Press Pack Atlantic Coast & Cognac Country

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Poitou-Charentes Tourist Board Press Pack 2013

Press Pack

Atlantic Coast & Cognac Country Poitou-Charentes

www. holidays-france-atlantic.com Sandrine PAILLONCY - [email protected] CRT Poitou-Charentes - 8 rue Riffault - BP 56 - 86002 POITIERS CEDEX Tel : +33 (0)5 49 50 10 50 - Fax : + 33 (0)5 49 41 37 28 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES

Edito

Situated on the Atlantic Coast between Nantes and Bordeaux, Poitou-Charentes is particularly well known thanks to certain destinations: - La Rochelle – Ile de Ré - The Coast ( Ile d’Oléron, Royan, and Rochefort) - Futuroscope - Poitiers - Cognac country - The Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) Profile

1 700 000 inhabitants Wellbeing t Six thalassotherapy centres 4 ‘Departements’ t Seven spas t Charente (16) t Charente-Maritime (17) Nature t Deux-Sèvres (79) t Five major walking routes t Vienne (86) t 826km of road to Santiago de Compostela t 2950 km cycle tracks The coast t 2195 km mountain bike tracks 460 km of coastline t 220 km navigable roads 110 km of beaches t 20 Golf courses Four Islands : Oléron (the second biggest island in France after Corsica), Ré, Aix and Madame

Heritage Eight churches are classified by the Unesco World Heritage organisation of which six ares situated on the road to Santiago de Compostela: the Churches of St Hilaire of Poitiers and Melle, the Church of St Pierre d’Aulnay- de- Saintonge, the Royal Abbey of St Jean d’Angély, the Church of St Eutrope of Saintes and the Hospital Table of of Pilgrims of Pons. Two outstanding sites are registered by Unesco World Heritage: the Abbey of St Savin contents (classified at the UNESCO for 30 years - 2013 celebrates the anniversary) with her recently restored frescoes and St Martin de Ré which is within the framework of the network Vauban (since 2008). Destinations 5 Cities and Villages New accommodation 15 Five cities and seven territories have the label ‘country of art and history’: Poitiers, Rochefort, Saintes, Royan, Itineraries 19 Cognac, Pays d’Angoumois, Pays Thouarsais, Pays de Parthenay, Pays Montmorillonais, Pays Mellois, Pays & Confolentais, Pays de l'Ile de Ré. Festivals Events 27 Six villages are among ‘ The Most Beautiful Villages in France’ : Angles-sur-l’Anglin, Ars-en-Ré, La Flotte, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Mornac-sur-Seudre and Talmont-sur-Gironde.

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR - Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804 - [email protected] CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Map and Access

EDIMBOURG

GLASGOW

DUBLIN MANCHESTER LEEDS

EAST MIDLANDS CORK

BIRMINGHAM

BRISTOL LONDRES

SOUTHAMPTON

PARIS

TGV

FUTUROSCOPE POITIERS LA ROCHELLE ANGOULEME

BORDEAUX Ryanair Flybe EasyJet Jet2

Eurostar + TGV

By boat Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries, Norfolkline, P&O-Ferries, SpeedFerries Ltd, LDLines DFDS , MyFerryLink and Irish Ferries have regular links with the French Channel ports. All the ports are within half a day drive of Poitou-Charentes.

By road From the north of France, from Normandy, Brittany and Paris, main roads lead to Poitou-Charentes. From the north follow the directions towards Bordeaux and then Poitiers or La Rochelle. The A10 motorway and Nationale10 road link Poitiers to Bordeaux and A837 and Nationale 137 road link La Rochelle to Saintes via Rochefort.

By train Rail Europe: From London-St Pancras via Lille-Europe or via Paris: daily services to Poitiers and Angoulême. For example, from London-St Pancras to Poitiers via Lille-Europe: around 3h30. From Paris - Montparnasse station: with the TGV Atlantique, to Futuroscope train station (1h20), to Poitiers (1h30), Angoulême (2h15), Niort (2h15) and La Rochelle (3h). From Bordeaux there are services to Angoulême (50 minutes) and Poitiers (1h35).

