More Places to Visit
The following are more samples of the many places to visit throughout the Poitou - Charentes region, for all the family to enjoy. You will find an information file in your Gite with more details of these and other attractions in the area.
CHIZÉ FOREST
In the National Park you will find ZOORAMA with its many animals living in their natural environment in 25 hectares of forest ( Otters, Bison, Vultures, Lynx, Wolves, wild Oxen, reptiles, amphibians ) with a mini farm and play area.
SILVER MINES OF MELLE
This is where silver was mined and the old coinage called Deniers were made between the 5th and 10th Century. There is also the Carolinginas garden, which gives you an idea of the plants people used at that time.
ST. JEAN D´ ANGELY
A beautiful town with medieval buildings, cobbled streets, shops, bars and restaurants.
AULNAY FOREST
Well worth a visit for a drive through the forest or walking and to call in at the old village of Aulnay with its historic church.
PUY du FOU
A 40 hectare medieval theme park with many attractions including live shows and pageants, mock villages and theatres. Entertainment for all the family.
CANOEING & KAYAKING
“Club Canoe Kayak” de Saint Jean Loulay near St Jean d´ Angely and “Aire de Rejallant” near Ruffec are superb locations for canoeing & kayaking on the winding river Charente through picturesque countryside. Picnic areas and a riverside restaurant complete the perfect setting for a fun day out for all the family. This is a very popular area and you would be well advised to arrive in good time for lunch to reserve your picnic table.
ATLANTYS
In St. Jean d´ Angely you will find a huge indoor Aquatic centre, with a 54m toboggan slide, childrens slide, jacouzis, saunas, relaxation areas, solarium & café.
AIRE de LOISIRS & VAL de BOUTONNE
Near St. Jean d´ Angely, here you will find a number of activities fo adults & children, including lakes to bathe in, pedalos, canoes, kayaks, sailing boats, mini golf, table tennis, basket, beach ball & tennis facilities, café & restaurant.
PLAN D´EAU du LAMBON
Near the village of Prailles. Lakeside area with sailing, canoeing, pedalos, mini golf and restaurant overlooking the lake. Very pleasant drive through Tilou to Paizay-le Tort and up to the outskirts of Melle, with views down onto the river Boutonne and two enchanting Chateaux in the hillside. From Melle take the road to Niort and Base de loisirs is signposted on the way. Before returning home the historical town of “Celles-sur-Belle” is worth a visit. Here you will find an attractive square with shops, bars and the magnificent Abbey.
St SAVINIEN Sur CHARENTE
West of Saintes, an enchanting picturesque town on the Charente River, where you can take a long or short cruise along the river with the backdrop of the towns, villages and riverside properties along the way. There is also a lake where children can navigate on minature motorised wooden replicas of old steam paddle boats. Canoes are also for hire and on the river itself small motor boats from the pier. You will find many places to have a picnic but arrive early to reserve your space as the location is very popular. There are good tracks along the river for hiking and cycling. Also try your hand at playing boule on the platanque courts. The locals will often invite you to join them if you show an interest. Later on in the day, if you are of a mind to go on somewhere else, take the very pleasant drive along the Charente river through Taillebourg into Saintes for an early evening drink and back home through the Charante valley.
LA VALLEE de SINGES
At Romagne, south of Poitiers, a park unique to France with direct contact with 25 species of primates including Gorillas & Gibbons, some 350 primates in all, living in their natural environment. There is a picnic area and restaurant.
GOLF COURSES
The superb 18 hole par 72 course at Cognac, with undulating fairways, views of vineyards and some water hazards. The picturesque 3x9 hole courses at Chateau Les Forges, with water hazards, undulating and wooded fairways agreeable for low to high handicappers. The par 68 18 hole course at Saintes, a varied course amongst a woody valley with views of Saintes & the 3 steeples. Practice courses, putting greens and a driving range. Clubhouse at each with restaurant and bar facilities, as well as club, cart & trolley hire.
WORKING FARMS
Discover farms where you can see how it works and the surrounding environment and farmers selling products directly from the farms, from fois gras to escargot to vegetables and cheese.
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.