

Full of natural attractions and local history, the islands of Charente Maritime and the landscapes of Poitou Charentes will awaken your senses. Beaches or mountains? Forests or gorges? A number of artistic and historical fortified towns are dotted throughout the region. An ideal destination for a weekend break, or for a week or more...
Serge Baron has been managing the INTER-HOTEL Foncillon for three years, an,attractive 3* hotel on the seafront in the bay of Royan. Originally from Paris, he discovered the region 9 years ago while on holiday. It's the "sunny climate" of the coast, similar to the climate of the south of France ", combined with " the sea air " which he found gave this region a certain " art de vivre ". Nature, together with the ocean and the waves, are part of the numerous reasons why he decided the settle in Poitou Charentes.

" A privileged community, Royan has year round activities: in winter, it's an ice-skating rink on the beach, and in summer numerous festivals including Violins on the sand, a festival of classical music on the beach for everyone, or the Jumping International de Royan, show jumping in the forest of La Coubre, one of the most beautiful courses in France. The Palmyre zoo located outside the town, is a must; it's one of the best animal parks in France. "
With more than 450 km of coast, the Charentais coastline alternates sandy beaches, chalk cliffs and wild stretches. Summer is an especially good time to explore the coast, but there are things to discover in every season, for those who know where to look... " The Platin or Pontaillac beaches, troglodytes caves at Suzac at the edge of the Gironde estuary. "
Everywhere has a view out to sea... The numerous lighthouses overlooking the coast are a great way to discover the coastline… " The lighthouse at Cordouan, dating from the Renaissance, is near the town of Royan. It's considered the king of the lighthouses. "The beaches of Royan and Chatelaillon are the perfect spots for seaside family holidays thanks to their sheltered position; no waves or currents!
Up the coast is the fortified town of La Rochelle, close to Puilboreau. Its rich heritage reminds us of its maritime past. The ideal departure point for trips to one of the four islands of Charente Maritime including the Isle of Re, to which La Rochelle is linked via the longest bridge in France.

Discover the treasures and cultural life of Saintes. You can cruise in the Charente valley, aboard an old cargo boat, which today is used for the pleasure of visitors to the region.
Angouleme, famous for its international cartoon festival: well-known authors such as Franquin, Moebius and Zep have collaborated with the local authorities to expose on 22 facades of the town ! An original way to show their craft in the streets of this historical town. Crossing into the county of Deux Sèvres, you'll dicover the richness of the landscape, combining valleys and waterways. The towns of Bressuire and Chauray are ideal places from which to discover the mysterious Marais Poitevin.
In the county of Vienne, Poitiers, centre of the 100 years war, is known today for the theme park Futuroscope, which in 20 years has become the second theme park in France. Futuroscope is situated in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, which has a tourist eco-label, as a green holiday destination.

A gourmet, Mr Baron appreciates the food of this region. With very little industry its main source of wealth comes from the land and the sea. : " charentais melon, oysters from Marenne d’Oleron, soles, langoustines, mussels from Bouchot "
A variety of savours to delight the senses...Finally, explore « La route des Grands vins de Cognac » : who knows what you'll discover about the famous 'liquor of the gods'!