Poitou Charentes is presented as an Atlantic coast destination between Nantes and Bordeaux. Four offshore islands are included in the regional overview: Ré, Madame, Aix and Oléron. The landscape, culture and regional produce offer a range of possible focuses for your trip. First decide which themes interest you, then tailor your accommodation search to the specific places in your plans.

Coast, islands and nature

The Marais Poitevin is promoted within Poitou-Charentes as the “Green Venice”. In the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine area, it is one of the designated regional nature parks. The Forêt domaniale de Saint-Sauvant also offers a range of ways to enjoy nature: hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, as well as nature trails, ponds, heritage and protected biodiversity. Trail accessibility may change; check conditions before making specific outdoor plans.

Futuroscope offers another kind of experience: the park has more than 40 attractions and shows, including family activities in Futuropolis. The number and programme change over time, so it is worth checking the current offer when planning. At the Grotte de la Norée in Biard, illuminated caves and stalagmites are paired with guided tours covering local history, science and legends. Tours may be seasonal.

Heritage and special places

Cultural influences in the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine area include Poitevin and Saintongeais traditions. The Poitou-Charentes section of the Way of St James includes six churches associated with the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. In Poitiers, Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand is a UNESCO-listed example of Poitevin Romanesque architecture; the church features wall paintings and a fresco of the Apocalypse.

At Cassinomagus, you can explore a lively archaeological park. Its ancient baths are described as one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Europe. Maison Maria Casarès, beside the Charente, brings together theatre, heritage, landscape and educational activities. In the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine area, the Festival international de la Bande Dessinée d’Angoulême and the Francofolies de La Rochelle are also part of the cultural offer; dates and programmes may change.

Regional produce and experiences

Cognac is produced mainly in the Charente and Charente-Maritime départements. Its production is based on the double distillation of white wines; Cognac is then aged in oak barrels for at least two years. In Cognac, cellar visits, Romanesque churches, castles, boat trips and cycling tours along the Charente are among the activities described for visitors. Providers and timetables vary, so check specific options for your travel dates.

Pineau des Charentes is made from Cognac brandy and grape juice. At Maison Guillon-Painturaud in Segonzac, visitors can design a personalised bottle; workshop availability may change. Chabichou du Poitou also tells a story of regional production: the cheese is made in Haut-Poitou, whose limestone plateau extends south to the Charente.

Planning your journey and accommodation

For rail travel, the TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine Max Actif+ programme lists services between Angoulême and Poitiers, La Rochelle and Poitiers, Niort and La Rochelle, and Poitiers and Niort. Routes, fares and subscription conditions may change; check them against your travel dates. The places and themes mentioned are different starting points, not an automatically connected round trip. Once you have chosen your focus, you can check your specific destinations and suitable transport options before looking for accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne.

Go to the main travel overview: France.