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The region
The Charente-Maritime has an exceptionally rich historical heritage.
Below you will find a selection of the best activities and touristic places to visit. In addition to the list there are still many more to discover…
15 minutes away
St Jean d'Angely
You will be amazed by a very rich architectural heritage. Discover the magnificent ensemble of the Royal Abbey and the old medieval town, then stroll from street to street, from square to square.
The donkey factory of Baudet du Poitou
Conservatory breeding site for Poitevine Mulassières breeds, a Nature Pole of the department.
Dampierre Castle
Jewel of the Renaissance coming out of white water, classed as a Historic Monument. The cultural and fun trail will introduce you to the 93 sculpted boxes in the famous gallery of this alchemical castle, a 16th century masterpiece, and its 2 unusual gardens (Diktynna's labyrinth – Merlin's ecopiste).
30 mins – 1 hr
La Rochelle
Proud and rebellious… La Rochelle is a thousand years old. It's very young for an old city. Lord or bishop never resided within its walls... The city's symbolic monuments demonstrate its freedoms and wealth.
Saints
City of art and history where everything is heritage! To discover Saintes is to immerse yourself in 2000 years of Gallo-Roman history on the edge of La Charente. Saintes is its Abbey and its crypts, its Arc de Triomphe (Arc De Germanicus) and its Amphitheater and Arena.
Cognac
The city as much as its famous eau-de-vie makes Cognac a privileged destination. François I was born there, he launched the salt trade by the river and brought the city its prosperity. Cognac is a story of men and angels... who reveal some of their secrets to you.
Rochefort
The town of Rochefort with its military constructions (Vauban) and shipyards on the edge of La Boutonne is a town full of history. There are tours of the Corderie Royale as well as the L'Hermione shipyard, the reconstruction of an old-fashioned wooden ship. Pierre Loti lived there and you can visit his house, which he decorated with furniture and objects accumulated during his many travels.
At 1h00 - 1h30
The islands
Known throughout the world for the mildness of their climate and the beauty of their environment, the islands of the Department of Charente-Maritime are home to the heritage and history of two small Atlantic seas.
The Ile de Ré: 30 kilometers long and charming… The best way to discover the Ile de Ré in every nook and cranny is to cycle there. Dozens of kilometers of cycle paths laid out away from the main roads allow you to appreciate all its charms! Ile de Oléron: "the luminous island"... and what light, what colors!
Royan and La Palmyre Zoo
La Palmyre Zoo is currently the most popular private zoo in France. It was created in 1966, in the heart of the Côte de Beauté and the beaches of Charente-Maritime, 15 km from Royan, in the town of Palmyre.
Extending over 18 hectares, 14 of which have been landscaped in a natural site, it offers visitors the opportunity to observe more than 1,600 animals of all kinds, divided into 130 species, throughout a route of more than of 4 km.
The park emphasizes the constant improvement of the quality of life of animals, and plays an important role in the reintroduction into their natural environment of certain endangered species.
