How would you like to wake up to an early morning air, open your eyes to lush green meadows, and dip your toes in softly flowing water in the riverbanks? Experience all these and more – much more – in Poitou-Charentes.

There’s a long stretch of sandy Mediterranean coastline – looking particularly dumbfounding during summer and heartbreaking on winter– that attract beach lovers from all over the world.

In Charente-Maritime, Royan has a string of amazing beaches which are protected from the wind by a backdrop of pine forests. Take a stroll along the two-kilometer beach line of St Georges-de-Didonne. Other resorts worth visiting include Meschers and St Palais sur Mer.

You can also enjoy the whole view of the sea and the coastline by hiring a boat to the Cordouan lighthouse.
The real star of the coast, as tourists fondly call it, is the port of La Rochelle. It certainly looks like a scene from a French postcard. In fact, don’t be surprised if you see one which is actually shot from La Rochelle. Although frequently visited for decades on end, the beauty and the charm of this port have thankfully remained intact.

The countryside of the region is known for the refreshing early morning dew, the picturesque green fields, soft-flowing rivers, and a population that is evenly spread. This makes the region inviting to those visitors who want a real quiet escape from the bustling city.

Marais-Poitevin, fondly called the “Green Venice,” is France’s warmer version of Britain’s Norfolk Broads. It paints a dreamy picture of river boulevards with shimmering reflections of scenes on the sides. If you are going for a stroll to see the town’s canals and dykes, be sure to leave your car behind and opt for a walk or take a guided boat tour.