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| Poitou - Charentes |
| Region of Western France comprising: Charente (16), Charente-Maritime (17), Deux-Sèvres (79) and Vienne (86) |
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What you find within this section
Presentation
An area with a beautiful coastline that finds deserved popularity with holidaymakers. Transition characterises the appearance of this region's interior, going from plain to hedged farmland to marsh. Half the national oyster production is concentrated on the coast and islands, which also attract tourists. More than 90% of Cognac produced in the region is exported. Niort, gateway to the marshes of the Poitevin, has become the top location for mutual insurance offices.
The two Charentes départements are the amalgamation of the former provinces of Aunis and Saintonge. They are well-known butter-producing areas, but are most famous for cognac, the liqueur des dieux. Saintes, capital of the Saintonge region, is a former Roman city that still possesses its triumphal arch and amphitheatre. Angoulême, perched on a hill in the centre of the département. Its annual comic book and vintage car festivals are known to enthusiasts throughout Europe.
Between the Vendée and the Limousin, Poitou is a quiet, rural area, but it has nevertheless seen action in its day: Charles Martel stopped the Arab invasion at Poitiers in 732, and the city was one of France's most important during the 16th century. The Charentes region has a beautiful coastline that finds deserved popularity with holidaymakers. In particular, the historic port of La Rochelle is constantly in motion, with vacanciers eating, drinking and strolling along the old harbour, beneath towers and ramparts.
Also of interest to visitors is the marshland of the Marais poitevin. Also known as la Venise verte (Green Venice), it is an outstanding nature reserve, today ideal for leisurely outings by punt.
Once dubbed by a French king, "France’s happiest river", the Charente meanders peacefully through the rolling countryside which is peppered with tranquil hamlets, and out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Artists are drawn to this area by the clarity and light that are inherent in the "big" sky, blue from horizon to horizon, softened by fluffy white clouds. The perfect setting in which to enjoy a glass of Cognac!
From rural Vienne, through peaceful Charente, to the coast at Charente Maritime, there is something in this region to suit everyone's tastes.
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