AS IN ALL OF FRANCE, THE QUANTITY AND DIVERSITY OF PLACES TO VISIT ARE TOO NUMEROUS TO LIST, HERE ARE SAMPLE’S OF SOME LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Boat /Train Rides Chateaux Churches Museums Natural areas and parks
AQUARIUMS, ZOOS, etc.
La Nouvel Aquarium,
Bassin des Grands Yachts, La Rochelle. – web: www.aquarium-larochelle.com
La Vallee
des Singes
llée Romagne, Vienne. Tel: 05 49 87 20 20 - Web: www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr
Monkey Valley. A unique monkey park, with over 25 species of primates.
(Take the Chaunay junction off the RN10.)
Kangourou Parc,
Fomperron-Meningoute. Tel: 05 49 69 07 30
A farm with a range of Australian animals, all extremely rare in Europe,
as well as Emu, Kookabourra, black swans and cockatoos.
Zoorama de Chizé,
Rue de Chêne á Margot, Forêt de Chizé. Tel: 05 49 77 17 17
In the middle of the Forest of Chizé, a 25 hectare zoo with 600 European
animals, play area for children and mini farm
Zoo de la Palmyre,
6 avenue Royan, La Palmyre. Tel: 05 46 22 46 06 - Web: w.eurodial- com.fr/zoopalmyre
The largest private zoo in France, situated in the heart of a 14 hectare
forest, it has lions, tigers, zebras, rhino, elephants, crocodiles,
pythons and tortoises.
Mouton Village,
Maison du Mouton, Vasles. Tel: 05 49 69 12 12
There are 6 hectares to walk around and 23 varieties of sheep to see.
There are also shearing
demonstrations, sheepdogs at work,
felt making,and other attractions.
BEACHES - Man-made and coastal
Plan d'eau (Five minutes away)
St Christophe L’Roc,just outside Cherveux
Beach, swimming, boat hire, water slide, games area for children, bar/restauraunt, fishing
Bar and restauraunt open all year
.
Les Mathes. Information line: 05 46 22 41 07
30 km of beaches
Châtelaillon-Plage.
Just south of La Rochelle. 3 km fine sandy beach with volley ball, football, a beach club for children, shows and games. Beach bars/restauraunts
The Island of Oléron, L’ile d’Oleron There are large beaches on this island.
Lovely Island just north of La Rochelle reached by bridge (toll).Nice town and beaches,all the houses adhere to no more than two stories with whitewashed walls and coloured shutters.
Lake Saint-Cyr
Another large lake, with watersports, golf course and beach,
Just north of
Poitiers, near Futuroscope.
Le Petit Train de Cognac,
Place François 1st, Cognac. Tel: 02 40 62 06 22
A tourist train running every day, from mid-May to the end of September.
Le Pibalou'
Tourist Train, Rue de l'Eglise, Coulon. Tel: 05 49 35 14 14
Discover the history, flora and fauna of the marshes. Board at Coulon.
Boat Trips
27 avenue des Minimes, La Rochelle. Tel: 05 46 50 68 44
Croisiéres Océanes. Excursions that can include a trip past Fort Boyard,
for a day or half day, leaving from the old port (vieux port) of La
Rochelle.
Marais Poitevin,
6 rue de l¹Eglise, Coulon. Tel: 05 49 35 14 14 - Web:
www.maraispoitevin-evasion.com
Green Venice. A park that offers punts, scenic trains, and gondolas.
Individual hire, guided tours or river cruises. To the west of Niort.
Lunch Cruise, Saintes.
Web: www.ot-saintes.fr
Aboard the B. Palissy II, a crossing with a gastronomic stop at lunchtime.
Boat Trips, Saintes. Tel: 05 46 74 23 82 - Web: www.ot-saintes.fr
Aboard the B. Palissy II - trips every day. Also traditional boat trips
aboard traditional wooden boats with a capacity of 40 people, trips every
day except Mondays. Saturdays and Sundays you are offered a Charentais
aperitif. You can also hire electric motor boats for 6 people each day
from 1pm.
Punts Arçais
Marais Poitevin.
Punt and Canoe hire in the heart of Marais Poitevin. Punts with or without
guard. Reservations in advance possible.
