Encompassing the departments of Vienne, Charente, Charente-Maritime, and Deux-Sèvres, the former French region of Poitou-Charentes now forms the northern border of Nouvelle Aquitaine. La Rochelle is the star of the Atlantic coast and the gateway to the islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, but there are plenty of things to do inland, too. Amid the sunflower fields and marshlands, you’ll find the historic towns of Poitiers, Niort, and Angloumeme, the Futuroscope theme park, and medieval Cognac, home of one of France’s most famous aperitifs.
Tourist season along Poitou-Charentes’ Atlantic Coast kicks off as soon as the sun starts shining, and it’s a popular vacation spot from Easter through early fall. June through September offers the best chance of beach weather—Atlantic waters can be chilly at the best of times—and this is festival time in La Rochelle, with events almost every weekend. Alternatively, the annual Cognac Distillery Festival runs from December through March, offering a chance to see the distilleries in action.
Poitou-Charentes’ two international airports are in La Rochelle and Poitiers, and TGV and TER trains link the region’s main towns. Buses and ferries run out to the islands from La Rochelle, where hiring a bike is the most scenic way to get around. Back on the mainland, exploring with your own transport is much easier.
The tiny Île d’Aix is often overlooked in favor of its neighbors, but this car-less island is dotted with historic forts, bird-watching hotspots, and seafood restaurants. Catch the ferry from Fouras, then hire a bike or take a tour in a traditional horse-drawn carriage.