By air Access from the main cities in UK and Ireland The two airports of the region La Rochelle and Poitiers are directly linked to main cities of UK and Ireland. > La Rochelle airport: www.larochelle.aeroport.fr > Poitiers airport: www.poitiers.cci.fr/aeroport/ Some routes are seasonal. Other airports : Nantes, Tours, Bordeaux and Limoges.

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR -Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804- [email protected] PARIS

Poitou- Charentes

MAINE-ET-LOIRE

Les Trois-Moutiers TOURS/PARIS

Vignobles du Thouarsais Loudun INDRE-ET-LOIRE Argenton-les-Vallées Thouars hemins de St-Jacques Argent

Mauléon on e Dangé-St-Romain

N149 Monts-s.-Guesnes Div

D938 A10 E05 Sèvre Nantaise DEUX-SEVRES D34 St-Gervais- atrimoine Mondial de l’UNESCO 7 les-Trois-Clochers D910 BRESSUIRE Saint-Varent Creuse N149 Moncontour us beaux villages de France 26 Cerizay D725 Thouet Thouaret Airvault CHÂTELLERAULT Autoroutes / n° de sortie Plan d’eau Mirebeau Lencloître St-Loup- 27 du Cébron Lamairé N149 Routes à chaussées séparées, Vignobles du Haut-Poitou D910 Pleumartin D938 axe principal Moncoutant 8 Thénezay Plan d‘eau de St-Cyr D93 Neuville- Vouneuil-s.-Vienne Routes secondaires de-Poitou Angles-s.-l’Anglin INDRE 28 St-Georges-les-Baillargeaux PARTHENAY N149 Principales voies ferrées VENDEE N149 Thouet Vouillé 29 D749 éroports Secondigny POITIERS St-Savin-s.- D951 Mazières- D951 Chauvigny Gartempe 10 Km re NANTES en-Gâtine Boiv 30 D743 St-Julien-l’Ars Coulonges- Autize sur-l’Autize Champdeniers- Ménigoute Vonne enne St-Denis Vi Ga La Trimouille r Clain N147 te A10 E05 La Villedieu- mpe A83 E03 Lusignan N10 31 du-Clain St-Maixent-l’École D611 Vivonne Lussac-les- 10 Châteaux Gençay MONTMORILLON D648 D611 La Mothe-St-Héray 11 Sèvre Niortaise NIORT VIENNE Coulon D950 Marans MARAIS POITEVIN 32 D741

Couhé N147 ÎLE DE RÉ Frontenay- Prahecq Courçon Rohan-Rohan Lezay N11 Celles-s.-Belle St-Martin-de-Ré 33 N137 L’Isle-Jourdain Ars-en-Ré Melle Lac de La Flotte 0 Chardes Mauzé-s.- Beauvoir- N1 LA ROCHELLE le-Mignon sur-Niort D115 La Jarne Sauzé- Clain Civray Aytré Aigrefeuille-d’Aunis Vaussais Charroux D948 Availles- N137 Brioux-s.- Limouzine Boutonne Chef-Boutonne Surgères Boutonne

ÎLE D’OLÉRON D939 A10 E05 D950 Loulay ÎLE D’AIX D737 Charen HAUTE-VIENNE Aulnay Ruffec D650 Villefagnan te Champagne- ÎLE MADAME 31 ROCHEFORT Tonnay-Boutonne Mouton 32 CONFOLENS St-Pierre-d’Oléron 33 34 Boutonne 34 ST-JEAN-D’ANGÉLY

Tonnay- e Charente CHARENTE- Le Château Charente A837 E602 enn N137 d’Oléron CHARENTE Vi MARITIME Aigre St-Claud St-Savinien N150 Matha D733 Mansle Chabanais St-Agnant St-Hilaire-de- N141 LIMOGES Villefranche Lacs de Marennes St-Porchaire D939 Haute Charente Charen St-Amant- de-Boixe Lavaud Mas-Chaban Lac de te La Tremblade Rouillac Cadeuil Burie 1 35 4 Montembœuf D73 Vignobles du Cognac N1 Mornac- 1 SAINTES La Rochefoucauld s.-Seudre N141 COGNAC

Char N10 N150 ent e Jarnac N14 N141 1 Gond-Pontouvre D733 Hiersac

Seug Ruelle-sur-T. Montbron

ne ANGOULÊME ROYAN D730 Se u Segonzac Soyaux dre Cozes Pons Gémozac La Couronne 36 Châteauneuf- s.-Charente

