Charente-Maritime

You are here :

ARCHIAC (20 min), La maison de la vigne et des saveurs :

La Maison de la Vigne et des Saveurs allows visitors to understand the origin of prestigious products such as cognac, the development of the vineyard, the daily life of the winemakers in the region, as well as the artisanal and industrial side of the vineyards. Come discover the vineyards in the heart of the Saintonge, the secrets behind the making of the products of the vines, the work of time and the work of man, the art of tasting, and the magic of the vines. Entry is free and open to the public, guided tours are available upon request and last 1h15.
At the end of the visit, guests have the possibility to taste Pineau or Cognac.

WEBSITE

The city of Cognac (35 min) and its wine cellars:

In the collective imagination, the evocation of Cognac reminds us all of the famous brandy. It is undeniable that the city owes its international renown to cognac, and its abrupt change in proportions in the 19^th century. However, cognac is not the only key to the city, a rich history and heritage go beyond the backdrop of the spirit.

WEBSITE

The city of Saintes (30min) and its historical monuments:

Saintes has also become a frequented tourist city thanks to an ensemble of Gallo-roman, medieval, and classic architecture, it is affiliated with the national network of French Towns and Land of Arty and History since 1990. Culture is not left out out, Saintes has several museums, a theater, cineams, a few festivals and a European research and training center set in the heart of the Abbaye aux Dames.

WEBSITE

La Palmyre ZOO (1h15) :

In the hear t of the pine forest, La Palmyre Zoo is situated in the southwest of the Charente-Maritime, at the mouth of the Gironde near Royan. It began in 1966 with only 160 animals at the time. Designed as a landscape garden, it currently allows visitors to observe more than 1 600 animals from 115 species, over a distance of more than 4 km to travel through at their own pace, on average in 4h.

WEBSITE

Bordeaux (1h) :

Bordeaux, at the heart of the wine region, is a port city situated on the Garonne in the southwest of France. It is known for its gothic Saint-André cathedral, its manors built in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as its art museums such as the Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux museum. The public gardens follow the curves of the quais that run along the river. The place de la Bourse in the center thrones the fountain of the Trois Grâces, which reflects in the water mirror. For shopping lovers, there is the irresistible rue Sainte Catherine.

WEBSITE

The city of LA ROCHELLE (1h20)...

La Rochelle is a coastal city in the southwest of France and the prefecture of the Charente-Maritime. It has been a fishing and commercial hub since the 12th century, a maritime tradition reflected by the Vieux Port and its immense ultramodern marina: Les Minimes. The old town is home to medieval houses with hlaf-timbering and Renaissance architecture, with its street arcades dating back to the 17^th century.

WEBSITE

... and its aquarium

For approximately 2 hours, visit the heart of the oceans, meet more than 12 000 marine animals, let yourself be surprised by the biodiversity of the Atlantic, Mediterranean and the Tropics. Perks of the visit: the audio-guide (adults and children) and its anecdotes – marine life will hold no secrets! For the children amongst the visitors, a journey at their level…to learn like the grown-ups. New things to see and learn with each visit, and different exhibits for free in the entrance hall.

WEBSITE