Poitou-Charentes

Travel Guide

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

Quartier de l'Hippodrôme might not have many top sights, but Casino de Châtelaillon and Angoulins Town Hall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Quartier de l'Hippodrôme
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Saint-Nicolas

Saint-Nicolas might not have many top sights, but Vieux Port and La Rochelle Hotel de Ville are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Saint-Nicolas
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La Pallice

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

La Pallice
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Quartier du Casino

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

Centre Ville is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Port Boinot and St. Andrew's Church.

Centre Ville
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Port District

When in Port District, you can plan a visit to Casino de Châtelaillon and Angoulins Town Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Port District
Résidence New Rochelle

Résidence New Rochelle

17 Avenue du Lazaret, La Rochelle
The price is P5,601 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P5,601
P6,470 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (254 reviews)
"Fantastic staff"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 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 P5,076 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P5,076
P5,817 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (624 reviews)
"Only issue was that the directions issued did not take me to the hotel! Apart from that, a great place to stay with excellent access to the port and surrounding areas. Staff at reception really helpful too."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Hôtel La Fabrique
Hotel Central Park

Hotel Central Park

4 out of 5
4 Avenue Jean Guiton, La Rochelle
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (775 reviews)
"The hotel was excellent, from the service at reception, to the cleanliness of the room. The proximity to La Rochelle was also perfect."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Hotel Central Park
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
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (254 reviews)
"Fantastic staff"

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Résidence New Rochelle
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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (94 reviews)
"Right across the river from the Musée de la Bande Dessinée! Requires a bit of an uphill hike to get to the center of town but there are also easy nearby bus stops to take you there. Service was fantastic, breakfast was tasty and the hotel is pretty neat. No AC though."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Appart'City Classic Angoulême Centre
Appart'City Classic La Rochelle Centre

Appart'City Classic La Rochelle Centre

2 out of 5
8 rue Franc Lapeyre, La Rochelle
Book a stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in La Rochelle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (404 reviews)
"Okay, cheap, clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Appart'City Classic La Rochelle 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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