Talmont D137 Né N10 A10 E05 Barbezieux- St-Genis-de- Villebois-Lavalette Saintonge Vignobles du Cognac St-Hilaire Blanzac-Porcheresse D730 JONZAC DORDOGNE Seugne D137 Baignes- Montmoreau-St-Cybard Mirambeau Ste-Radegonde 37

0 Brossac D731 N1

Montendre D674 Chalais Montlieu- Aubeterre-s.-Dronne la-Garde

Montguyon

BORDEAUX D73 GIRONDE 0 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Destinations

Atlantic Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR -Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804- [email protected] 6 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES La Rochelle Historic Atlantic Port

Founded in the tenth century, La Rochelle started as a town of fishermen and salt merchants. Always turned towards the sea, this major port built its expansion on the salt and wine trade. Razed by Richelieu, the town still has visible vestiges of medieval walls. The Old Town, once a prominent Huguenot and Protestant enclave, is characterised by medieval houses with facades sculpted during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, streets with arcades and private mansions of big shipowners. La Rochelle has four ports: the Old Port with its iconic towers, the commercial port - La Pallice, the fishing port ‘Chef de Baie’ and the Minimes Port which is the premier European pleasure port with 3,500 slips. The Minimes Port welcomes the ‘Grand Pavois’, a famous European nautical show every September. Thanks to protective ramparts put in place in the 1970’s, the town has safeguarded its historical centre, particularly its medieval and Renaissance architecture. The modern areas of the town are close to the Old Centre, notably the ‘Gabut’ quarter with its painted wooden buildings and the area near to the Minimes Port. Nowadays visitors come to the town to stroll down the streets and around the ports. La Rochelle welcomes over three million tourists annually, 25% of which are foreigners, making it the third most visited town in France.

The Bunker of La Rochelle Concealed beneath three metres of concrete, the bunker of La Rochelle was built by the Germans in the Second World War to lodge the officers of the ‘Kriegsmarine’. Today it houses a museum that traces the history of the inhabitants of La Rochelle during the Newly 5* occupation. It is situated at 8 Rue des Dames, La Rochelle and opens at the Hotel Résidence de France***** start of the school holidays in February 2013. Opening hours are Wherever the French have an Embassy, between 10am and 7pm. the Ambassador receives guests in what is called the French Residence. The owners of this hotel, Hotel Résidence de France located in the heart of the town, receive La Rochelle English App. their guests in a similar fashion with a certain tradition and style. New from May 2013, "La Rochelle Tour" is an app providing a complete guide in English to the town – where to eat, where to sleep, what to visit, etc. There are five rooms, eleven suites, plus 38 Just one click and you may book and once you have had your La Rochelle experience studios and apartments all just a stone’s Applications another click will let you tell the world of your impression. Upload your app free from throw away from the port in the historic centre of town. the App Store or Google Play. www.hotel-larochelle.com

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR - Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804 - [email protected] 7 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Ile de Ré The White Island

Known as the ‘White Island’, the Ile de Ré is the most northerly of the four islands just off the coast and accessible directly from La Rochelle by a bridge. It is 30 kilometers long and five kilometers wide, and can be easily explored by bicycle thanks to a plethora (100 kilometers) of cycle tracks leading all over the island. The streets of Ile de Ré are lined with white houses decorated with colourful shutters, a type of house generally found throughout some of the most gorgeous villages in France (‘Les Beaux Villages de France’). Ars en Ré has a coloured bell tower that is a landmark in navigational circles; La Flotte has a famous old market and medieval covered market too. The Ile de Ré is connected to the mainland by a three kilometer bridge. The south end of the island is home to relaxing beaches, while the north boasts ports that have always contributed to the economic life of the island.

