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Poitou-Charentes is situated on the west
coast of France between the Loire river to the north and the Gironde
in the south, moving inland from the Atlantic coast at La Rochelle to
just north of Poitiers.
Founded by the Romans, the historic city of Poitiers in the
north of the region, is situated on a rocky plateau above two rivers. It is a
pleasant, lively university town.
Near Poitiers is "Futuroscope",
the theme park exploring state-of-the-art visual technology.
There is the "Magic Carpet" cinema with one
of its 2 screens placed on the floor, this creates the
sensation of flying. The mirrored crystal-like Kinemax
has the biggest screen in Europe. Other shows, restaurants
and firework displays make it a place for all the family
to enjoy.
The Charente region is generally flat, wooded, agricultural land until you reach
the hills of the Vendée . |
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Angoulême which is
the principal town, is a splendid hilltop city with many old buildings.
It is a busy centre with good shopping. It has an interesting old quarter
and 75 restaurants. Worthy of a visit is the chateau La Rochefoucauld,
one of the finest in France. |
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Angoulême lies at
the head of the navigable part the River 'Charente', which flows along
a wide valley from there, through Cognac, best known
as the centre for the production of fine brandies. The great Houses of
Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier and others, are based
in and around the small towns of Cognac and Jarnac.
The surrounding countryside is devoted to vines, the grapes of which
are used in the distillation of cognac. There are plenty of opportunities
to tour the vineyards, visit the cellars and taste. |
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The 'Charente' continues on to the old Roman
town of Saintes, famous for having two cathedrals and
a splendid example of a first century Roman amphitheatre . Here you can
experience many fine mediaeval, 18th and 19th century buildings. From Saintes,
the river flows to into the Atlantic, its estuary to the south of Rochefort-sur-Mer.
This is the Charente-Maritime, an area of marshland that runs along the
coast known as the Marais and famous for its oyster
beds |
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La Rochelle with its historic
medieval towers guarding the entrance to the beautiful Old Port, is a
busy port catering for both huge ocean-going commercial ships and a large
fishing community. Despite this industrial presence, the town, with its
old harbour defences, arcaded houses and parks, has preserved much of
its character. The choice of excellent places to eat and drink is endless.
The modern marina complex of Les Minimes can be found
nearby, with many museums, the famous Aquarium and
a small beach. Other beaches can be found to the south of La Rochelle. |
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