Charente / Vendee Towns  As a generalisation this area does not offer a vast choice of characterful towns and villages, however it does possess some gems with great variety including the Roman town of Saintes with a superb amphitheatre, the town of Cognac (known worldwide for its brandy) and the lovely coastal town of La Rochelle with a quaint harbour and intimate shopping streets.  La Rochelle especially we would rate as a "must visit"!

Talmont-sur-Gironde:

Location:- On the coast 16 km SE of Royan, just off D145.
General Information:- One of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Description:- The extremely pretty medieval village of Talmont is characterized by white-washed buildings giving the place a distinctly Mediterranean air. To add to the colour and character of the village, the narrow lanes are full of hollyhocks. Stroll around the narrow streets, visiting the many craft type shops and the Church, (L’église Sainte-Radegonde) on the promontory which from a distance looks like it has sprung out of the sea. A paradise for budding artists!
Our recommendations:- Drive to le Caillaud, 1km south of Talmont to get some great views of the village. Visit out of high season as it can get busy.
For the children:- Fun shops to visit and cafés for ice-creams. Visit as part of a trip to the coast, leaving plenty of time for the beach.

         - Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
         - Cognac
         - La Rochelle
         - Niort
         - Saintes
         - Talmont-sur-Gironde

Also worth a visit if you are close by are the seaside town of Royan, Coulon in the Marais Poitévin and many of the seaside towns sitting alongside the beach resorts we recommend.

External websites offering information on the Vendee and Charente Maritime:

- Holidays France Atlantic Website
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

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