| At first glance the long ribbon of sandy coastline, bathed in sunshine
during the summer months, of Poitou-Charentes has something of the southern
Mediterranean about it. But as you get to grips with the region you notice
the influence of the Atlantic creeping in.
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.
Charente
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
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
|
Comfort Hotel Saint Nicolas - La Rochelle