The Poitou Charentes is located between the popular holiday destinations of the Dordogne, Bretagne and Val de Loire. There is beautiful countryside in abundance such as the immense marshland Le Marais Poitevin (where guides can take you on boat trips), the magnificent nature reserve La Venise Verte, and the expansive woodland. And a good hour’s drive away are the beach of La Rochelle and the Île de Ré with St.-Martin-de-Ré, the St.Tropez of the Atlantic coast.
The region is known for its microclimate: the warm Gulf Stream provides a sea climate which guarantees very pleasant temperatures and many hours of sunshine (225 days of sunshine per year). Close to Les Forges are the large cognac houses in the city of the same name, as well as the vineyards of Bordeaux. Also nearby are the historical cities of Niort, Partenay, Poitiers, Loudun, Châtellerault and the old fortified city of Angoulême. Wandering through this region is a true voyage of discovery along shops selling antiques, bric-a-brac, delicacies and, of course, the ‘bonnes tables’.
A little further south in the department of the Vienne is the futuristic theme park ‘Futuroscope’. This unique park is full of moving images: 18 pavilions show films using the very latest technical devices. Nearby Poitiers, in contrast, is a step back in time. This is one of the oldest cities in France. The highpoint undoubtedly is the façade of the Notre-Dame-la-Grande. In the close area you can go cycling, walking, horse riding, fishing, swimming and play tennis and golf.
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