Château La Rochefoucauld,
La Rochefoucauld. Tel: 05 45 62 07 42
A beautiful' Loire' chateau, but located much closer, 15 minutes north
east of Angoulême. It has a great history and there are talks given in
both French and English that detail it. There are caves to explore and
some beautiful rooms that you can wander around at your leisure. Open
Easter to October There is also an independent chocolaterie below the
chateau, La Chocolaterie d¹Antan.
Château de Javarzay,
Chef Boutonne. Tel: 05 49 29 86 31
Houses a museum of headdresses. Open Easter to October, Tuesday to Sunday
3pm - 6pm and bank holiday Mondays. Mid June to mid September Tuesday to
Sunday 10am - 12noon and 3pm - 6pm. There is a large open space around the
château, ideal for picnics, kite flying or just relaxing.
Château de Ducs de la Trémoille, Thouars. Tel: 05 49 66 17 65
This medieval château was built in 1158 and rebuilt in 1635. It is one of
the few châteaux in the style of Louis XIII.
The castle of Bluebeard. 3 hours of animation and spectacles that take you
through the heart of the middle ages.
Château de Villandry, Villandry. Tel: 02 47 50 02 09
Villandry undoubtedly owes its fame to the splendid terraces of gardens,
with a water garden, ornamental garden, and kitchen garden. It is one of
the last of the great Renaissance châteaux built on the banks of the
Loire. The interior was refitted in the 18th Century, and from the top of
the medieval tower you have a superb view of the gardens and the Loire
valley. 15 km west of Tours, a longer journey than most ideas given here,
but a good château to visit.
Château d'Oiron, Oiron. Tel: 05 49 96 51 25
Built in the 16th Century by Henri II¹s grand equerry, the château was
completely refurbished in the 17th Century. The painted gallery today
interacts with a collection of contemporary works inspired by the curio
rooms of the Renaissance. Open June to September 10.30am - 6pm. October to
May 10.30am - 5pm. Weekends and bank holidays 10am - 5pm. Closed 1
January, 1 May, 11 November and 25 December.
Churches of interest are signposted from main roads and
motorways and can
be easily identified, e.g. Eglisé XIV éme Siecle = 14th Century church
CHURCHES
Abbey Buildings, Nouaille-Maupertuis. Tel: 05 49 55 35 69
An outstanding set of abbey buildings. It was here that King John the Good
was defeated by the Black Prince in 1356. Guided tours and medieval days
in June. 11th and 12th Century abbey and medieval garden. Just south of
Poitiers.
L'Eglise Saint-Hilaire, Saint-Pierre and Saint-Savinien
There are three Roman churches in Melle, all with a great deal of history
and architecture between them. The Tourist Information office in Melle
(English speaking) will give you full details of these and many other
places of interest in the area.
L¹Abbaye aux Dames, Saintes.
An abbey with roman art from the 12th Century, including a shop
specialising in literature and music. Open every day 10am - 12.30pm, and
2pm - 7pm.
Note:
MUSEUMS
Maritime Museum, Place B. Moitessier, La Rochelle. Tel: 05 46 28 03 00
Open July and August 10am - 7pm with lots of different exhibits and shows.
Reve Auto Jeaunesse, Mme Monique Mas, Mosnac. Tel: 05 45 96 02 25
Motor museum with over 200 models of unique vehicles.
Donjon Museum, Rue de Guesclin, Niort. Tel:05 49 28 14 28
A museum in a magnificent building. The lower 18th Century rooms house the
archeological collection (Bronze and copper age, Roman-Gallic period and
middle ages). There is also a reconstructed 1830¹s Poitevin style
interior, with costumes, headdresses and local jewellery. Open May to
September . Closed on Tuesdays.
La Maison Des Marais Mouilles, Place de la Coutume á Coulon. Tel: 05 49 35
8104
The wet marshes museum. The region¹s characteristics are related by the
history of the area, with a 'marshscope' - a light and picture show on
three screens. Open every day during the holiday season
Musée Jardin des Ruralies, Prahecq. Tel: 05 49 75 68 27
A museum with both indoor and outdoor exhibits; a garden with over 500
identified species, full of colour and scent; an exhibition detailing the
farming of bees. A mini-farm, animals and history of agriculture. Open
every day 10am - 6pm (7pm in the summer). 10km south east of Niort on the
road between Aiffres and Vouillé. Free entry.