Our 'Coup de coeur'

Bicycle riding Le Loft de la tour du Sénéchal Bicycles are a way of life on Ile de Ré, where more than 100 km of marked cycle tracks A very original, new, self-catering wind through vineyards, salt marshes and nature reserves. And with the highest point accommodation has opened in the just 19 metres above sea level, it is small wonder that bikes are the most popular way to centre of Ars-en-Ré. Le Loft de la Tour explore the whitewashed villages, sandy beaches and coastal defenses. is set in a tower with an astonish view of the black and white bell tower of It doesn’t matter when you cycle – early in the morning until late at night. For some, the village. If you prefer you can take cycling is a way of life – for others a simple recreation, a sport or just a way of getting the services of the Hotel Sénéchal from A to B. In summer on the Ile de Ré the next door rather than avail yourself centre of most villages are closed to traffic of the well-equipped kitchen in the so this is a great way to explore the island. tower. There are several different cycle routes such www.hotel-le-senechal.com as St. Martin to La Couarde – about 20 kilometers through vineyards and marine plan- tations, that remind one of the agricultural heritage of the Island.

Ile de Ré App This FREE app is now available in English for all the information needed on Ile de Le Clos des Vieux Moulins Ré. Simply connect through Iphone App Opening in February 2013 are the Applications or Android market and look for ‘Ile de Ré brand new self-catering apartments Tour’. of Le Clos de Vieux Moulins in La Flotte-en-Ré. All the apartments are Foreign visitors are able to book all their beautifully and subtly decorated in holiday requirements online, thanks to an muted shades and all can sleep up to English version of the website. eight people. Facilities are excellent www.holidays-iledere.co.uk with washing machine, dishwasher, garden rooms, free Wifi, etc. There is a communal games room and a garage for bikes too. www.leclosdesvieuxmoulins.com

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR -Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804- [email protected] 8 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION Atlantic coast POITOU-CHARENTES

The coast of Charente-Maritime has been strategically important since the Middle Ages and the shoreline is still dotted with forts, citadels and ramparts, many of them accessible to the public. From La Rochelle, in the north, to the Gironde estuary, the coast is full of surprises: the islands of Oléron, Aix and Madame, the seaside resorts (such as Royan and St-Palais-sur-Mer) and Rochefort. Rochefort Rochefort has been an important military town since the seventeenth century when the Royal Arsenal was installed there because of the strategic and protected nature of the coastline. This and La Corderie building are now listed as Historical Monuments. Just next to these buildings is the mooring where the frigate ‘Hermione’ is being restored. Hermione Aix 'The Genuine' Work began on the reconstruction of Lafayette’s frigate ‘Hermione’ in 1997 - the ship where Napoleon spent his that took Lafayette across the Atlantic in 1780 to assist General Washington in the last days on the French soil American Civil War. The ship is 65 metres long, has three masts with over 1,500 square metres of sails and a Aix is a small island (120 inhabitants) loca- hull built of oak. It was decided to rebuild the ship to commemorate the martime heri- ted between Ré and Oléron. It is 600 metres tage of France and, more locally, the importance once held by the Arsenal of Rochefort. wide and three kilometers long. There are no cars or buses - only a boat to reach the Work will finish and the ship will set sail once again across the Atlantic in 2015. island! Looking toward Ré and Oléron, you In March 2013 the masts will be put in place and then the two bells that have been for- can see Fort Boyard. The island is explored ged in the original eighteenth century style will be installed. There will also be a recruit- on foot, by bike and by carriage, taking ment drive this year to find the right personnel to man the ship as well as the installation about three hours to circumnavigate on of the modern day equipment necessary to run the motors. The rigging will be put in foot. place during the summer months when work will also start on the carving of a carousel Aix is reminiscent of Brittany with its rug- for little children. Anne, the sails seamstress, will continue her work hand sewing the ged landscape and is the only true ‘island’ in Charente – Maritime. The main town is sails throughout the year. She is currently making the eleventh of the 19 required. composed of small white houses embel- After this, work will continue as usual under the public gaze as there are a couple of lished with climbing roses. There is a pearl years to go until the project is complete towards the end of 2014! factory, two museums (Napoleonic and The shipyard is open year round from February 2013. Entrance costs nine Euros for African) and a fort (Liédot) which is the epitome of the art of fortification. adults and five Euros for children. More than 250,000 people have been visiting the site annually since work began.

