The Poitou – Charentes is steeped in history and tradition and has many historical and medieval sites and attractions to visit as well as interesting museums and art galleries. Here is just a sample of what the region has to offer.

The region has the best of all worlds. It has a climate rivalling that of the Cote d'Azur, an Atlantic coastline with beautiful beaches, islands, and interesting ports, picturesque vine-growing countryside and a variety of art galleries and museums. Its history is apparent everywhere with , medieval Cathedral(s) and Churches, classic French Chateaux, Ruins and Fortresses and a wealth of Romanesque architecture

Poitiers ( Vienne )

This was once the capital of Poitou and is the main centre of Romanesque Architecture and Architectural Heritage.

There are no less than 78 Patrimoine historique-protected buildings. On 25^th June 507 the town was routed by the Army of Clovis in the nearby Battle of Vouille. Then, after the conquest of Spain, the Saracens were decisively beaten in a bloody battle at Poitiers.

In and around this major town, sights to visit include;

• 12^th Century Romanesque churches ( one showpiece example decorated with carvings illustrating biblical scenes from the New and Old Testaments )

• 4^th Century Baptistery with murals dating from 12^th – 13^th Centuries, with highly decorated interior, featuring marble piers, medieval wall paintings and an historical octagonal immersion pool.

• Renaissance residences and private mansions, Abbeys and Chateaux.

• Museums exhibiting 16^th and 18^th Century furniture, paintings, archaeological and fine arts .

• Ruins of the Fortress of Angles-Sur-Anglin standing high above one of the most beautiful villages in France overlooking the Anglin Valley.

• The town of Chauvigny, one of the finest beauty spots in Poitou, with the remains of several fortresses overlooked by the bell tower of a Romanesque church.

Niort ( Deux Sevres )

This town is on the banks of the River Sevre Niortaise, near to the Marais Poitevan.

Sightseeing around this area includes;

• A 12^th Century Romanesque Keep, now an archaeological museum.

• 19^th Century covered market.

• Houses dating from 15^th, 16^th, & 17^th Centuries and a 15^th Century Chateau.

Parthenay ( Deux Sevres )

On the banks of the River Thouet, this is a town of architectural, artistic and historic interest.

Sightseeing around this area includes;

• Fine examples of 16^th, 17^th and 19th Century Chateaux, including the prestigious Chateau d’Oiron with its gallery decorated with a collection of Renaissance paintings, and a castle showing a collection of modern art.

• Museums of 19^th Century ceramics, rural arts & crafts and archaeology.

• Timbered houses and Renaissance mansions.

La Rochelle ( Charente-Maritime )

An Ancient walled sea port with towers at the entrance to the old harbour and the Great Clock in a gateway leading from the harbour into the town.

Amongst the sights you will find;

• Buildings dating from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and 18^th Century, built for ship owners and traders.

• Arcaded streets and many museums with exhibits including ceramics, fine, primitive and oriental art and paintings from 17^th Century, history of La Rochelle.

• 18^th Century former stock exchange ( now a hotel ) decorated with bows of ships and maritime trophies.

• 14^th Century former lighthouse and prison.

• Town hall with Gothic rampart

Rochefort ( Charente-Maritime )

A town of architectural, artistic and historic interest and a spa town.

Sightseeing in and around this town include;

• A museum of paintings from 16^th – 20^th centuries.

• Exhibition of 18^th Century ‘Ropes & Hawsers’.

• Naval museum .

Saintes ( Charente-Maritime )

This town has examples of architecture from the Middle Ages and 18^th Century and Antiquities of the Roman occupation. You can take a river cruise along the Charente river and enjoy the wonderful scenery.

Sights to see in and around this town include;

• Gallo-Roman remains; Arena and Roman baths.

• Archaeological museum featuring a replica and remains of a 1^st Century Chariot.

• Museum of 19^th and 20^th Century paintings and Sevres porcelain.

• Romanesque churches.

• 15^th Century Chateaux and a 12^th-13^th Century Abbey.

Saint Jean d’Angely ( Charente-Maritime )

Built on the site of a Roman Villa;

• A medieval town with cobbled streets, 16^th century fountain and clock tower and Royal Abbey.

• On the outskirts, the church of Aulnay-de Saintonge, a major example of Poitou Romanesque architecture and the Chateau de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne..

Pons ( Charente-Maritime )

A fortified medieval town overlooking the river Seugne with a 12^th Century Keep.

Jonzac ( Charente-Maritime )

A former Huguenot town, now a spa town, surrounded by the River Seugne in the centre of the vineyards of Cognac.

Royan ( Charente-Maritime )

This premier seaside resort has a lot more to offer than wonderful sandy beaches, bars and restaurants .

In and around here you will find;

• Villas built in the late 19^th Century.

• A Cathedral with stained glass windows and organ made of pewter.

• A museum charting the history of the Germans Resistance to Allied Forces.

• Cave dwellings in the cliffs of Meschers.

• Romanesque churches and the 12^th Century church at Talmont, overlooking the Gironde Estuary and noted to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Cognac ( Charente )

An area famous for its vineyards first planted in the days of the Ancient Romans. There is a 15^th Century gate with towers marking the entrance to this historic town with a Renaissance fountain. Here you will not only find the famous distilleries and estates of the Cognac producers such as Remy Martin, Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier, but also;

• Houses in the old town dating from the 15^th, 16^th,17^th Centuries.

• Chateau des Valois and Castle the birthplace of King Francois 1.

• Museum of Cognac.

• Folk museum covering 2000 years of art and history.

Jarnac ( Charente )

The birthplace of Francois Mitterrand on the banks of the River Charente and nearby;

• A Gallo-Roman theatre in Saint-Cybardeaux.

• Abbey de Bassac.

• Romanesque churches.

• 12^th Century minster.

• Village of Saint-Simon, famous for its river barges.

Angouleme ( Charente )

An historic Romanesque Cathedral City with walls and old buildings, standing high above the Charente Valley;

• Cathedral with figures illustrating the Ascension and the Last Judgement.

• Old houses dating from 16^th & 18^th Century.

• Town hall, once a Count’s Castle, with 13^th & 15^th Century towers.

• Museum with medieval stonework, paintings 16^th-20^th Century, weapons, ceramics, African and Pacific art.

• Museum with Gallo-Roman mosaics and Roman antiquities.

• Museum and memorial to the Resistance Movement.

This information is only provided as a guide. We do not accept responsibility for the accuracy of the detail given, or any changes that may be made to any of the sites, places and/or facilities by the owners. It should also be noted that some of the sites and places mentioned may not be open to the public outside the summer season and it is recommended that you check on the opening hours, cost and availability in advance.