Gateway to southern Franceand crossroads of the Atlantic, the Charente-Maritime is a département of a thousand faces, a place of land and sea, where the mild climate is perfect for relaxation.

From North to South and East to West is a ribbon of enchanting islands, full of character, with sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, and shores battered by the waves of the Atlantic. Remarkable monuments bear witness to more than two thousand years of history, and the dynamic towns have established quality of life as a value of reference. The Charente-Maritime (...)

Gateway to southern Franceand crossroads of the Atlantic, the Charente-Maritime is a département of a thousand faces, a place of land and sea, where the mild climate is perfect for relaxation.

From North to South and East to West is a ribbon of enchanting islands, full of character, with sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, and shores battered by the waves of the Atlantic. Remarkable monuments bear witness to more than two thousand years of history, and the dynamic towns have established quality of life as a value of reference. The Charente-Maritime knows how to party all year round - with sailing events, cinema and music festivals such as the Francofolies with more than 150 hours of music and concerts, classical music in the perfect setting of the Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes, and the amazing "Sites en Scenes" festival, with shows staged in the historical monuments of the region, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Lovers of the great outdoors can set off on the discovery of the green Poitevin Marsh; it is a perfect area for sports and sailing enthusiasts and amateur historians can visit Saintes and the Gallo-Roman monuments, Rochefortand the Corderie Royale, the coastline and the impressive stone citadels, or La Rochelle, elegant city of rebellion and ancient bastion of the Reform.

Important sites:

Aquarium de la Rochelle, Fort Boyard, Zoo de la Palmyre, Croisières Inter-Iles, Phare des Baleines, Phare de Chassiron, Chantier de l'Hermione, Corderie Royale, Jardins du Monde, Paléosite, Halle aux Vivres, Tours de La Rochelle, Pôles Nature, Trésors de saintonge, Parc de l'estuaire, Cité de l'huître, domaine du Chaillaud et Parc Deau "Les Jardins de Colette"