"Poitou-Charantes" Poitou-Charentes by Andrew_W_K

When people head for the coast or the country in France they often drive through the Poitou-Charentes region on their way to more trendy or more exclusive places but the region has much to offer the tourist or holidaymaker. From family friendly beaches to tranquil islands, from world heritage sites to fantastic theme parks and there are castles, chateaux and historic towns as well. If there is one criticism of the region it is its size. If you stay in one place and take trips to see the sights then you are going to be in the car for a long time. Of the places I would recommend La Rochelle would be high on the list. A sophisticated town with an interesting history and within easy reach of the Ille d'Re and the beaches of western France.

Futuroscope

One of the best, if not the best, theme park I've ever been to. The theme is the moving image and there are lots of different types of cinema in the park. There is the cinema where you are strapped in and go on a simulated ride, a 360 degree cinema that you stand in the centre and watch the screen all around you, another where the floor becomes part of the screen and yet another where the image is projected onto a huge dome. Add a 3D cinema a fabulous son et luminaire show and endless things to keep kids amused and you get the drift. It was a long time ago I was there but I remember thinking what good value a 2 day ticket was. The park is on the outskirts of Poitiers and well signposted.

Arc de Germanicus

A former Roman town in the Charentes there are Roman remains everywhere from the amphitheatre to the Arc de Germanicus - a victory arch that once stood at the head of the bridge but was moved in 1843 to its current location when the bridge was destroyed. The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is very large and impressive for such a small town as is the equally impressive Église Saint-Eutrope.