St Jean D'Angely:
The Charente Maritime has a beautiful coastline with many beach resorts, lovely ancient towns and attractive countryside full of vines and sunflowers. Medieval Saint Jean D'Angely, the nearest town, has a big swimming complex, lively market and lovely restaurants. You can spend a day in fascinating La Rochelle, walk on unspoilt sandy beaches, explore markets and restaurants specialising in the local gastronomy or enjoy lazy days cycling and picnicking in the rolling countryside, visiting the world-famous Roman and medieval architecture of Saintes and the 'Saintonge'. There's Europe's largest zoo on the Ile d'Oleron, the large seaside town and casino at Royan and many beautiful places to visit - by bike or on foot - on the fashionable Ile de Re or Ile D'Oleron. La Rochelle, Cognac, the Marais Poitevin ('Green Venice'), Rochefort, Talmont and the many beaches of the Gironde Eastuary are highlights. Plenty of opportunities for walking, kayaking and cycling.
La Rochelle:
La Rochelle is the most attractive seaside town in France. Its historic 17-18th century centre and waterfront are unspoilt and some streets freed of traffic. La Rochelle has a long history as you would expect of such a sheltered Atlantic port. Eleanor of Aquitaine gave it a charter in 1199 and it rapidly became a port of major importance, trading in salt and wine. La Rochelle is a wonderful place to spend a day or more. You can walk around the lively port and city walls, laze on the beach, visit fascinating museums or shop till you drop. The stunning new aquarium is not to be missed and the Natural History Museum is also interesting, especially for children.
La Rochelle is a very attractive town with a lively atmosphere at night. There are lots of lovely restaurants and you might also catch the annual music festival. A fun town with fun things to do.
Charente Maritime:
The Charente Maritime region has its own micro climate and is said to be the second sunniest region in France after the Cote d'Azur with an average 2300 hours of sunshine a year! The area offers plenty of activities to suit all ages including, fishing, golf, horse riding, cycling, beaches, vineyards, zoos, cognac houses and many beautiful historic towns and villages.
La Rochelle is the chic capital of the Charente Maritime and is a shopper's paradise with some excellent restaurants as well as being a haven for sailors with the largest marina in Europe. Poitiers is the home of Futuroscope, which offers entertainment for all ages. Saintes is an historic town with a Roman amphitheatre and a beautiful cathedral, it also has a very good golf course. Rochefort is another historic city with much to see including the 'transpondeur' and the 'corderie royale'. There is also the lovely Ile de Re, the Marais Poitevin and Ile D-Oleron - great for beaches, restaurants, cycling, walking and boating.
Golf:
All ages and all interests catered for in the local area - pretty well all you'd want with 30 - 60 minutes. Sports and leisure in the area include golf (18-hole courses in both Cognac and Saintes which are 30 minutes away), horse riding, fishing, tennis, canoe-kayaking (boats to hire at various places along the Charente in Cognac and Saintes), and more golf near La Rochelle.
Other Activities:
kayaking, canoeing, model boating
