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Poitou Charentes, France tourist information

Poitou-Charentes is found half way up the western side of France, fronting the Atlantic Ocean / Bay of Biscay.

The capital of the region is Poitiers. The coastal region of Poitou-Charentes is said to be the second sunniest region of France (after Provence).

There are four departments in the region: Charente (south-west: 16), Charente-Maritime (south-east: 17), Deux-Sevrés (north-west: 79) and Vienne (north-east: 86).

Places to visit in Poitou-Charentes

- The Atlantic coastal region includes some attractive (and very popular) islands such as Ile de Ré (and it's major town at St-Martin-de-Ré) and Ile d'Oleron.

- La Rochelle is a lovely coastal town just south of Ile de Ré. The nearby towns at Marans and Surgeres also have some interesting features to explore.

cloisters of the 'Dames Blanches' in La Rochelle

Inland a little are Rochefort, a 17th century grand new town around an important naval base; the 'most beautiful village' at Talmont-sur-Gironde; the town of Saintes; and the fortifications at Brouage.

- Continuing south along the coast in Charente-Maritime, visit Royan, a popular seaside resort - and the lovely resort and zoo at La Palmyre, a little north from Royan.

- the Charente River can be well explored, as it passes through miles of rolling countryside between Angouleme and Rochefort.

- the boulevards and street side cafes of Poitiers and the town of Cognac

- Futuroscope near Poitiers

Futuroscope

Other places to visit in Poitou-Charentes

- renowned Abbey at Saint Savin sur Gartempe

- market town of Chauvigny and its three castles, also the abbey at Nouaille-Maupertuis.

- medieval centre of Parthenay

- Confolens, to the north east of the region

- the town of Thouars, south-east of Saumur

Beach on Ile de Ré

- Ile d'Aix, the fortified island where Napoleon stayed

- The marshy Marais-Poitevin region falls partly in Poitou-Charentes (and partly in Vendee)

- the town of Melle, inland in northern Poitou-Charentes is a lively town best known for its ensemble of churches

The region is popular with Parisian holidaymakers but does perhaps have too many camping sites, caravan parks and mobile homes, making much of the coast seem a bit down-market.

Most Beautiful villages

Ars-en-Ré - 30 km W of La Rochelle (on Ile-de-Ré) - Ars-en-Ré
La Flotte-en-Ré - 12 km W of La Rochelle (on Ile-de-Ré) - La Flotte-en-Ré
ANGLES-SUR-L'ANGLIN - 40 km NE of Potiers - Angles-sur-l'Anglin

Note: Most beautiful villages not covered in this guide:

AUBETERRE-SUR-DRONNE - 40 km S of Angoulême
MORNAC-SUR-SEUDRE - 10 km N of Royan
COULON - 10 km W of Niort

Visit Poitou-Charentes - travel information

Map of Poitou-Charentes, France