Visit Poitou Charentes
Visit Poitou Charentes, in south-west Francenow part of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region since 2016, is a must-see. This region is made up of four départements: the Charente, la Charente-Maritime, the Deux-Sèvres and the Vienne. Visiting Poitou-Charentes means exploring a region distinguished by its rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage.
Ideal for those who love to explore, the Poitou-Charentes region offers a variety of attractions: cities rich in art and history, lush green landscapes, sun-drenched beaches, and fun-filled parks. This travel guide takes you on a journey to discover its treasures.
Explore must-see destinations such as Poitiers, La Rochelle, Cognac, the Abbey of Saint-Savin, the Marais Poitevin, Île d’Oléron, and Royan. You can also explore silver mines, Futuroscope, the La Palmyre Zoo, the rail bike, and take a river cruise. The Poitou-Charentes region promises an enriching experience for every visitor.
Historical and cultural gems
The Poitou-Charentes region boasts an impressive historical and cultural heritage that reflects both its glorious past and its current vitality. Discover three must-see sites for lovers of art, history, and comic books.
The Underground Church of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
The underground church in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, is an exceptional site. This cave church, the largest in Europe, was carved out of the rock in the 12th century, inspired by the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
Admire its impressive monolithic reliquary, its circular gallery, its medieval necropolis, and its secret crypt. The underground church of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne offers a unique experience, steeped in mystery and fascination.
The Frankish Kings' Silver Mines in Melle
The Frankish kings’ silver mines in Melle—the oldest still accessible in the world—were mined from the time of Charlemagne until the end of the 10th century to supply the Melle mint.
Explore the mining and metallurgical techniques of the Early Middle Ages, discover the history and production of Carolingian coins as you wander through the underground galleries—enhanced by atmospheric lighting and sound effects—and observe the remains of ancient lead and silver smelting furnaces.
The Frankish Kings’ Silver Mines in Melle invite you to delve into a fascinating chapter of French history.
The Cité de la Bande Dessinée in Angoulême
The Cité de la Bande Dessinée in Angoulême is a venue unlike any other in Europe, entirely dedicated to comics and the world of illustration. The site features a museum dedicated to comics, which traces the history and evolution of the “ninth art,” as well as temporary exhibitions, a library, a bookstore, artist-in-residence programs, a documentation center, and an art-house cinema.
Come and admire the major works of emblematic comics figures, and discover emerging talents and new directions in the field.
The Cité de la Bande Dessinée in Angoulême promises a captivating journey through the world of comics, manga, comic books and graphic novels.
Natural wonders and maritime heritage
Discover the natural and maritime treasures of Poitou Charentes, a haven of peace offering relaxation and wonder. Here are three breathtaking sites that illustrate the region's beauty and diversity.
The Marais Poitevin: The Green Venice of Poitou Charentes
Covering the departments of Vendée, Deux-Sèvres and Charente-Maritime, the Marais Poitevin is a vast wetland area, formed by the draining of the Gulf of Poitou. This landscape, shaped by canals, meadows, reed beds, and forests, is nicknamed the “Green Venice,” a reference to the green hue of its waters, colored by tiny duckweed. Enjoy a unique exploration by rowboat, canoe, bike, or on foot, and admire the rich variety of flora and fauna: herons, storks, coypu, otters, eels, water lilies, and much more. Discover the charm of market-gardening villages such as Coulon, Arçais, and Maillezais, and immerse yourself in their rich heritage.
The Islands of Ré and Oléron: Beautiful Getaways by the Sea
Opposite La Rochelle, the islands of Ré and Oléron stand out as two jewels of the Atlantic, easily accessible via bridges connecting them to the mainland. They captivate visitors with their laid-back lifestyle, unique light, rich cuisine, and variety of water sports on offer. The elegant and refined Île de Ré invites you to stroll through its picturesque villages and explore its fine sandy beaches, bike paths, salt marshes, and harbors. Be sure to sample local specialties such as oysters and pineau.
Oleron Island offers a wilder, more authentic experience, with its unspoilt natural landscapes, vineyards and oyster beds. Explore iconic sites such as the Chassiron lighthouse and savor regional products, from cognac to famous mussel éclades.
La Palmyre and its fascinating zoo
Located between Royan and Ile d'Oléron, the seaside resort of La Palmyre is renowned for its zoo, one of the most remarkable and most-visited zoos in France. Founded in 1966, La Palmyre Zoo spans 18 hectares within a pine forest and is home to more than 1,600 animals representing 145 different species, ranging from lions to red pandas, flamingos, and penguins. Watch captivating sea lion and parrot shows and support conservation efforts by contributing to Palmyre Conservation.
