Regions of France : Poitou-Charentes

The resorts may be less glamorous than in the south but historically they’re much better looking.

Inland, the countryside has an early morning dewy quality of moistness, the fields are lushly green, the rivers are softer and the population evenly spread. Around Cognac the glow of the vineyards crowned by the individual châteaux, produce the famous golden elixir.

To the north, the Marais Poitevin - nicknamed the “Green Venice” - is France’s version of a warmer less wind swept Norfolk Broads. It’s a dream world of river boulevards and emerald coloured shimmering reflections.

Added to all of this, the region formed an important part of the pilgrims' route across Europe to north west Spain, and is blessed with some of the finest romanesque churches in France. Driving along the smaller roads is immensely enjoyable as the A10 takes the brunt of the traffic sweeping through the region.

The Future In Sight
For a fun time in Poitiers, France go to the Futuroscope, the visual technology theme park with high-tech attractions. Theme cinemas On giant screens, discover the region but, most especially, worlds distant in space or time. Here, technology is ...
Appart'hotel Archipel La Rochelle
Appart'hotel Archipel La Rochelle is located near the center of congress, only 600m of the Old Harbour and the commercial streets, ideal to discover La Rochelle, or to benefit from the beaches (with 2.5km), the Archipel residence accomodates you as ...

Charente

• Cognac's blackened roofs and warehouses for the elixir of the gods

• Angoulême on a natural acropolis and the nearby "Versailles of Charente"

• Look down on the Charente valley while sipping Pineau

Charente-Maritime

• Twin towers in the harbour dominate beautiful La Rochelle
• Mile upon mile of sandy beaches near Royan
• Beach holidays on Ile de Ré and 17th town planning in Rochefort
• Royan Golf - An exciting course with narrow fairways undulating through tall pines.
• Lagord - Located 2 kilometres from La Rochelle and 5 kilometres from the beaches of the Isle of Rhé, Lagord is the 3rd most visited town in France. It is home to the largest aquarium in Europe and a lovely old shipyard.

Deux-Sèvres

• Romanesque treasures in Thouars and Melle
• Sleepy medieval lanes in Parthenay with its fortified upper town
• Prosperous Niort on the edge of the Marais Poitevin waterworld

Vienne

• Cutting edge technology and visual delights at Futuroscope
• Ruined castles rise above medieval Chauvigny
• A living museum - Poitiers bustles in every marketplace and café terrace