts in the south, bordering the Gironde estuary. The Charente-Maritime has much to offer with many cultural, gastronomic and outdoor activities.
The Deux Sevres department is a rural department where life moves at a slower pace. It is famous for the Marais Poitevin which is very like the Norfolk Broads but warmer! You can hire a boat or take a guided tour to explore this fascinating area. The town of Celles sur Belle is built around an abbey. The department has its share of Roman churches. There is also the oldest silver mine in Europe and a 25 hectare wildlife park to visit. Once a week, in Parthenhay, there is a cattle market, said to be the largest in France.
The final department in the region is Vienne. Its capital city is the cosmopolitan centre of Poitiers with its international airport and TGV links to Paris and beyond. It also offers excellent shopping with a daily clothes and food market as well as many hotels, cafes and restaurants. A visit to the Futurscope centre is a must as is a visit to the medieval town of Montmorillon. Chatellerault has a golf course, casino and race track. The landscape is varied, but always beautiful.
The region of Poitou-Charente has a lovely climate with over 2,200 hours of sunshine per year. There are over 300 miles of sandy beaches on which to enjoy the sunshine and many activities and sites of interest are on offer. The region is well served with communications, with direct flights from the UK to the region and TGV links with Paris and the rest of France. Some of the many activities on offer include horse racing and riding, beach clubs, sailing, windsurfing, sand yachting, cycling and miles of walking paths.
The accommodation in the region is as varied as the landscape. There are city hotels certainly, but far more numerous are country auberges and gites, many with private pools offering self catering accommodation at prices to suit all budgets.The Departments
The department of Charente is justly famous for Cognac which has been produced around the town of the same name since the 18th century. Visits to the producers are possible from April - November. Besides cognac, the department is famous for melons and snails. There are many Roman sites to visit in the department and several chateaux and churches to enjoy. The medieval town of Confolens is found on the river Vienne and has many interesting half timbered buildings. The main town in the department is Angouleme where you will find many interesting historic and cultural sites as well as shopping, cafes, restaurants and hotels.
The port of La Rochelle, in the Charente-Maritime, has all forms of maritime activity on offer. It also has many interesting buildings to visit. Just off the coast is the Ile de Re, which has over 60 kms of cycling tracks, long sandy beaches, forests and peace and quiet. There are several fashionable seaside resorts in the south, bordering the Gironde estuary. The Charente-Maritime has much to offer with many cultural, gastronomic and outdoor activities.
The Deux Sevres department is a rural department where life moves at a slower pace. It is famous for the Marais Poitevin which is very like the Norfolk Broads but warmer! You can hire a boat or take a guided tour to explore this fascinating area. The town of Celles sur Belle is built around an abbey. The department has its share of Roman churches. There is also the oldest silver mine in Europe and a 25 hectare wildlife park to visit. Once a week, in Parthenhay, there is a cattle market, said to be the largest in France.The final department in the region is Vienne. Its capital city is the cosmopolitan centre of Poitiers with its international airport and TGV links to Paris and beyond. It also offers excellent shopping with a daily clothes and food market as well as many hotels, cafes and restaurants. A visit to the Futurscope centre is a must as is a visit to the medieval town of Montmorillon. Chatellerault has a golf course, casino and race track. The landscape is varied, but always beautiful.