Historical Places to Visit
The Poitou – Charentes is steeped in history and tradition and has many historical and medieval sites and attractions to visit as well as interesting museums and art galleries. Here is just a sample of what the region has to offer.
The region has the best of all worlds. An Atlantic coastline with beautiful beaches, islands, and interesting ports, picturesque vine-growing countryside and a variety of art galleries and museums. Its history is apparent everywhere with, medieval Cathedrals and Churches, classic French Chateaux, Ruins and Fortresses and a wealth of Romanesque architecture.
Poitiers
This was once the capital of Poitou and is the main centre of Romanesque Architecture and Architectural Heritage. There are no less than 78 Patrimoine historique-protected buildings. On 25th June 507 the town was routed by the Army of Clovis in the nearby Battle of Vouille. Then, after the conquest of Spain, the Saracens were decisively beaten in a bloody battle at Poitiers.
In and around this major town, sights to visit include;
- 12th Century Romanesque churches (one showpiece example decorated with carvings illustrating biblical scenes from the New and Old Testaments).
- 4th Century Baptistery with murals dating from 12th – 13th Centuries, with highly decorated interior, featuring marble piers, medieval wall paintings and an historical octagonal immersion pool.
- Renaissance residences and private mansions, Abbeys and Chateaux.
- Museums exhibiting 16th & 18th Century furniture, paintings, archaeological and fine arts.
- Ruins of the Fortress of Angles-Sur-Anglin standing high above one of the most beautiful villages in France overlooking the Anglin Valley.
- The town of Chauvigny, one of the finest beauty spots in Poitou, with the remains of several fortresses overlooked by the bell tower of a Romanesque church.
Niort
This town is on the banks of the River Sevre Niortaise, near to the Marais Poitevan. Sightseeing around this area includes;
- A 12th Century Romanesque Keep, now an archaeological museum.
- 19th Century covered market.
- Houses dating from 15th, 16th, & 17th Centuries and a 15th Century Chateau.
Parthenay
On the banks of the River Thouet, this is a town of architectural, artistic and historic interest. Sightseeing around this area includes;
- Fine examples of 16th, 17th and 19th Century Chateaux, including the prestigious Chateau dá Oiron with its gallery decorated with a collection of Renaissance paintings, and a castle showing a collection of modern art.
- 19th Century covered market.
- Houses dating from 15th, 16th, & 17th Centuries and a 15th Century Chateau.
- Museums of 19th Century ceramics, rural arts & crafts and archaeology.
- Timbered houses and Renaissance mansions.
La Rochelle
An Ancient walled sea port with towers at the entrance to the old harbour and the Great Clock in a gateway leading from the harbour into the town. Amongst the sights you will find;
- Buildings dating from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and 18th Century, built for ship owners and traders.
- Arcaded streets and many museums with exhibits including ceramics, fine, primitive and oriental art and paintings from 17th Century, history of La Rochelle.
- 18th Century former stock exchange (now an Hotel) decorated with bows of ships and maritime trophies.
- 14th Century former lighthouse and prison.
- Town hall with Gothic rampart
Rochefort
A town of architectural, artistic and historic interest and a spa town. Sightseeing in and around this town includes;
- A museum of paintings from 16th – 20th Centuries.
- Exhibition of 18th Century ‘Ropes & Hawsers’.
- Naval museum.
Saintes
This town has examples of architecture from the Middle Ages and 18th Century and Antiquities of the Roman occupation. You can take a river cruise along the Charente river and enjoy the wonderful scenery. Sights to see in and around this town include;
- Gallo-Roman remains; Arena and Roman baths.
- Archaeological museum featuring a replica and remains of a 1st Century Chariot.
- Museum of 19th and 20th Century paintings and Sevres porcelain.
- Romanesque churches.
- 15th Century Chateaux and a 12th - 13th Century Abbey.
Saint Jean d´ Angely
On the outskirts, the Church of Aulnay-de Saintonge, a major example of Poitou Romanesque architecture and the Chateau de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne;
- A medieval town with cobbled streets, 16th Century Fountain and Clock Tower and Royal Abbey.
- Built on the site of a Roman Villa.
Pons
A fortified medieval town overlooking the river Seugne with a 12th Century Keep.
At the Chateau des Enigmes there is a puzzle to solve ... On the trail of the Templars! A series of trails and 21 clues leads the players in an exciting journey! They must cross the wood, and even an underground labyrinth before entering the castle where they will finally discover, the mystery of the Templars!
Jonzac
A former Huguenot town, now a spa town, surrounded by the river Seugne in the centre of the vineyards of Cognac.
The Antilles de Jonzac. This water leisure center opened its doors in 2002. The complex comprises a tropical lagoon (swimming pool with waves, toboggan of 60 m, cascades and geysers, beach interior and external grounds for beach volleyball, tropical garden, etc), a restaurant, shops and a room for seminars. The geothermic drilling of 1993 makes it possible to provide 85% of the energy necessary for the complex.
Royan
This premier seaside resort has a lot more to offer than wonderful sandy beaches, bars and restaurants. In and around here you will find;
- Villas built in the late 19th Century.
- A Cathedral with stained glass windows and organ made of pewter.
- A museum charting the history of the Germans Resistance to Allied Forces.
- Cave dwellings in the cliffs of Meschers.
- Romanesque Churches and the 12th Century Church at Talmont, overlooking the Gironde Estuary and noted to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Cognac
An area famous for its vineyards first planted in the days of the Ancient Romans. There is a 15th Century gate with towers marking the entrance to this historic town with a Renaissance fountain. Here you will not only find the famous distilleries and estates of the Cognac producers such as Remy Martin, Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier, but also;
- Houses in the old town dating from the 15th, 16th, 17th Centuries.
- Chateau des Valois and Castle the birthplace of King Francois 1.
- Museum of Cognac.
- Folk museum covering 2000 years of art and history.
Jarnac
The birthplace of Francois Mitterrand on the banks of the River Charente and nearby;
- A Gallo-Roman theatre in Saint-Cybardeaux.
- Abbey de Bassac.
- Romanesque Churches.
- 12th Century Minster.
- Village of Saint-Simon, famous for its river barges.
Angoulême
An historic Romanesque Cathedral City with walls and old buildings, standing high above the Charente Valley;
- Cathedral with figures illustrating the Ascension and the Last Judgement.
- Old houses dating from 16th & 18th Century.
- Town hall, once a Count’s Castle, with 13th & 15th Century towers.
- Museum with medieval stonework, paintings 16th - 20th Century, weapons, ceramics, African and Pacific art.
- Museum with Gallo-Roman mosaics and Roman antiquities.
- Museum and memorial to the Resistance Movement.
This information is provided only as a guide. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the details provided or any changes that may be made to the facilities by the owners. It should also be noted that some of these places of interest may be closed to the public out side of the summer season. It is recommended that you check on the opening hours, cost and availability in advance of your visit.