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La Rochelle 
La Rochelle
lives up to it's reputation for being the most beautiful town on the west
coast of France. It's most famous landmarks are the two towers which guard
the entrance to the old port (photo to left). Once, they together with
a third, the lantern tower, were used as prisons.
During the
summertime, there are always things to see and things to do
in La Rochelle. In the evening around the old port you'll find craft
stalls, portrait painters, music and entertainers. The old port also
offers a choice boat trips one of which takes you around Fort Boyard.
Les Minimes
is now the new port area , with a massive marina housing
thousands of boats and a small beach
The aquarium
is near to the old port with it's wonderful displays of
fish, sharks and turtles.
The old port
offers boats trips one of which takes you around the famous Fort Boyard.
There are
several cinemas, museums and art galeries, including the maritime museum
and museum of mechanical toys. There is a market six mornings a week,
and an excellent selection of shops.
There is
an enormous variety of restaurants serving from seafood to vietnamese
or north african couscous.
La Rochelle
is definately a place worth visiting.
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Le Puy Du Fou
Europes first
ecological and historical theme park. 35 hectares containing both mediaeval
and 18th century villages, water theater, rose garden and arboretum, plus
amazing spectacles to see.
The cavalry
display contains jousting, dressage and the "bataille du donjon",
with an array of large mediaeval weaponry. The falconry display is not
to be missed - the center is used to breed and protect endangered species,
and to keep this ancient art alive.
Your day
will not be long enough if you choose a trip to the "Grand Parcours"
of the Puy du Fou.
Weekends
have a completely seperate event at the Puy du Fou, the "Grand Spectacle"
Re-enacting
the historical wars of the Vendée, it is the largest outdoor show
in europe and almost impossible to describe, but one thing is for sure,
it's a night you will never forget
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Futuroscope
Futuroscope near Poitiers with its futuristic architecture and homage
to the technologies of tomorrow. See 3D films on the giant ,flat, circular
or spherical screens: Dynamic cinema, new video techniques and virtual
pictures....
See Kinemax films on a seven stories high screen ! or 3 D shows ... a
360 ° film ...or the famous Magic carpet with huge screen under your
feet...
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Beaches
The Vendée
is famous throughout France for the quality of its fine, sandy beaches.
The sea is warm, shallow and very clean, particularly good for children.
Some have lifeguard cover during the summer months.
Out of season,
when the wind picks up, the same beaches can provide interest for surfers,
wind surfers and sailors. The area also has some designated naturist beaches.
As the beaches are on the large side, they seldom feel crowded, even during
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Luçon
Luçon
is our nearest town, approximately 12km from here. It has a beautiful
Roman Cathedral and is know historically for having Cardinal Richelieu
as it's first bishop.
There is
a wonderful garden to visit, the Jardin Dumaine (left), which is attached
to the Hotel de Ville. It is also the home of 'Kamok', a delicious coffee
liqueur : you can taste it at the old distillery where it used to be made.
There are
three large supermarkets, banks, a twice weekly (Wed + Sat) food market
and a good selection of small shops.
There are
many evening events which take place throughout summer such as the "Son
et Lumière" show, which takes place in the Jardin Dumaine
in July.
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Venise
Verte
Miles and
miles of small canals criss-crossing the landscape, punctuated by picturesque
villages (left). You can take a ride on one of the traditional flat bottomed
boats, and take along a picnic. Then just relax and enjoy the tranquility
of the surroundings |
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L'ile
de Ré
The Ile de
Ré is a beautiful island which is 30km long, 5km at its widest
point is just 30 mins drive away. It is accessed by a 3km long toll bridge
which is €16.50 return 20th June - 11th September per car and €9
for the rest of the year. It is free for cycles with free parking for
cars near the bridge.
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Fontenay Le Comte
It was in this "town of art and history", baptized "Fountain
Springing with Fine Minds" by François I, that Rabelais embraced
Humanism. In the footsteps of the creator of Pantagruel, discover rich
mansions, shaded gardens and elegant squares, witnesses to a prestigious
past, preserved within this unique Vendée conservation area (86
hectares incorporating 1700 buildings).
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Mervant
& Vouvant
The Forêt
de Mervant near Fontenay-le-Comte is over 12000 acres of mixed woodland.
Ideal for walking, riding, cycling and picnics, the forest is also home
to a water sports complex (canoes, sailing, etc), a small zoo and an amusement
park (Parc de Pierre Brune - below). On a hot day a picnic in the cool
of the woods followed by a gentle stroll is a delight.
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Cognac
The Cognac
Delimited Area extends along the banks of the Charente all the way to
the Atlantic coast. It covers a large part of the department of Charente,
all of the Charente-Maritime and a few areas of the Dordogne and Deux-Sèvres.
This ancient country was once called Aunis, Saintonge and Angoumois. In
the heart of the region lies Jarnac, Segonzac and Cognac which gave its
name to the spirit. Cognac lies 465 kilometers south-west of Paris and
120 kilometers north of Bordeaux
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The
town of Saintes
Saintes is
a town that is full of history dating back to first century. Its architecture
and historical monuments reflect the fascinating passage of time. The
river Charente crosses the city, adding to its natural beauty. The city
rose to its prominence in the XVIII century, primarily due to cognac related
activities along the Charente river. Much of the nobility houses from
this period still remain fully restored and inhabited. |
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