Located on the central Atlantic coast, Poitou Charentes is a holiday destination with something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy the seaside atmosphere of the coastal region in towns such as La Rochelle, or explore valleys and historical landmarks further inland. Poitou Charentes lies on the famous pilgrim's trail, Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. Following this route is a great way to discover the region and its many historical romanesque buildings. These include the Church of Saint Savin with its murals, the Church of Notre-Dame-La-Grande in Poitiers which has an amazing façade, the UNESCO listed Church of St Hilary in Melle and the Church of St Nicolas in Civray.

With plenty to see and do for families, couples and singles, a Poitou Charentes villa in La Rochelle, Royan or one of the smaller coastal villages is the perfect setting for a French seaside holiday. Relax in the sun on the long sandy beaches bordered by pine trees, or walk, bike ride or horse ride through the national parks and along the numerous cliffs. The Atlantic coast of Poitou Charentes boast four small islands, the two biggest being Oléron and Ré, which are connected to the mainland via a bridge. These islands are covered mostly in undisturbed wildlife, and with their gentle climates are small slices of paradise.

Back on the mainland, children will love the futuristic adventure park, le Futuroscope, as well as the animal parks. There is a large zoo at La Palmyre, an aquarium in La Rochelle and the "Valley of Monkeys" at Romagne. For a more relaxing experience, play a game of golf on one of Poitou Charentes' twenty golf courses.

Discover the beauty of the valleys of the rivers Vienne, Thouet and Gartempe further inland. Use your Poitou Charentes villa as a base to explore the museums, châteaux and fortresses in old towns along the banks of these rivers. Visit the Museum of Fine-Arts in Angoulême, the old mint of the Kings in Melle and the monolithic church of Aubeterre-sur-l'Anglin. Wander around Angles-sur-l'Anglin, which claims to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. Enjoy the many sites of natural beauty that Poitou Charentes has to offer - from the grottos of Quéroy, to the Yves swampland, the Celtica gardens in Bournand and the 'Global Gardens' in Royan.

The food festival, Gastronomades, held in Angoulême in November is a must-see for food and wine lovers. However, sample local specialities all year round. Cognac, oysters from Marennes-Oléron, wine from Charentes are favourites. You can even visit the oyster farm near the Island of Oléron and see how they are farmed and harvested.

Festivals and Events in Poitou-Charentes
Airvault - Music and dances of the world festival (July)
Angoulême - Hybrid music Festival (May)
Angoulême - Festival Ludoland: Festival of Games (November)
Angoulême - Festival "Piano en Valois": Jazz and Classical Music Festival (November)
Angoulême - Gastronomades: Food Festival (November)
Châtellerault - Jazzellerault (June)
Cognac - International Festival of Police Films (June)
Confolens - Festival of Dance and Music of the World (September)
La Rochelle - International Film Festival (June)
La Rochelle - Les Francofolies (July)
Magné - Festival of Painting (July)
Saint-Bris-des-Bois - Story telling and Concerts at the Abbey of Fontdouce (August)
Vivonne - Festival of Chants and Music "from here and elsewhere" (March)