The Begonia Conservatory

Focus on The Begonia Conservatory in Rochefort houses more than 1,500 different begonia varieties and hybrids. It is the largest collection of begonias in the world. The collection was brought to Rochefort in 1986 by Vincent Millerioux, a horticulturist from Presle in the Val d’Oise and is now the national collection. The Conservatory is open between February and November and entrance costs just 4.5 per adult for a guided tour. Children under 12 years are free. www.begonia.rochefort.fr

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR - Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804 - [email protected] CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast 9 La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Atlantic coast

Oléron 'the Luminous' With an area of 175 km² this is the second largest island in France, linked to the continent by a viaduct. This area features the ponds where the famous Marennes- Oléron oysters are fattened up! Colourful oyster-loaded boats proliferate, with their captains carefully orchestrating their arrival and departure! On the island, the unique countryside can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback! Military and maritime Oléron possesses the citadel of Oléron and Fort Boyard (yes Our 'Coup de coeur' indeed, that’s the fort known to French and English TV viewers!).

Moulin de la Borderie At one time there were 120 flour mills Green oysters from Marennes-Oléron on the Ile d’Oléron, dating back to the Marennes-Oléron is Europe’s leading oyster-producing area. The oysters infuse their flavour from sixteenth century. One of these mills has the small basins in which they are placed to mature, taking on the taste specific to oysters from now been turned into an eco-friendly this area and their characteristic green colour due to the presence of the microscopic algae, the ‘chambres d’hotes’ where your hosts offer blue navicula. just three rooms and a truly unforgettable The quality production is indicated by red labels and there are various «vintages « («crus») depen- and original experience of the island. ding on the time the oysters have spent in the basins: «Fines» spend a month there; «spéciales» two www.lemoulindelaborderie.com months; the «pousses» four to eight months. Traditionally, they are eaten raw with small sausages flavoured with white wine in Oléron, or accompanied by «grillons» (pork sausages) in Charente.

Oysters 24/24 from a vending machine The Gillardeau boutique on the Ile d’Oléron has been providing oysters to the Elysée Pa- Camping Sequoia Parc Oyster Bar : La verte inconnue lace since the time of Francois Mitterand and The Relais des Salines is an oyster bar like no are said to be the Rolls Royce of this shell- Voted the best family campsite in France other! The family have been in the oyster/ fish. It has now installed a vending machine in 2011, Sequoia Park is a friendly, fishing business for around twenty years and next to the shop where people can buy fresh large, verdant space in the Charente- now impart their knowledge of the business oysters at any time of the day or night. The Maritime midway between Royan and to their customers to whom they serve the machine is kept at a low temperature and Rochefort. Spread over 45 hectares, finest examples of oysters and other fresh the oysters are changed every day. Prices are the campsite offers an enormous pool catches. The restaurant is open between the same as in the shop. This is unique in complex with slides and a lazy river, the June and September. France and probably the world. setting is quite beautiful in the grounds www. lerelaisdessalines.com www.speciales-gillardeau.fr of a restored chateau. The quality of the accommodation choices and facilities Route des Huîtres are outstanding, including the variety The Oyster Route is situated between the Château d’Oléron and Boyardville, taking in the chan- of evening entertainment - and offer nels and oyster beds which one visits by tractocar! Many of the old cabins are in use once again, something for all tastes. inhabited by artists that have lovingly restored some of these charming old buildings. The coast here is beautiful with varied flora and fauna to admire. There is also a museum to visit that tells www.sequoiaparc.com the story of oyster cultivation in the area.

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR -Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804- [email protected] 10 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Cognac country

The capital of brandy production has great historical significance. The Château des Valois, for example, birthplace of King François I, delights history …and cognac enthusiasts. It is now the property of Maison Otard. The 'liquor of gods', as Victor Hugo called it, cognac owes its character to the warm, humid climate in this part of Western France. Otard, Camus, Hennessy, Martell, Rémy- Martin and Courvoisier can be found here and all offer guided tours of their cellars and vineyards. The vineyards of Cognac constitute the 2nd largest area of production in France after Bordeaux and cover an area of 80,000 hectares.

