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Description
| Cuisine
| Places of Interest
 Major
Cities: Poitiers, La Rochelle, Cognac, Angouleme, Futuroscope,
100 miles of
Atlantic coastline, ancient abbeys, religious wars
Port cities and
islands that are biking paradises
Cognac
vineyards stretch across miles of softly rolling hills
Marais Poitevin
- marshes known as the "Green Venice"
Here Your
French Connexion has found some of the most delightful of homes,
hotels, B and B's in both vineyard villages and seaside resorts.
Sandy beaches
where clothing is optional and fishing fleets that promise the best
of seafood.
Description
On the Atlantic
coast, between the châteaux of the Loire Valley and the Bordeaux
vineyards, lies Poitou-Charentes, one of the sunniest parts of the
French western coast. Its mild climate - 2,250 hours of sunshine per
year - makes it desirable to visit anytime from early spring to late
autumn. A 300-mile coastline with fine sandy beaches, backed by
fragrant pine forests, lively resorts such as La Rochelle, Royan and
the islands of Oléron, Aix and Ré provide attractions to tempt
everyone, especially bikers and walkers.
Inland, the
scene is one of serenity, with vast horizons and wooded valleys, the
Poitou and Marais Poitevin, feature the soothing tranquility of
canals, the valley of Vienne, the foothills of Charente and the
world-famous Cognac vineyards.
At
Futuroscope, the technological theme park near Poitiers.
visitors are given a glimpse into future technology and media. Great
site for a family vacation. How about a few days in an English
speaking Gite or Bed and Breakfast?
Cuisine
In
Poitou-Charentes, eating is always a feast. Sample the renowned
Marennes-Oléron oysters. Everywhere you find freshwater-fish: eel,
trout and pike. Other mouth-watering local recipes make the most of
prime meat and wild fowl along with fine butter and cheeses. Also
popular are Cognac, the Pineau des Charentes (an aperitif of grape
juice and Cognac), and the light fruity wines from Haut-Poitou,
Deux-Sèvres and Charente.
Places
of Interest
Angouleme Town
set on a hill-top surrounded by ramparts, Tour Lusignan, the
Cathedral
Aulnay Dampierre
Renaissance chateau
Chatellerau Important
commercial center
Cognac The
most celebrated "eau de vie" in the world, cellars, Valois
Castle
Futuroscope (Near
Poitiers) Futuristic theme park dedicated to computerized technology
and robots
Montmorillon Unique
octagonal ossuary, medieval bridge, famous for its macaroons
Niort Museum,
Notre-Dame church, botanical garden
Oleron (Island)
Access by 2 mile-long viaduct, chateau Boyardille, military port
established by Napoleon
Poitiers Palais
de Justice, St. Jean Bapistry, Notre-Dame-la-Grande Romanesque
church, Ste. Croix Museum, old city
Rela (Island)
Reached by ferry, fishing, boating, oysters and St. Martin Citadel
constructed by Vauban
Rochelle Nouveau
Monde (Museum of the New World)
Royan One
of the largest seaside resorts in France, Notre-Dame church,
beaches.
Saintes Germanicus
Arch 19 A.D., "Abbaye aux Dames", Mestreau Museum, Fine
Art Museum, St. Eutrope church and crypt
St. Savin 17th
century abbey, mural painting
We are
pleased to share some highlights of cities from www.francetourism.com.
You will also find us on their site under Washington State.
Enjoy
Poitou Charentes this year.
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