The Poitou-Charentes region is located on the French Atlantic coast and does not only have the most beautiful beaches but some of the oldest buildings in France.
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While in Poitou-Charentes, France, I had the pleasure of exploring a small section of the coast and catching a ferry to the carless Île d’Aix (Isle of Aix). It was a wondrous journey away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. A picturesque wonderland that takes you back in time.
The Best Places to Visit in Poitou Charentes
There are just so many things to see in Poitou Charentes that I decided to make a list of some of the best attractions.
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#1 La Rochelle
La Rochelle is best known as being an Old Port. Today, the defensive towers of the port are still standing. The Tour de la Chaine and the Tour Saint-Nicolas date back to the middle ages and overlook the port ominously. Near the Old Port, there is a bustling harbor that offers great restaurants where many tourists and locals go to enjoy fresh mussels and fish.
La Rochelle has a wonderful Old Town with many historic buildings including the Town Hall that is open to visitors. La Rochelle has a massive aquarium which is popular with many visitors as well as a Maritime Museum where you can learn more about the role that the city played for seafarers in history.
Stay at the Central Park Hôtel & Spa, a 4-star hotel located in La Rochelle. The hotel is comfortable, modern and eco-friendly. The La Grande Terrasse Hotel&Spa La Rochelle Mgallery By Sofitel is a 4-star hotel which is on the beachfront. The hotel is surrounded by 3 hectares of parklands and includes a spa. You can enjoy a walking tour of La Rochelle and enjoy all the greatest landmarks of the town.
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#2 Île de Ré & Île d’ Oléron
These Islands are the biggest of the coast of Poitou Charentes. Both islands are popular with tourists and locals from the area for their beautiful beaches and remote atmosphere. The Ile de Re is a divine mixture of pine forests, marshes and beaches and is well-known for its fresh oysters. The island offers quaint fishing villages and excellent sporting opportunities such as sailing, surfing, and cycling. The Ile de Re is connected by a bridge to La Rochelle and you can choose to take a boat cruise to the island or drive across the 3km long bridge.
The Ile d’ Oleron is just as popular for its wild natural elements and beautiful beaches. The island has a rich fishermen’s culture that is displayed throughout the island. In the main town of Le Chateau-d’-Oleron there is a historic oyster port where art exhibits are displayed. It makes for a wonderful and relaxing experience. The island is reachable via a ferry from Poitou Charentes, alternatively by train or car.
The Hôtel Le Galion in the Ile Le Galion near the harbor. The hotel offers views of the sea from the 1st floor and a great continental breakfast. The Logis Hôtel de la Plage is located on the Ile d’ Oleron just 50m from the beach. It is a perfect location to enjoy the island. Enjoy a bike tour of Ile de Re where you can enjoy every aspect of the island.
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#3 Ile d’Aix
It’s a small island with only 200 inhabitants. But it’s a popular day trip with tourists during the summer months. The island is also unique in the fact that it is careless. You would need to attain special permission to have a car on the island. It is best to experienced before and after all the tourists have arrived. Then you’ll have romantic alcoves and long stretches of beaches all to yourself. I highly recommend spending a night there. There’s something about the absence of cars that makes an island getaway seem especially relaxing.
The island is small so everyone walks or cycles to get around. I cycled around the island in just over an hour at a leisurely pace. After eating amazing French food, it feels good to move. The highlights on the island include the Fort Liédot, a former military prison and a couple of museums. When I reflect back on my time on the Isle of Aix, in Poitou-Charentes what I remember most was how I felt. Happy, relaxed, at ease, stress-free….and the most incredible sunsets.
I stayed at the l’hôtel Napoléon (Hotel Napoleon) and would recommend it. It’s an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary designs. The restaurant is also really good. You can also stay at the Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Fort de la which is an aparthotel.
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#4 Royan
Royan is located on the stretch of the Cote de Beaute (Coast of Beauty) and is one of the most popular destinations in the area. There are 5 sandy beaches that are all popular with visitors. Royan has been rebuilt since World War II, as much of it was destroyed during the war.
The Cote de Beaute includes the Gironde Estuary which is popular for hiking, cycling and bird watching. It is easily reached from Royan. If you enjoy walks and amazing views then the Sentier des Douaniers coastal path is a perfect activity.
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#5 Rochefort
The town of Rochefort was developed all in one go during the 17th Century by Jean Baptiste Colbert. There are several great landmarks in the town including the Royal Dockyard where 550 ships were built and launched in 3 centuries. You will also find a fully functioning replica of The Hermione, the frigate that carried General Lafayette to America during the American Revolution.
Another marvelous landmark is the 66m high Rochefort-Martrou transporter bridge. The bridge spans the Charente and was opened in 1900. The cables suspend a gondola 50m above the water. It takes pedestrians and cyclists across the water.
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Poitou Charentes is a perfect place to get away from the urban jungle and relax. There is so much that this region of France has to offer.
Note: Thank you to Tourism Poitou-Charentes for making my visit possible. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