Courvoisier - a family tradition – a visit for the senses There are several ways to experience one of the most famous of cognac houses – either a Classic Tour by 3D video and sensorial cinema experience “Le Nez de Courvoisier”, fol- lowed by a tasting from the award-winning cognac portfolio. Otherwise try the Family Tradition Tour which includes a VSOP drinks reception, a tour through the museum then a Napoleon marque and XO Imperial tasting as well as the sensory experience. The Historic Blends tour also offers a food-pairing brunch and the experience of the cellar- master and an Initiale Extra marque tasting. Lastly the Grape to Glass Experience lasts a full seven hours and takes you through the whole cognac making process and finishes with a visit to the Renard and Paradis cellars. www.courvoisier.com The Master Blender programme at Ateliers Camus Amongst many of the programmes offe- red at the Ateliers Camus is the Master Blender Programme. Participants take part in one of the vital stages in the crea- Rémy Martin Chocolate tion of cognac. After an introduction to This special programme incorporates a New the art of cognac tasting, one steps into cognac tasting that forms an alliance the world of the Cellar Master. Under his with chocolate through various fla- 26th Painted Wall of Angouleme guidance, one creates one’s own cognac vours and consistencies. Each of the blend by choosing ‘eau de vie’ from the three cognac tastings is partnered by Just inaugurated in January 2013 during the a specialised chocolate interpreta- annual Cartoon Festival the 26th painted wall finest vines of the region. of Angoulême is called Kirikou and is the latest Duration: two hours at €160 per adult tion. A gourmet pack is included in addition to the collection adorning the walls including one 50cl bottle of your own XO the entrance price of 95 so you can of the town known as the cartoon capital of cognac. recreate the experience at home France. As with the other walls, the Kirikou www.camus.fr www.visitesremymartin.com work was carried out by Cité de la Création of Lyon although much of the art was made in Meukow - a new visit of Cognac producers Angoulême itself. Kirikou is based on the ‘90’s For the first time in their history, the Cognac house of AC Meukow organises tastings film of Michel Ocelot, ‘Kirikou and the Witch’ and visits. After a tour and tasting it is also possible to have lunch in the workshop that was actually adopted by UNICEF. What ‘Chai Meukow’. Cookery classes, tastings, themed evenings and small meetings can all makes this wall distinct from the others is the fact that due to LED, the cartoons appear to be organised by this well-established company that has been in operation since 1862. move and they are beautifully illuminated. The price is 10 Euros for adults and meals start at 21 Euros per person. www.meukowcognac.com

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR - Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804 - [email protected] CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast 11 La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Marais poitevin The Green Venice

Also known as 'Green Venice', the Marais Poitevin is the second largest temperate zone in France and the fifth in Europe. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the town of Niort in Deux- Sèvres, these famous marshlands are blessed with a particularly agreeable climate. The best way to discover this magical land is to explore the villages and marshland ports. There is evidence all around of the ‘industrial’ past of the area: washers, sluices, fountains, water passages, dovecotes... The countryside is in symbiosis with its environment…The Marais Poitevin is vast - over 90,000 hectares of green dissected by thousands of canals. Explore on foot, by fishing boat or canoe, by bicycle, in a carriage or on horseback.

Our Coup de coeur Marais Poitevin: Classified since No- Brouage. The mutual objective is to ' ' vember 2009 as one of the Great Sites preserve and restore the fragile yet Stay in Niort – gateway to the of France, , the Marais Poitevin (and breathtaking countryside. In the case Marais Poitevin : Focus on more particularly the Marais Mouillé) of the Marais Poitevin, this means the was only the seventh site in France to rehabilitation of the grass land, planting Hôtel de la Brêche Niort*** be given the honour. There are 18,533 ash trees and fixing the canals, as well Something a little bit different for hectares over 24 communes that make as measuring the tide of tourism in and shopaholics – just ten minutes from the up this Green Venice, which welcomes out of the area and promoting lasting heart of Niort, gateway to the Marais 700,000 visitors annually. development in the area of ecotourism. Poitevin and with gorgeous shops and The ‘Réseau des Grands Sites de France’ This involves providing tourist accom- markets, visitors can enjoy the serenity was founded in 2000 and now groups modation and ecological leisure activi- and tranquility of a three star hotel together 35 sites throughout the ties such as canoeing and cycling. of character. The rooms are all air country. The Marais Poitevin is one www.parc-marais-poitevin.fr conditioned, equipped with free internet, of two in the region, the other being www.grandsitedefrance.com individual safes and large flat screen TVs. www.niorthoteldelabreche.com

The Marais Poitevin, a paradise for nature lovers Explore the marshes by boat, by bike, on horseback or on foot. First, take a guided tour of 'Green Venice' in a flatbottomed boat. Or explore the Marais solo with a canoe or a rowing boat. Alternatively, design a personal cycling tour and find out what a paradise for cyclists the area can be, with its 45 kilo- metres of secure marked trails. Country scenes abound - villages nestling between the plains and the marsh, cows grazing quietly on the islets. To conclude, take a horse and carriage ride and trot at a leisurely pace through the traditional villages of the area.

