Discover Poitou-Charentes: Islands, Heritage and Cognac

Poitou-Charentes is presented as an Atlantic destination between Nantes and Bordeaux. Four offshore islands, heritage, landscapes and culinary traditions give the region several distinct areas of interest. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip here, you can start by considering whether you are particularly interested in nature, history, events or regional produce. The following topics offer some concrete starting points.

Islands and Landscapes

The four offshore islands of Poitou-Charentes are Ré, Madame, Aix and Oléron. The Marais Poitevin is promoted as the “Green Venice” of Poitou-Charentes. In the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine area, it is also one of the regional nature parks. This brings together different landscape themes: the islands mentioned above and the Marais as a natural park landscape. For your trip planning, you can consider these areas of interest separately rather than combining them into a single excursion route.

Heritage and Events

Six churches in the Poitou-Charentes section are associated with the Way of St. James 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. Cassinomagus is an archaeological park with ancient thermal baths, considered one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Europe. The Maison Maria Casarès on the Charente brings together theatre, heritage, landscape and educational activities; its programme may change.

Cultural and musical events also offer a distinct approach to planning. In the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine area, the Festival international de la Bande Dessinée d’Angoulême and Francofolies de La Rochelle are part of the events calendar. Dates and programmes change. So if you want an event to shape your stay, check the relevant dates and programme before finalising your trip.

Activities and Places to Visit

Futuroscope offers more than 40 attractions and shows, including family activities in Futuropolis. The number of attractions and the programme change over time. The Forêt domaniale de Saint-Sauvant offers hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, as well as educational trails, ponds, heritage sites and preserved biodiversity. Access to the trails may change.

At the Grotte de la Norée in Biard, illuminated caves and stalagmites are combined with guided visits about local history, science and legends. Tour times may vary by season. This makes it possible to focus on different interests: attractions and shows, activities in the forest, or a visit centred on caves and their local stories.

Cognac and Regional Produce

Cognac is produced primarily in the Charente and Charente-Maritime départements. The spirit is made by distilling white wines twice; it is then aged in oak barrels for at least two years. Cognac-related visitor experiences include cellar visits, Romanesque churches, châteaux, boat trips and cycling along the Charente. Providers and schedules may vary.

Pineau des Charentes is made from Cognac eau-de-vie and grape juice. At Maison Guillon-Painturaud in Segonzac, visitors can create a personalised bottle; workshop availability may change. Chabichou du Poitou also has a clear connection to the landscape: the cheese is made in Haut-Poitou, whose limestone plateau extends south to the Charente. Regional produce therefore brings both production methods and areas of origin into focus.

Rail Connections for Planning

The TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine Max Actif+ programme lists rail journeys between Angoulême and Poitiers, La Rochelle and Poitiers, Niort and La Rochelle, and Poitiers and Niort. Routes, fares and subscription terms may change. Check connections and conditions before including them in your travel plans.

Explore subregions: Charente, Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, Vienne.

Discover more destinations: Lorraine, Normandy, Nord Pas De Calais, Saint Pierre.

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