Poitou-Charentes

Travel Guide

Natural History Museum as well as a couple
Poitou-Charentes
Poitou-Charentes
Aquarium La Rochelle featuring marine life
Aquarium La Rochelle showing marine life
Poitou-Charentes offers an astonishing heritage of culture, nature and history, nestling between the land and the sea. Don’t hesitate to enjoy as much of this region as you can.

A journey across the varied countryside of Poitou-Charentes will reveal the many sides to this charming region. The contrast of experiences offers something for all tastes, from the coast near La Rochelle, to the charming villages of Deux-Sèvres, not to mention the high-tech animations at Futuroscope and ancient Roman art at Charente.

Looking for tranquillity? Begin your tour in the extraordinary Marais Poitevin which stretches across the departments of Deux-Sèvres, Vendée and Charente-Maritime. This region is deservedly known as the “Green Venice” because its many canals covered in duckweed are the ideal place for a fascinating boat trip.

Then head south in the direction of La Rochelle. Instantly recognisable thanks to the Medieval towers that protected the town in former times, it invites visitors to enjoy strolling around, taking in its sights and sounds. Must tries? A few oysters opposite the old port before going out to dance to the sound of the Francofolies.

If you have time, follow the coast towards Royan, an iconic seaside resort on the Côte de Beauté, blessed with fine sandy beaches and Belle Époque villas that create the charm of yesteryear.

The next destination in your stay, the wide open spaces! Scattered like jewels along the Charente coastline, l'île d'Oléron and l'île de Ré will delight lovers of sailing and cycling who are looking for an invigorating stay. And if the call of the open spaces is too strong, treat yourself to a boat trip around Fort Boyard.

Before discovering the prestigious vineyards of Cognac, make a stop at Saintes, inseparable from Roman art. There you will find architectural treasures, where a Gallo-Roman amphitheatre and the fabulous church of Saint-Eutrope have been classified by UNESCO.

In the north-east of the region, Poitiers offers a history and religious heritage you must not miss. With its narrow streets and lively cafés, the “city with a hundred bell towers” is home to the legendary Futuroscope amusement park that will delight young and old looking for thrills. Make sure you don’t miss the church of Notre-Dame-la-Grande, a major Romanesque work of art, also the sublime Benedictine abbey of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, about 25 miles to the east.

Ready to go on holiday in Poitou-Charentes? Let yourself be surprised by this charming region of western France. Poitou-Charentes is easily accessible from UK, with direct flights from UK airports to La Rochelle. Organise your stay and find activities for the whole family!

Where to stay in Poitou-Charentes

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Quartier de l'Hippodrôme

Quartier de l'Hippodrôme might not have many top sights, but Casino de Châtelaillon and Week N GO Vertig o Parc are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Quartier de l'Hippodrôme
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Port District

When in Port District, you can plan a visit to Casino de Châtelaillon and Week N GO Vertig o Parc, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Port District
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La Pallice

Travelers like the historic sites in La Pallice, and Port de la Pallice is a top attraction you might want to visit.

La Pallice
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Centre Ville

Centre Ville is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like St. Andrew's Church and Church of Notre-Dame.

Centre Ville
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Quartier du Casino

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Quartier du Casino. You might want to make time for a stop at Bay of Biscay or Casino de Châtelaillon.

Quartier du Casino
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Quartier des Dunes

Quartier des Dunes might not have many top sights, but Casino de Châtelaillon and Week N GO Vertig o Parc are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Quartier des Dunes
Hotel Central Park
Hotel Central Park
4 out of 5
4 Avenue Jean Guiton, La Rochelle
The price is P5,412 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
P5,412
P6,291 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 19 - Mar 20
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (739 reviews)
Parfait !!!
"Petit weekend en amoureux, spa et détente"

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2025

Hotel Central Park
Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel La Rochelle
Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel La Rochelle
4 out of 5
17 rue de l'Ouvrage a Cornes, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
The price is P5,287 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
P5,287
P6,153 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 9 - Mar 10
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (757 reviews)
"About 10 minutes by foot to the old centre. Breakfast was excellent and the room clean but a little dated. Underground car parking good would stay again."

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2025

Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel La Rochelle
Best Western Hotel De La Breche
Best Western Hotel De La Breche
4 out of 5
9 Avenue Jacques Bujault, Place de la Breche, Niort, Deux-Sevres
The price is P5,129 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
P5,129
P5,814 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Niort. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Church of Notre-Dame and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (207 reviews)
"Value"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

Best Western Hotel De La Breche
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Appart'City Classic  Angoulême Centre
Appart'City Classic Angoulême Centre
3 out of 5
70, avenue de Cognac, Angouleme, Charente
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Angoulême. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (65 reviews)
"The staff is helpful and friendly. The rooms are alright too. But the location of the hotel is convenient only if the purpose of your trip is to visit the Cartoon Museum, which is around the corner. To get to the old town, where all the monuments, museums, churches, and restaurants are, you have ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2024

Appart'City Classic Angoulême Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Access Poitiers
Aparthotel Adagio Access Poitiers
3 out of 5
23 Boulevard Du Grand Cerf, Poitiers, Vienne
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Poitiers. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (571 reviews)
"It was clean and comfortable. Staff helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Access Poitiers
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL L'Escale Marine
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL L'Escale Marine
3 out of 5
36 Avenue Amerigo Vespucci, La Rochelle
Stay at this 3-star residence in La Rochelle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a steam room. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (781 reviews)
"In a quiet area within easy walking of city centre, beaches, local shops. Could have been better if there was a bit more information about getting around eg buses, ferries, bikes etc. Staff always polite."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2024

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL L'Escale Marine
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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