Guide to The Poitou Charentes region of France

Poitou Charentes

Poitou Charentes lies on the west coast of France between the rivers Loire and Gironde, spreading inland from the Atlantic at La Rochelle to just north of Poitiers.

The landscape of the Charente is generally speaking, flat, wooded, agricultural land until you reach the hills of the Vendée . Angoulême is the principal town and a busy centre with good shopping. It has an interesting old quarter and 75 restaurants. Worth visiting nearby is La Rochefoucauld, the chateau is reminiscent of the chateaux of the Loire and the Italianate Grand Courtyard there is one of the finest in France. A few kilometres away, Lusignan has an ancient ruined castle said to have been built by the fairy Melusine.

Angoulême lies at the head of the navigable part the River Charente, which flows along a wide valley from there, through Cognac, to the old Roman town of Saintes. Situated on the left bank of the river, Saintes has many fine mediaeval and 18th and 19th century buildings and was the birthplace of Dr. J.I. Guillotin, inventor of the guillotine. La Rochecourbon, north west of Saintes is a 15th c. castle, which was restored by the novelist Pierre Loti in the 1920's and has some stunning gardens.

From Saintes, the river flows to its mouth just below Rochefort-sur-Mer. This is the Charente-Maritime, an area of marshland that runs along the coast known as the Marais and famous for its oyster beds. The Marais Poitevin in particular, is best explored by boat. Royan is a relatively modern town and seaside resort with good beaches.

The busy port of La Rochelle caters for both huge ocean-going commercial ships and a large fishing community. Despite this industrial presence, the town, with its old harbour defences, arcaded houses and parks, has preserved much of its character and is a popular holiday centre. Good shopping, an excellent fish market near the Old Harbour and numerous bistros.

Founded by the Romans, the historic city of Poitiers in the north of the region, is situated on a rocky plateau above two rivers. It is a pleasant, lively university town and a good base from which to explore the Vienne.

Food

Excellent fish and shellfish in the Charente-Maritime, oysters almost everywhere. Abundant fresh fruit and vegetables and the wines, cheeses and charcuteries of all regions of France. Pineau, is a delicious brandy based wine, usually taken as an aperitif.

Activities

Good sailing, swimming and water sports on the coast and the islands Noirmoutier, Oléron, and Ré have fine beaches. There are several golf courses, inexpensive and easily accessible. Good cycling country. Each town and village has a market on different days of the week and there are numerous bric-a-brac and brocante (country antique) markets from May until September. Fresh water fishing in the rivers. Music festivals, theatre and dance throughout the summer.

The river Charente is navigable from Angoulême to the sea and there are many opportunities to hire boats or take excursions along the river.

Futurescope, near Poitiers, is a vast science and technology park, which has an impressive variety of audio-visual, interactive and virtual reality experiences.

Climate

A warm, balmy, maritime climate, an early spring and a long dry summer with temperatures often reaching 30 degrees C. or more. The influence of the Gulf Stream produces winters as mild as the Mediterranean. Rain, in winter and spring takes the form of a steady drizzle, although it seldom rains all day.

Featured user tip...

Top Brasserie with Fantastic Sea Views in La Rochelle

Submitted by: Laura

On: October 23, 2008

Tip rating:

80%

Le Café de la Paix is a top brasserie in which to relax with friends or family. The building was originally built in 1793 and was recently classified as an historic monument. The front of the Brasserie is made entirely of glass panels in the form of arcades, affording fantastic unspoilt views of the port and out to sea. The interior creates a sense of grandeur with is gilding, chandeliers and large arcade mirrors. There is also a lovely terrace for the warmer months. Altogether a very relaxing café, perfect for a meal for two or just a coffee with friends.

Directions:

Le Café de la Paix, 54, Rue Chaudrier, 17000 Rochelle (La), France (+ 33 (0)5 46 41 39 79)