La-rochelle
THE AREA
Sport and Leisure: Golf, watersports, horse-riding, tennis.
Come and have a good time in the many nightclubs, bars and restaurants of the area...
Charente Maritime offers a window into the wider Poitou-Charentes region on the Atlantic coast, which has served as an important commerical port and key base for the French military.
The region offers a wide variety of attractions, from an aquarium in la Rochelle and a zoo in la Palmyre to fascinating churches, abbeys and castles. The long streches of coastline also offer opportunities to try watersports and regional seafood.
Train stations: La Rochelle, Rochefort.
Be a guest to one of the world's most exclusive tables. France, land of gourmets and culinary arts, offers a bewildering array of food and wines from delicious simple fare to exquisite haute cuisine. With over 340 sorts of cheese and 450 quality wines France will satisfy every palate.
Beyond gastronomy, from North to South France sparkles with an incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage of famous castles, churches, cathedrals and museums carefully preserved and restored which makes it one the most sought afterand enthralling destination for holidaymakers from around the globe.
France takes prides in the rich and diverse tapestry of its magnificent landscapes which have been celebrated throughout the centuries by its many famous writers, poets and artists in words and creations so many of which have become part of the world's cultural heritage and still inspire today's travellers to discover it for themselves. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or want to commune with Nature, whether you wish to step back into history or are searching for an active sporting adventure, France will welcome you with open arms, seduce you with its warmth and entertain you with its wide range of attractions enabling you to achieve that perfect holiday.
A word of advice from Lagrange: French roads are excellent, but not free, so keep some euros handy.
Located on the Atlantic coast, the Charente-Maritime region stretches out its pine tree lined sandy beaches and green countryside between the Vendee and Gironde areas. This is a region rich in history: Don't miss La Rochelle and its magnificent port, or Saintes, ancient roman town.
Charente-Maritime also takes pride in its islands which inspired many writers and painters: l'Ile d'Oleron (linked by a bridge 3km long), famous for its oysters and its windmills, l'Ile de Re, unforgettable when it comes to landscapes.
Everything in the area was made for you to have a pleasant stay. You will find many warm and welcoming resorts along the steep chalky rocks, capes and heavenly bays, with plenty of activities to offer. Gourmet meals and fine wines & spirits amateurs will find all they could wish for... Don't forget the town of Cognac is situated in the area.
