Top Things to do in Poitou-Charentes
Top Hotels in Poitou-Charentes
- 1. Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa Cognac
- 2. Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites - La Rochelle Vieux Port
- 3. Hotel Le Galion
- 4. Hotel de la Monnaie
- 5. Hotel de la Maree - Ile de Re
- 6. OG Access Hotel de RE
- 7. Atalante Relais Thalasso
- 8. Hotel La Marine La Rochelle
- 9. Hotel Les Brises
- 10. Central Park Hotel & Spa
The 10 Best Things to do in Poitou-Charentes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Discover the best top things to do in Poitou-Charentes, France including Church of Notre Dame la Grande, Vieux Port, Les Jardins de la Boirie, Towers of La Rochelle, Plage Gros Jonc, Le Bunker de La Rochelle, Marche du Centre Ville, Marche Central de Royan, Aquarium La Rochelle, Futuroscope.
Restaurants in Poitou-Charentes
1. Church of Notre Dame la Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 890 reviews
Reviewed By Derek-simpcar - Farnham, United Kingdom
To see a medieval church still with its interior decoration in tact is so unusual it produces a real wow factor. It reminds us that was what the majority of churches were like before subsequent generations painted them over or demolished them. It’s a truly beautiful survivor that shouldn’t be missed
2. Vieux Port
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,561 reviews
Reviewed By Ruth2000 - Warwick, United Kingdom
La Rochelle has a lot to offer, the best being its food. The restaurants, (especially seafood) are excellent, and there are lots to choose. We spent 2 weeks in the city, staying in an apartment close to the harbour. The covered central market, open in the mornings is excellent for fresh produce, cheese, fish, fruit and vegetables. Just the other side of the harbour away from the hundreds of cafes and restaurants is the moderately priced Carrefour (City) .... and buses can take to you easily to outlying places, like the Ile de Rei, Minimes, and Chatellian Plage. Everywhere near the Old Port is walking distance. Not a cheap place to be, but thoroughly worthwhile.
3. Les Jardins de la Boirie
4. Towers of La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,401 reviews
Looking out to the Atlantic, the Tour Saint-Nicolas (14th century), the Tour de la Chaîne (14th century) and the Tour de la Lanterne (12th and15th century) are the remains of a great fortification building campaign undertaken in the City of La Rochelle from 1199. The Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne form the majestic gateway to the Old Port and for ten centuries formed the key defensive bastions to the city. As true palatial constructions and city castles, they are the symbol of a city with a very rich hand proud seafaring and trading heritage. The Tour de la Lanterne, the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast and then a navy prison, contains over 600 examples of graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners in over 3 centuries. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: Tower Saint-Nicolas: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. ; Tower of La Chaîne and La Lanterne: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 1 tower ticket : 6 € ; 3 towers ticket : 8,50 € ; Concessions (18 to 25) = 1 tower ticket : 4 € ; 3 towers ticket : 5,50 € ; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By CaptainsWife1
Very interesting tour to all three towers. You don't have to visit all three in one day either. They all provide some history as well as great views from the top.
5. Plage Gros Jonc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By AndreaSussex_England - West Sussex, United Kingdom
Huge beach of clean sand and Atlantic rollers. There is a good beach side cafe serving coffee and snacks
6. Le Bunker de La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Enter this bunker, built in 1941 by Germans in the city center, and discover the history of La Rochelle, freed on May 8th, 1945. Reconstituted scenes, photos, videos, period objects...
Reviewed By RuthVR - Halifax, United Kingdom
Well I admit I learnt something at this museum. The English translation pack is excellent and the journey through time is good. Much to see and to learn. It’s not a huge museum as you might expect but well worth a visit - particularly if you’re interested in WW2. Really recommend.
7. Marche du Centre Ville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
Reviewed By And2012S - Chantonnay, France
If you are coming to La Rochelle this is a must. The vast range of fresh products on offer is amazing. The market spills onto several streets and there is a lively bustling atmosphere. Large queues form for the most popular stores. However don’t leave it too late as the market tends to wrap up round about 1.00pm.
8. Marche Central de Royan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 399 reviews
Reviewed By Derek05M - Bolton, United Kingdom
Royan market is a must visit. The outdoor and indoor markets are both on, on Sundays, but the indoor food market is on daily. Fabulous stalls selling the best choice of sea food we have ever seen, and we have visited many. Pleased make the effort, you will not be disappointed
9. Aquarium La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8,682 reviews
Located in the city center, facing the old harbor, discover one of the greatest European private aquariums. In 2018, the Aquarium innovates and offers a brand new immersion into the underwater world. During 2h, visit the heart of the Ocean, meet over 12 000 marine animals, and be amazed by the biodiversity of the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and Tropics. From the fragile jellyfish, to the fascinating sharks, experience a unique journey to dream and understand the Sea.
Reviewed By OrkOcin
The seas and oceans are wonderfully highlighted in this world class aquarium ???? Beware : it can be crowded in summer
10. Futuroscope
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14,063 reviews
With more than 50 million visitors since it opened, Futuroscope is one one of France’s most popular amusement parks and the only one of its kind in Europe. Futuroscope is the ideal place to relax in, with 60 hectares of tranquil green countryside and 25 original experiences you won't find anywhere else: films in giant format, thrill-filled attractions, 3D rides with 4D effects, games, live shows, open-air activities, and more. The spectacular theatres inside Futuroscope are gigantic sculptures and their futuristic lines blend in smoothly with the surrounding landscape. Discovery and thrills guaranteed for everyone, young and old!
Reviewed By christellem813 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
My parents are from the Cognac region and took me there the first time a year after its opening when I was in my early teens. I have been many times since and now I live in the uk but last year took my then 10 year old son. Over the years, it has massively expanded and has now about 25 pavillions showing differents types of high tech movies (3D, Imax, moving seats, combination of all of theses...). It is great entertainment and a fantastic day out. All the movies are shown in french but I believe you can borrow a translation unit. We went last year for Easter just before the start of the french holidays and we managed to see everything and some of the favourites multiple times. You will not be able to do this in the summer months when you will most likely need 2 days due to the very long queues. It is very well suited for children of all age but, I think a good age to start is around 8-9 years. Any younger and they won't be able to go in some of the pavillions due to height restriction, and also some of the movies are documentaries that might really bore very young children. There are restaurants on site too, but you can take your own picnic and sit on the numerous benches you'll find across the park. So, nothing like your traditional park with lots of rides but definitely worth a visit. We are thinking about going back this year...
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