Sitting on France's Atlantic coast between the lush Loire Valley and the Bordeaux wine region, Poitou-Charentes is often overlooked in favour of its famous neighbours, but this green region offers fabulous scenery and fascinating towns to those willing to search them out. Stretching 300 miles along the Atlantic shore, it's home to excellent beaches as well.
The region's major town is Poitiers, once the regional capital and now Poitou-Charentes' cultural and economic centre. The town's long history is visible still today in the buildings and monuments that have survived the ages, like the Roman amphitheatre, the 4th-century Baptistery of Saint John and numerous medieval churches and palaces. Just as attractive are Poitiers' fabulous fresh markets and its busy street café culture.
Yet perhaps better known to travelers is La Rochelle, a bustling port sitting on the Bay of Biscay. Considered by many people to be the prettiest seaside town in France, La Rochelle has played an important part in France's sea trade since the 12th century. A handful of Gothic monuments and a few good museums make up the cultural offerings here, but the town's real draws are its setting and the unspoilt islands that sit just off shore.
From town, you can drive across a 3 Km toll bridge to the island of Oleron, France's second-largest island, for swimming and sunbathing along its long, sandy beaches. There are several towns on the island, like St. Pierre and Boyardville, where you can eat and find accommodation. Another bridge connects the mainland with the island of Ré, though to reach the smaller (and far less developed) island of Aix you'll have to go by boat.
Other popular seaside towns in Poitou-Charentes include Royan, known for its fine sandy beaches and enviable setting among pines and rock cliffs, and Rochefort, known for its maritime history. Beyond the resorts, there are countless tiny towns to explore on foot. One of the most interesting is Cognac, known for the excellent French brandy (cognac) made here. |
