Zoo at La Palmyre
An internationally acclaimed private zoo, ranked as one of France’s top tourist attractions, a visit to La Palmyre is not to be missed. Located within half-an-hour’s drive and well signposted, La Palmyre will be an exciting experience for the whole family. Don’t forget to buy your popcorn at the entrance so you can feed the giraffes!
La Rochelle
Historically, La Rochelle is France’s most important western sea port. Founded in the 10th Century La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department and is a perfect fusion of ancient and modern – walk the old cobbled lanes and browse the myriad shops and boutiques. Don’t forget to visit the Aquarium which with its late opening hours offers a great opportunity to appreciate the vast array of Marine Wildlife. La Rochelle’s many restaurants offer delicious menus for all tastes and those of you who love seafood are in for a treat!
La Corderie Royale
Located on the River Charente in the historic town of Rochefort, La Corderie Royale is a fascinating attraction. At nearly 375 metres long, the main building was used to make rope or "Cord" for the French Navy. Dating back to 1666, it was built on the orders of Louis XlV to stockpile French arms and naval supplies. Also here, see the building of Hermione, a copy of a French Frigate, originally built in 1779. The building work was started in 1997 and is due for completion in 2011 so it is now at a very exciting stage. Also at La Corderie Royale are the Jardin De La Marine, a botanical garden, set up in the early 18th Century for the education of ships' surgeons about to board thier vessels. There is a restaurant on site and plenty of places to picnic.
Cognac
Visit the famous town of Cognac home to the internationally renowned Eau De Vie that bears the towns' name. There are 14 suggested walks in and around Cognac and organised tours of the vineyards and visitors centres. You can also become aquainted with the "local brew" of Charente, "Pineau Charantais". Legend tells us it was invented by mistake in the 16th Century by a winemaker accidentally adding fresh grape must to eau de vie. The resulting mixture was returned to the cellar and aged. The result is the drink we know today as Pineau.
lle de Oleron & L'ile De Re
Ile De Oleron is France's second largest island and covers an area of 175km2. With a diverse landscape, Oléron has a unique succession of long sandy beaches, edged with magnificent forests of maritime pines and areas of salt marshes that have become rearing grounds of the World Famous Marennes-Oleron Oysters. You can also take a boat trip and see Fort Boyard, made famous by the TV show. Originally built by Napolean as a sea defence, it was later used as a prison until 1910.