l PLACES TO VISIT

The tranquil village of Courant is only 10 minutes drive away from the beautiful medieval town of St Jean d’Angely which has a twice-weekly market and over 20 restaurants. 

The vibrant port of La Rochelle is within easy reach and is a must for all visitors to the Region. The new and very lavish Aquarium is always a great success with children and adults alike.  There are many smaller museums such as the Automoton Museum.  Shopping in La Rochelle is very cosmopolitan along the many alleys and roads running behind the Port.  Mini cruises are on offer along the Port to visit places such as Fort Boyard and Aix Island.  Once you have finished all your sight seeing you can enjoy a gourmet meal in one of the very many restaurants in La Rochelle - renowned for it’s fish cuisine.

For a completely different day out take the kids to Futuroscope Theme Park near Poitiers set over 150 acres.  Many new attractions are added each year - last year saw 5 new attractions including Peril on Akryis, Star of the Future and Young Black Stallion.  If you do decide to visit Futuroscope you must stay for the most amazing evening show - The Reflections of Uranie.

Bordeaux is known for it’s antique markets and is perfect for those wishing to visit a big City.  The historic towns of Cognac, Saintes and Rochefort are nearby. Many of the brandy distilleries in Cognac offer guided tours with the essential tasting sessions at the end!  Saintes is famous for it’s Roman Amphitheatre and Rochefort has a long maritime history and is home to the Naval Museum, Royal Rope Factory and magnificent naval buildings.

The Atlantic coast in this part of France has some of the most spectacular beaches.  If you have older children and are wanting to surf we would recommend the Ile d’Oleron - the biggest of the islands in this part of the country.  Families with younger children looking for less surf should visit the Ile de Re - this island is also fantastic for cycling and very popular with French celebrities.

Chatelaillon-Plage, just near La Rochelle, is also great for young children.  Further south you come to the coastline of Royan with very sedate and quiet beaches, easily accessible from the road.

La Rochelle - a view over the Port’

La Grande Plage on the Ile d’Oleron	Body boarding at La Grande Plage, Ile d’Oleron
Go-Karting in St Jean d’Angely	One of the many beaches along the Charente Maritime coast