Adventure and Family Fun
Visiting Poitou-Charentes also means enjoying fun and unique activities that the whole family will love. Here are three must-see destinations for unforgettable experiences.
Futuroscope: A futuristic park
The Futuroscope, located in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou near Poitiers, is a theme park celebrating multimedia technologies, film, and audiovisual experiences. With more than 40 attractions and shows, it invites you to explore the future: travel through time, discover space, and immerse yourself in the world of imagination through thrilling experiences, virtual reality, giant screens, special effects, robots, and drones. You can also take part in educational activities, exhibitions, and enriching encounters. Futuroscope is a window onto dreams and learning about the world of tomorrow.
Cycling in Charente Maritime
Charente-Maritime is a cyclist’s paradise, offering a multitude of cycling routes that explore varied landscapes, combining land and sea. Take well-known routes such as the Vélodyssée, the Canal des Deux Mers by bike, the Vélo Francette, the Scandibérique, or the Flow Vélo—not to mention the departmental routes that will take you along the banks of the Boutonne, the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, and the vineyard loops. Let yourself be charmed by the region’s natural and cultural heritage as you discover picturesque villages, quiet harbors, inviting beaches, serene marshes, lush forests, and thriving vineyards.
Wine Tourism in Charente: Discovering the Wineries of Cognac
The Charente, the birthplace of cognac, invites you to delve into the heart of the production of this prestigious brandy, protected by an appellation d’origine contrôlée. Made from white grapes, distilled twice, and aged in oak barrels, cognac reveals its secrets in the cellars of the great trading houses or at independent producers. Take part in tastings to discover the different qualities of cognac—which reflect its age and terroir—and explore related products such as Pineau des Charentes and Charente regional wine, among others.
Conclusion
A visit to Poitou-Charentes offers a destination with a wide range of activities for a memorable stay. Whether you’re passionate about history or culture, a nature lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find something to enjoy in this magnificent region.
Discover remarkable sites such as the underground church in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, the Marais Poitevin, Futuroscope, and the famous Cognac cellars. Marvel at breathtaking landscapes such as the Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron, the fascinating silver mines of the Frankish Kings, or the La Palmyre Zoo and its diverse wildlife.
Take part in a variety of fun activities: go on bike rides to explore the surrounding area, immerse yourself in the world of comic books, or discover the joys of wine tourism. The Poitou-Charentes region promises surprises and delight around every corner.
Don't wait any longer to plan your getaway to Poitou-Charentes and enjoy an unforgettable experience as you explore the region's hidden gems. It's an invitation to travel that you certainly won't regret!
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Poitou Charentes?
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Poitou-Charentes, specifically from early April through late October. These seasons offer pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the region’s cultural, natural, and culinary attractions. Although summer can be a viable option, expect more tourists and hotter weather, especially along the coast. Winter, which is often cold and rainy, is less recommended.
What means of transport are available to get around Poitou Charentes?
To get around Poitou Charentes, you can choose between car, train, bus and bike. The car is still the preferred means of transport for locals, but trains and buses connect the main towns and attractions efficiently. Opting for a bicycle is a pleasant and environmentally-friendly way to discover the region's landscapes and heritage.
What historical and cultural sites are not to be missed in Poitou Charentes?
Poitou Charentes is home to a rich historical and cultural heritage. A must-see:
- The Abbey of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique Romanesque frescoes.
- Futuroscope, a theme park focused on innovation and discovery, offering fun and impressive attractions.
- The Marais Poitevin, nicknamed the "Green Venice", a mix of wetlands, canals and charming villages, accessible by boat or bike.
- La Rochelle, a historic port city known for its remarkable architecture, including its medieval towers and the old covered market.
What are the gastronomic specialities and local produce of the Poitou Charentes region?
The Poitou Charentes region's gastronomy and local produce are rich and tasty:
- Seafood and Oysters Marennes-Oléron, renowned for their quality and bearing a protected designation of origin.
- Goat cheeses, including chabichou (PDO), carré du Poitou, mothais sur feuille, and tourteau fromager, a goat cheese cake.
- Typical charcuterie such as farci charentais or poitevin, grillon charentais, a pork terrine, or fagot charentais, a pork liver pâté.
- Characteristic dishes include saintongeaise chowder, a fish soup, cagouilles (stuffed snails), eels in parsley sauce, and harvest cod.
