Poitou-Charentes

The unspoilt region of Poitou-Charentes is noted for its long stretches of sandy beach, golf courses and marinas, not to mention its abundance of seafood and famous salt fields. Inland provides a flatter landscape used for mixed farming, livestock breeding and vineyards. Nearly 40% of the region is covered with grassland and woodland. It is made up of four departments; Charente, Charente-Maritime, Vienne and Deux-Sevres:

Angouleme is the departmental capital of Charente, containing a lovely Romanesque cathedral. The old town is surrounded by ramparts, the circuit of which is used each September to host a vintage car race. The town is also home to the national centre of cartoon and illustration, the creators of famous characters such as Asterix.

Cognac, the town that lends it name to the celebrated French brandy, lies on the Charente river, a site offering beautiful trips by boat.

La Rochelle is the departmental capital of Charente-Maritime, having become an established port in the Middle Ages. The old town contains enormous paving stones whose original use were as ballast in the sailing ships. This old town is relatively untouched and lies adjacent to the Vieux Port, an industrial centre of some importance, and home to numerous cafes and seafood restaurants.

Rochefort is a 17th century port only recently abandoned by the French navy. The town boasts an international maritime centre and interesting museum.

Brouage is a medieval village, just South of Rochefort, with original ramparts, set within a flat marshland. It lies near Royan, a town virtually destroyed during the first and second world wars.

Pontaillac and Saint-Palais-sur-Mer are smaller resorts along the coast just North-West of Royan. Further inland, the town of Saintes displays its’ Roman history through the remains of an arena and a Roman arch. Just South of Royan, along an old route of pilgrimage, lies Pons. Beautiful views of the surrounding countryside can be obtained from the rooftop of the dramatic 100ft dungeon within this town. The small market town of Jonzac is located just South of Pons.

The region is known for its stone masonry and the building of many Romanesque churches and 11th century fresco collections. The fortified town of Brouage, and the replacing naval port of Rochefort are of particular interest historically.

Chanrentes-Maritime is famous for being one of the biggest producers of shell fish and oysters and with flat areas of shore line being used to dry sea water to make France’s celebrated salt. This area is also well known for its production of Cognac and white wine. Inland lie the muscadet and rose d’anjou vineyards. All regions are popular for boating activities due to the numerous marinas along the West Coast. A popular option can be found in the sailing schools which also offer sand yachting for those who prefer dry land. The west coast is famous for its excellent surfing beaches. Due to its ideal landscape, cycling is very popular and an excellent way to explore the region. The west of France offers approximately 40 golf courses, the majority of which are found in this region, with many offering reasonable rates. Horseriding is also extremely popular with beautiful woodland treks and riverside rides with the choice of overnight rides also. Sarthe is found at the far east of the region and boasts an impressive Cathedral and beautiful woodland. It is also noted for its 24 motor races in Le Mans. Further to the south of the coast is the flat area of the Vendee, offering stretches of endless beaches, quaint fishing villages and resorts along the seafront, attributes shared by Poitou-Charentes which furthermore boasts beautiful marinas, golf courses and islands two of which the Ile d’oleron and the Ile de Re are famous for their exquisite shell fish and unspoilt beaches, shaded by pine trees.

The climate is pleasant and sunny and encourages a healthy lifestyle, with a fantastic micro climate being found in Charentes-Maritime and the other coastal areas. Winter storms are however a factor of some importance in this area also, often presenting severe winds of up to 90 miles per hour. It is notable for its mild winters and lengthy hot summers however inland this is less pronounced. As you cross the dividing line of the Loire, the climate becomes cooler.

The population of Poitou-Charentes is just over 1.6 million with that of Pays-de-la-Loire being almost twice as large and growing, with a fast growing population.

The economy is greatly sustained by the service sector (approx. 50%) with industry owning approx 30% of employment and agriculture 15%. Saint-Nazaire in particular is presently enjoying great business success, improving the employment prospects in this area.

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