Guide to Poitou-charentes | French Region Guides

The Poitou-Charentes region in central western France has two entirely different, though equally appealing, personalities.

It’s flanked on one side by beaches, dunes and pine forests (think lazy sun-kissed days on golden sand), on the other by classic rural France – wheat and sunflower fields, gently meandering rivers, vineyards and farmhouses.

Dotted around are some cities of interest and fine aesthetics, such as Poitiers, Saintes, Cognac and La Rochelle.

The area’s clear skies and superb sunshine hours make it the perfect family break destination, while some of her fabulous islands, such as Noirmoutier and Ile De Ré, make for an altogether more exclusive getaway out of season.

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With its coastal aspect, as you would expect the region is big on seafood.

La Rochelle especially has an abundance of great eateries offering the daily catch fresh on the plate – choose from sole meunière, sea bass or monkfish.

Regional cuisine also makes use of freshwater fish, such as pike and eel, but it’s the oyster that is king here.

The juicy Marennes-Oléron bi-valves are not only a speciality, but part of the local heritage. Other celebrated produce includes the Haut-Poitou melon, often an accompaniment to the delicious local tipple Pineau des Charentes.

Chabichou is a prestigious AOC goat’s cheese, while no meal is complete without a warming, life-affirming glass of Cognac, famous fruit of the Poitou-Charentes vineyards.

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Poitou-Charentes is a perfect corner of France for getting out and about and taking the fresh air, be it coastal or inland.

The Marais Poitevin – known as the Green Venice – is a network of canals and reclaimed marshland that is perfect for a gentle summer’s boat punt or bike ride (why not make an auberge stop-off for a bite to eat), while the Atlantic seaboard welcomes surfers, sailors and paddlers to its shores, with family-friendly resorts like Royan offering the perfect seaside holiday.

The islands of Aix, Oléron and Ré are equally well explored on bike, with trails and pathways leading to hidden coves and beaches.

The region is also packed with opportunities for fishing, golf and thalassotherapy.

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Naval officer-turned-novelist Pierre Loti’s house in Rochefort is a bizarre must-see. He keenly travelled East and acquired eclectic memorabilia to adorn his elaborately decorated home.

The town also boats the excellent Corderie Royale (Royal Ropeworks), which is the longest building in France, no less.

In Poitiers, two churches demand your attention, if not your zoom lens: the glorious Gothic St-Pierre cathedral and the spectacular Romanesque Notre-Dame-La-Grande, while the towers that dominate La Rochelle’s harbour, plus the town’s arcaded shopping streets and café-dotted squares, have an equally fascinating story to tell.

A stroll around bourgeois Niort’s pedestrianised old town is very rewarding for those seeking the atmosphere of yesteryear.

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The region’s hub is historic Poitiers, just a short journey south on the A10 autoroute from Tours.

Perched atop a hill between two rivers, the city is a sightseer’s paradise. Wander the cobbled streets, marvel at the half-timbered houses of the Old Town and pick out the city’s huge religious edifices.

At night, the university (one of France’s oldest) students guarantee a lively time in bars and clubs.

Angoulême is another cathedral city, while on the coast La Rochelle, the pretty port that’s home to fine restaurants, draws the tourists.

Head southeast from here and you are spoilt for day-trip choice. Rochefort, Cognac (home to the poky, classy drink) and lively market town Saintes all merit a visit with camera in hand.

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The undisputed star turn when it comes to family entertainment in Poitou-Charentes is the modern theme park Futuroscope, about six miles north of Poitiers.

Sprawling over several acres, it’s a high-energy cinematic feast for the senses, with giant screens, 3D films, laser shows and more designed to entertain and educate. The high-tech shows are constantly being updated, to encourage return visits.

More sedate but no less enjoyable is the huge Aquarium in La Rochelle, which will easily keep the kids content for a morning.

The French have always taken their comics seriously – to see just how seriously, visit the National Comic Book centre in Angoulême.

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