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This Western central region of France enjoys a fine Atlantic coastline of sandy beaches dotted either side of its many estuaries and is the original home of Cognac brandy.
The capital of Poitou Charentes is a relatively small provincial city with a number of old churches and historical buildings as well as Roman remains. Among the most intriguing sites is the Palace of Poitiers, a former seat of French counts and law courts dating back more than 1,000 years. Just outside the city, Futurosope is a theme park of 3D cinemas set in a green expanse of gardens and lakes.
La Rochelle in Charente-Maritime is a picturesque old port with wonderfully preserved medieval architecture on its waterfront and throughout the town. Many of its sights are based around the sea including a very large aquarium. It is also possible to reach the nearby Île de Ré across a bridge from the mainland, which features well-preserved German bunkers from WWII.
The nearby historic town of Saintes is worth a visit for its excellent collection of Roman artefacts including a 2,000-year-old cart and the ruins of an amphitheatre, along with other centuries-old exhibits.
Popular with tourists is the Old Town of Cognac, the heart of the brandy-making world. There are plenty of opportunities to taste the local produce and explore other attractions including a number of art and history museums.
The Vendée is a flat coastal region of sandy beaches and pine forests with pleasant, small coastal towns like Les Sables d'Olonnes and Saint-Jean-de-Monts. This area is excellent for cycling given its lack of hills and well-established cycle paths that run in and around the coastline.
Farther inland, the marshlands of Marais Poitevin are home to a diverse wildlife and nearby, the green hills of the Bocage are pleasant for walking. The close-by park of Puy du Fou is a unique look at medieval France spread around lakes and forests with a number of activities related to the distant past including falconry, jousting reenactments and a re-created Viking village.
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