Vitrine Régionale des Métiers d'Art, 11 quai Cronstadt, Niort. Tel: 05 49
17 10 55
Art museum
Le Musée d'Agesci, Niort
This museum is currently under renovation, but will be re-opening shortly
as a museum of sculpture and paintings.
Musée des Tumulus de Bougon, Bougon. Tel: 05 49 05 12 13
An extensive collection of archeological artifacts reflecting the history
of the people who built these monumental ŒDolmens¹ more than 6,000 years
ago. It consists of 5 tumuli with 8 burial chambers, that have now been
found to have been built around 4,500 BC, i.e. 2,000 years before the
Egyptian Pyramids. There is a replica house from a Neolithic village,
workshops demonstrating basket-making, weaving and pottery and a hands-on
experience for children.
NATURAL AREAS
AND PARKS
Foret de Chizé, Chizé. Tel: 05 49 77 17 15
Discover wild animals and nature at its best in this forest that has a
strong educational involvement. Picnic area.
Les Iles de Payré, North of Couhé on the RN 10. Tel: 05 49 59 10 55
Free access to the site all year round. Miniature port, electric karts, 2
hectares of golf, swimming, fishing and picnic areas.
MARIAS POITIVIN, 6 rue de l'Église, Coulon. Tel: 05 49 35 14 14 - Web:
www.maraispoitevin-evasion.com
Green Venice. A protected site that offers a maze of canals and channels,
the result of a marriage between water and the earth. A unique
environment, carefully preserved. Many interesting villages within this
area, including Arçais, a village with a port overlooking an 18th castle;
Sainsais/La Garette, a typical market garden village, and Le
Vanneau-Irleau that holds traditional water markets. Punts, scenic trains
and gondolas are available. Individual hire, guided tours or river
cruises.
Melle, Chemin de la Découverte. Tourist Office: 3 rue Émilien Traver,
Melle. Tel: 05 49 29 15 10
Melle is a very old town and there are maps available from the tourist
office giving walks around and about the town. There is also a path which
is a route of discovery, taking you along the old railway track, with
information given along the way on the wildlife you may come across. This
route covers three areas which cover six themes and can be done as three
individual walks or completed as one large route totalling 6 km. Each
section of the walk takes about 1 1/2 hours. There are over 1000 species
of shrubs and roses from all over the world. There are several access
points on to the routes and parking at various stages. The tourist office
also has audio guides for hire.
PARTHENAY Tel: 0 5 49 94 39 52
Mini-golf, tennis, fishing, play area and picnic area.
Sentier de la Maraîchine, Le Bourdet. Tel: 05 49 04 80 43
This is a circular walk that takes you through a fragile environment.
Includes a park for a herd of marsh cattle and a flock of Poitevin Marsh
grey geese. Information boards show the way along the walk which also
includes a botanical area. South-west of Niort.
WATER PARKS
Parc Aquatique, Avenue Lumiére, Périgny. Tel: 05 46 45 70 20
Pools, a park, and games for all the family.
Atlantys, 40 Chemin des Ports, Saint-Jean-D¹Angély. Tel: 05 46 59 21 50
An indoor water park, with a 54-metre toboggan, jacuzzis, and a variety of
different pools for all age groups, including a competition-standard pool
for serious swimmers. Also beauty rooms, aquagym, steam rooms and a
high-level café from where you can watch the activity. Open summer
holidays 10am - 8pm, other holidays 2.30pm - 6.30pm Monday to Sunday, 10am
- 12.30pm every day except Wednesday and Saturday. Also open in school
term time.
Centre Aquatique, Chatelaillon-Plage, Angoulins. Tel: 05 46 56 44 11 -
Web: www.centre-aquatique.com
A constant 29° all year round. Giant water slide, aqua aerobics, sauna,
gym room, water babies and lots of fun. 5 minutes south of La Rochelle.
