Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Poitou-Charentes, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The Abbaye aux Dames is today the musical hub of Saintes. It was the first convent in the Saintonge region. The nuns were powerful women, wearing crosses and striking coins. The influence of the abbey was vast. This is still true today thanks to its musical activities and its unique architectural heritage.The Notre Dames church is a pearl of Romanesque art. The portal is richly decorated. The bell tower, in the shape of a pine cone and covered in stone scales, can be visited. Why not follow the path to heaven, you'll find a panoramic view over the town of Saintes. Discover the convent building, from its chapter house to the nuns' private quarters.

Over the past 40 years, the Charente-Maritime local council has contributed to improving public awareness of the exceptional natural heritage of the area. 2000 hectares of land were acquired and landmarked as Sensitive Natural Areas, protected, enhanced and open to visitors. As part of these territories, a network of Nature Centres offer optimum conditions for visitors to improve their awareness of Nature and the environment. Between the edge of the forest and the village of Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, the Poitou Donkey Nature Centre (Asinerie du Baudet du Poitou) is a typical Saintonge farm, featuring Poitou donkeys, draught horses and mules. The Asinerie is an authentic conservation centre for the Poitou donkey and mule. Discover their story from a fun and educational viewpoint. Many activites for all ages are possible : guided or non-guided tours, carriage rides, hikes with the donkeys, and much more! Please contact us to book.

Les Jardins de la Boirie sont fermes jusqu'au printemps 2014!

“La Vallée des Singes”, the unique wildlife park dedicated to primates was founded in 1998. It is a place of amusement and knowledge promoting ecological awareness. Since its creation, the main objective of the park is to contribute in protection of nature, environment and primates. La Vallée des Singes offers to its visitors a unique experience through a full immersion into the fascinating world of primates. This wildlife park is 100% different; there are no cages, no fences but 450 monkeys freely living on a wide area of 22 hectares. Here, visitors are the ones who have the privilege to enter the monkeys’ territory. You have the possibility to observe the little monkeys with only a few steps away from you, as well as the great apes on their island.