Charente Vendee Attractions  This area of France has a rich variety of attractions for the holidaymaker.  Of course the miles of sandy beaches draw the crowds year after year, but there are some delightful towns and villages as well, plus vineyards aplenty with the added benefit of the home of Cognac and the local speciality Pineau. Also you will find splendid theme parks such as le Puy du Fou or Futuroscope, as well as idyllic islands, fascinating geographical features....

Tepacap Activity Centre    The children will love it!

Location: South east of Bordeaux at Saint Caprais de Bordeaux on the D240, 2km south of Cénac.
General Info:Open during French school holidays from 9AM - 7PM, closes for one hour at lunchtime.  Tel: 05 56 213 213.  Please note this information is from 2005 - phone ahead to check.
Description: A really unusual outdoor activity theme park for children, with different zones for different ages, in a large forest setting.  This is a great chance for all the family to play at being Tarzan for a day!
Our recommendations: If you want to get a full day of activity, make sure you arrive early.  The whole site shuts for an hour at lunchtime around 12.30 and everyone has to stop their activity.
For the children: There is good general supervision and safety provision.  For children under 10 it won’t provide a day’s entertainment, however there is a separate adventure area for the youngsters which should keep them amused for a few hours, maybe combined with an ice cream as a bribe!

           - Aquarium at La Rochelle
           - Aqualand theme park
           - Atlantic Toboggan
           - Château des Enigmes
           - Futuroscope
           - Ile de Ré
           - Le Dune du Pilat
           - Le Marais Poitévin
           - Le Puy du Fou
           - Tepacap
           - Zoo de la Palmyre

If you're staying in the north of this region, consider a trip to the Loire or  Brittany, if you're in the Gironde area then the Dordogne is within reach.

External websites offering information on the Vendee and Charente Maritime:

- Poitou Charente Vacances
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

     - Top Attractions in Charente / Vendee
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France