Poitou-Charente is particularly rich in history having been inhabited by the Romans and successive armies through the centuries, notably the English who successfully married Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine who established the centuries old links between this region and England. The Romanesque churchess with their beautiful carvings are a delight and the area abounds with Roman artefacts such as the amphitheatre at Saintes to the magnificent fortresses of Vauban, Napoleon's fortification expert.
Charente Maritime is one of Europe's largest producers of shellfish and the largest producers of oysters. Also renowned for Foie Gras, geese and ducks, the local markets abound in fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, meats and seafood. This naturally leads on to restaurants from the cheap and cheerful to the superb gourmet dining all specialising in seafood and all to be accompanied by wines, cognac and pineau.
Coast/Beach
Port Maubert is situated on the north bank of the Gironde Estuary (the largest estuary in Europe) and the Atlantic coast at Royan is only half an hour's drive away. Beautiful white sandy beaches can be found all along this part of the coast, with rockpools, coves and safe swimming.
Golf
Local courses are at Royan (30 mins), Saintes (30 mins), Cognac (1 hour).
Special interest holidays
The area is of particular interest to bird and wildlife enthusiasts, with wild-boar, deer, coypu and myriad smaller mammals, butterflies and moths from the Swallowtail down. Both the expert ornithologist and the amateur birdwatcher will enjoy the buzzards, hen harriers, marsh harriers, sparrow hawks, kestrels, storks nesting in season, sacred ibis (in passage), herons, cattle egrets, little egrets and many many others too numerous to mention. We will be happy to arrange wine tasting in this most famous area in France where you can enjoy gourmet dining in superb local restaurants.
