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"!

La Rochelle  Delightful, plenty for the kids!

Location: Take the N11 from Niort to La Rochelle - on the coast just before you cross to the Ile de Ré (bridge pictured).
General Info: Official website
Description: La Rochelle is the “capital” city of the Vendee region, famous for its harbour and delightful old town.  There are many attractions here to make a splendid day out.
Our recommendations: See if you can get one of the Velos Jaunes (yellow bikes) for a ride around the town. These can be used free of charge for up to two hours – Take along some identification such as your passport to the Place de Verdun or the Quai Valin.
For the children: The town’s aquarium is well worth a visit.  It is set in the newer part of the town.  Allow half a day for a visit.  After the aquarium visit you can cross a small footbridge and take a short water taxi ride to the old town (see right).

         - 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:

- Poitou Charente Vacances
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

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