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Poitou Charentes travel guide
Visit Poitou-Charentes: gites : Poitou-Charentes Hotels : car hire : Charente river cruise
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 is said to be the second sunniest region of France (after Provence).
Places to visit in Poitou-Charentes
- The Atlantic coastal region includes some attractive (and very popular) islands such as Ile de Ré and Ile d'Oleron.
- La Rochelle is a lovely coastal town just south of Ile de Ré, while inland 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.
- 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
- 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
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
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Visit Poitou-Charentes - travel information
If you are planning Poitou-Charentes holidays or vacation you will find all you need on the France This Way site, including Poitou-Charentes gites, hotels and car hire:
- car hire
