Charente / Vendee Towns  As a generalisation this area does not offer a vast choice of characterful towns and villages, however it does possess some gems with great variety including the Roman town of Saintes with a superb amphitheatre, the town of Cognac (known worldwide for its brandy) and the lovely coastal town of La Rochelle with a quaint harbour and intimate shopping streets.  La Rochelle especially we would rate as a "must visit"!

Saintes  Worth a visit if you are in the area.

Location: Just off the A10 autoroute, 40km to the north east of Royan.
General Info: Tourist office website.
Description: The provincial capital of the Aquitaine region of France, Saintes’ claim to fame is it’s Roman roots.  It has the best Roman remains outside of those found in Provence.
Our recommendations: Highly recommended is the Roman Ampitheatre (pictured) on the west side of town.  Actually it is completely hidden now in between roads and buildings built in more recent times, so you are recommended to start by getting a town plan from the tourist office before setting off in search!
For the children: Of course they will enjoy wandering around the arena, but don’t expect it to occupy them for too long.

         - Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
         - Cognac
         - La Rochelle
         - Niort
         - Saintes
         - Talmont-sur-Gironde

Also worth a visit if you are close by are the seaside town of Royan, Coulon in the Marais Poitévin and many of the seaside towns sitting alongside the beach resorts we recommend.

External websites offering information on the Vendee and Charente Maritime:

- Holidays France Atlantic Website
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

     - Top Attractions in Charente / Vendee
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France