On the Atlantic coast, between the châteaux and the
castles 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-long 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 from the
beachcomber to the bathing-belle.
Inland, the scene is one of serenity, with vast horizons and
wooded valleys, the Poitou fens and Marais Poitevin, the
soothing tranquility of canals, the valley of Vienne, the
foothills of Charente and the Cognac vineyards.
Regional Portrait
Regional tourism board
Department tourism board