Aquariums/ZoosBeachesBoat/Train
La Caléche d'Arçais,
64 rue de la Garenne, Arçais. Tel: 05 49 35 40 29
Trips in a horse-drawn carriage through the unspoilt Marais.
Coudray-Salbart, (15 mins away)
Echiré. Tel: 05 49 25 71 07
A castle empty for over 400 years, the remains of Salbart Castle are still
impressive.
Listed as an Historical Monument it remains untouched other than the ravages of time, and hosts a splendid Medieval style festival for two weeks in August. Costumes are provided for visitors to add to the ‘sense’ of history.
Monument. Open to visitors April to October 9am - 7pm. November
to March 9am - 12noon and 2pm - 5pm.
Le Foret de l'Aventure,
Chantemerie. Tel: 06 81 45 71 37
An adventure forest that has rope ladders and pathways, platforms high up
and aerial runways through the trees. You must be over 1.4 metres tall and
under 18¹s must be accompanied by an adult. Sports shoes required. Safety
equipment provided. . Open every day early July to August 10 am - 7pm.
Last arrival 5pm. September weekends only 10am - 7pm. Also play area,
picnic are and marked footpaths. Located close to Pescalis.
Futuroscope,
Chassenuil-du-Poitou. Tel: 05 49 49 30 80 - Web:
www.futuroscope.com
An amazing technical experience that has you riding through outer space,
with 3D effects that have the whole room move with you. Cyberworld and
lots more. Price dependent on season. Open high season 9am to end of
evening spectacular, low season 9am - 6pm.Advance tickets available at Tourist information offices
Les Grottes du Quéroy,
Grottes du Quéroy, Chazelles. Tel: 05 45 70 38 14
Caves east of Niort, discovered in 1892. Tour lasts 45 minutes. A good
place to visit and relax, with miniature golf, a bar/restaurant open all
year-round. April to mid-June and September and October, Sundays 2pm -
6pm. July and August to the first Sunday in September every day 11am -
7pm.
.
Logis du Breuil Coiffault,
Hanc. Tel: 06 98 77 36 15
This 15th Century château is under restoration and has a French-style
garden, rose garden and maize. Guided tours of the interior and the
gardens Sunday and public holidays 2pm - 6pm from Easter to the end of
September. Weekdays mid-July to mid-August.
Mines d'Argent. Melle
Tel: 05 49 29 19 54 - Web: www.mellcom.fr/mines
These silver mines were worked from the 5th to the 10th Century and are
the oldest mines that can be visited in Europe. They are the mines of the
Frankish kings and include an explanation of geology and the Carolingian
methods of mining and minting money. There is also an
award-winning experience in sound. Open 1 March to 31 May and 1 October to
5 November at weekends and public holidays 2.30pm - 6.30pm, and 1 June to
30 September 10am - 12 noon and 2.30pm - 7.30pm. Free entry for under 6's.
Moulin des Pierres Blanches
Villefagnan. Tel: 05 45 29 58 29
14th Century windmill complete with sails. Guided tours from 1 July to 20
August afternoons (except Wednesday), 10 minutes west of the RN10 at Ruffec
Pescalis,
Moncoutant. Tel: 05 49 72 00 01 T
The first of its kind in Europe, this centre has exhibitions and an
underground tour with aquariums to provide an unforgettable visit. There are
100 hectares of water, and the visit caters for families, children and
adults in separate areas. Night fishing, lesson and equipment hire all
available. Exhibition/aquarium, Open all year for fishing, Easter to
September for the underground tour.
Place Forte de
Brouage,
Brouage. Tel: 05 46 85 77 77
The centre of European military architecture in the heart of the Halle au
Vivres. An exhibition of the workrooms recreated from the plans. Discover
the secrets of the art of defence. Enjoy the trails that will transform
the visit into an adventure.
La Vélo-Rail Stations,
at Marot, Parthenay & Ansac. Tel: 05 45 71 16 64
A scenic and extraordinary way to see the countryside, by cycling along a
railway line on specially designed platforms, up to 17km if you feel up to
it! Each Œplatform¹ can take 5, including 2 pedalling. There is also a
station at Roumazieres-Loubert. Booking recommended in the summer
months.July and August 10am -9pm. May, June and September 2pm - 7pm.