Beautiful, Tranquil Poitou-Charentes
If you are looking for a unique honeymoon destination, a romantic getaway or a fun but tranquil locale to take your family, consider having a Poitou-Charentes holiday. Although the majority of visitors to France tend either toward Paris or the Provence-Côte d'Azur region, Poitou-Charentes is not only beautiful, but relatively undiscovered by tourists. Covering the central part of France’s Atlantic coast and the first set of mountains in the Massif Central Mountains, Poitou-Charentes offers a picturesque, inspirational and varied landscape.
The region itself is rather new, having been formed in 1956; however, the towns themselves, like all of France, easily date back to at least the 10th and 11th centuries. French is the predominant language in Poitou-Charentes; however, three minority languages are routinely spoken there as well: Poitevin, Saintongeais and Limousin. Although this is not substantiated, it is believed that the Arcadian people of New Brunswick, Canada, and the Cajun people of Louisiana in the U.S. originated from Poitou-Charentes.
The region is accessible by both TGV from Paris’s Gare Montparnasse and Gare d'Austerlit. If you prefer driving, via motorway from the UK utilising any of the Channel ports into France via Paris or Rouen and then take the Péage A10 Paris-Tours-Bordeaux. If you are flying, consider hiring a car once you land in La Rochelle. It is arguably the best way to zip around the French countryside.
Hotels are available in the region; however, for the utmost in luxury and comfort, travelers will be able to more fully enjoy their Poitou-Charentes holiday by letting one of numerous fully-equipped gites Poitou-Charentes offers. If your preference is to stay by the coast, consider the towns of La Rochelle, Royan or Rochefort. Given that they are port towns, expect to see many luxury yachts parked in the marinas. Weather along the coast is consistent throughout the year, so shorts during the day and a light windbreaker in the evening is all you will need year round. If a mountain getaway sounds more appealing, the villages of St Jean d Angely, Moncoutant, Antigny, Chalais, Chadeniers and Saint Angeau will likely suit your travel needs best.
Each town has its own special charm. For instance, apart from housing the nearest airport, La Rochelle, established in the 10th century, has a rich history, including being the site of the Hundred Years Aar between the British and Castilian-French fleets in the 1300s, numerous wars over religion and King Louis XIII’s siege of La Rochelle in 1628.
The regional council has done its best to address and develop the economy of the region. That in mind, Futuroscope Theme Park opened its doors just north of Poitiers in 1986. An estimated 1.5 million people visit the theme park annually. After having a day’s fun at Futuroscope, you will certainly want to Poitiers as well. Among the many ancient churches in this quaint town, Poitiers is home to both St. John’s Baptistery and Notre-Dame la Grande church.
Whether a seaside retreat or a bungalow in the countryside is more your style, the many private, luxury gites Poitou-Charentes has to offer will provide comfort and convenience that will enhance your Poitou-Charentes holiday. From a cozy cottage for couples to a large, family-sized house, Charente is sure to have the perfect holiday home to meet your needs.
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