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Poitou-Charentes |
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Major cities: Poitiers, La Rochelle
100 miles of Atlantic coastline
Port cities and islands
Cognac vineyards
Marais Poitevin - marshes known as the "Green Venice"
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.
Inland, the scene is one of serenity, with vast horizons
and wooded valleys, the Poitou fens and Marais Poitevin, the soothing
tranquillity of canals, the valley of Vienne, the foothills of Charente
and the world-famous Cognac vineyards.
The Futuroscope theme park
near Poitiers offers visitors a glimpse into future technology and media.
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| Places of interest |
| Angoulême |
Town set on a hill-top surrounded by ramparts, Tour Lusignan, the
Cathedral |
| Aulnay |
Dampierre Renaissance château |
| Chatellerault |
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 its macaroons |
| Niort |
Museum, Notre-Dame church, botanical garden |
| Oléron |
(Island) - Access by 2 mile long viaduct, château Boyardille, military port
established by Napoléon |
| Poitiers |
Palais de Justice, St. Jean Baptistry, Notre-Dame-la-Grande romanesque church, Ste.
Croix Museum, old city |
| Ré |
(Island) - Reached by ferry, fishing, boating, oysters and St. Martin Citadel
constructed by Vauban |
| La Rochelle |
Major port and commercial center, "Porte de la Grosse Horloge" (clock gate), St.
Sauveur Church, Tower of St. Nicholas, "Hotel de la Bourse", "Musée du Nouveau Monde" (Museum of the New World) |
| Royan |
One of the largest seaside resorts of 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. |
