Poitou-Charentes Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Natural History Museum as well as a couple
Poitou-Charentes
Poitou-Charentes
Aquarium La Rochelle featuring marine life
Aquarium La Rochelle which includes 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

While Quartier de l'Hippodrôme isn't home to many top sights, Casino de Châtelaillon and Week N GO Vertig o Parc are some notable places to visit nearby.

Quartier de l'Hippodrôme
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Saint-Nicolas

Though Saint-Nicolas may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Vieux Port and La Rochelle Hotel de Ville.

Saint-Nicolas
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Quartier du Casino

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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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Centre Ville

3/5(1 area review)

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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Port District

5/5(1 area review)

Port District 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.

Port District
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La Pallice

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

La Pallice
Résidence New Rochelle

Résidence New Rochelle

17 Avenue du Lazaret, La Rochelle
The price is ₹8,636 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹8,636
₹9,975 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach aparthotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (243 reviews)
"Fantastic staff"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Résidence New Rochelle
Hôtel La Fabrique

Hôtel La Fabrique

3 out of 5
7-9-11 rue de la Fabrique, La Rochelle
The price is ₹6,746 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹6,746
₹7,772 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and on-site spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (604 reviews)
A gem in a beautiful toen
"This hotel is an old factory that has been converted into a stunning hotel. The room was spacious, modern and spotlessly clean. Large bathroom with a walk-in shower. The location could not have been better, two minutes walk from the many restaurants and bars. Wonderful."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Hôtel La Fabrique
B&B HOTEL La Rochelle Centre les Minimes

B&B HOTEL La Rochelle Centre les Minimes

3 out of 5
49 Rue de la Scierie, La Rochelle
Stay at this 3-star hotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Vieux Port and Minimes Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (170 reviews)
"Convenient to points of interest"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

B&B HOTEL La Rochelle Centre les Minimes
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.
Résidence New Rochelle

Résidence New Rochelle

17 Avenue du Lazaret, La Rochelle
Stay at this beach aparthotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (243 reviews)
"Fantastic staff"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Résidence New Rochelle
Appart'City Classic La Rochelle Centre

Appart'City Classic La Rochelle Centre

2 out of 5
8 rue Franc Lapeyre, La Rochelle
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (397 reviews)
"Okay, cheap, clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 21 Jun 2025

Appart'City Classic La Rochelle Centre
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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (84 reviews)
Good value hotel in reasonably convenient location
"This appart-hotel is about a ten minute walk to the centre of Angouleme and the comic strip museum is nearby. The rooms are clean with a kitchenette and a shower room. Breakfast is reasonable for under 10 euros. The staff are helpful and pleasant. Altogether a good stay."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Appart'City Classic Angoulême Centre
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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