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR -Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804- [email protected] 12 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION Poitiers POITOU-CHARENTES new town - new look

Poitiers … a Romanesque town and, for a long time, the ‘Saviour of France’

Poitiers is known as the ‘Town of Hundred Bells’ due to the 24 parishes and 30 monasteries within its boundaries. It is a supreme example of Romanesque art in France. Two famous battles have taken place in Poitiers – one against the Visigoths in 507 and the other against the Arabs in 732. The town is also associated with Clovis and Charles Martel. The present day structure of Poitiers was given shape in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, with the addition of the Grands Boulevards, Blossac Park and the Haussmann-style roads, particularly between the Town Hall and the Police Headquarters. Poitiers has 80 buildings classified as Historical Monuments, the most famous of which is the Baptistery of Saint Jean, which dates back to the beginning of Christianity in Europe; Notre-Dame-La-Grande church and the Saint-Hilaire church, which are both stops on the pilgrimage route of St.Jacques de Compostelle and classified by UNESCO. Now a university town and administrative centre, Poitiers is obviously dynamic, full of energy and a delightful place to visit, as it combines a heady mixture of vitality and tranquility.

Brand new city centre "Coeur d’agglo" The latest example of this dynamism is the Coeur d’Agglo project which began in 2010 and encompasses a complete redesign of the centre of Poitiers. This will incorporate new green spaces such as the rue de Puygarreau, 4,000 new parking spaces, a new bus route, new public areas and pedestrian zones such as the Place Leclerc, new paving, street lighting, cleaning of buildings, new traffic circulation and an accentuation of the architectural heritage of the town. In all - three years work costing a total of 25 million Euros (around GBP 20.8 million) and involving 38,000m2 of public space.

Audio Guided Tour App. "Women of the past" App. By means of augmented reality and geo- Now available in English, this smartphone localisation, this relaxed and interactive Poi- app is in fact a game that is designed to help tiers- zevisit guide, compatible with iphone young people learn about the history and

Applications and android versions, is a great tool to help legacy of Poitiers. Philip Marlowe has been you learn all you want to know about the employed to help you follow the clues to find history of the town that is so rich in historic out all about the famous women that have and religious monuments. historically graced the town, from Eleanor Look for : Poitiers Zevisit on you Iphone App of Aquitaine to Joan of Arc. This treasure or Android market. hunt takes you all around town to visit the most famous (and less well-known) sites of Poitiers. Available in iPhone and android versions, look for : "Portées disparues"

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR - Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804 - [email protected] CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast 13 La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Futuroscope What’s New at Futuroscope in 2013 ?

With more than 40 million visitors since its inception in 1987, Futuroscope is the first attraction in Poitou-Charentes and the second most popular ‘theme park’ in France. There are now more than 30 different experiences for the family to enjoy that help us see the world in a completely different way.

RoboThespian, the humanoid Robot Developed by British company Engineered Arts, RoboThespian RT3 will be present outside the Dances with Robots theatre this year. A new development, a humanoid robot who will entertain the public and answer their questions! He is the latest reincarnation of CP30 from Star Wars. He can even sing and dance. Far from being scary he is there to represent the technological side of Futuroscope and the technopole of which it is part.

In addition, there is a remix of the Imagic Ultimate Wave Tahiti – the Las Vegas style eye dazzling show, A new Imax® film that showcases the a new adaptation of the Little Prince skills of champion surfer Kelly Slater as and the award winning Arthur and the you ride the Teahupo’o wave with him. A Minimoys – voted best attractrion in the great way to learn about the history and World at the last THEA awards. Any visit marine diversity of Tahiti, known as the can be rounded off with a meal at the Queen of the Pacific. The screen is as astonishing Le Cristal restaurant where large as two tennis courts. food becomes part of the futuristic experience. Born to be wild Another brand new experience for 2013, this Imax film is about a primatologist and an elephant expert, both women, who have been rescuing orphaned animals and reintroducing them to the wild. Travel from the forests of Borneo to the grassy plains of Kenya in the company of these extraordinary ladies who have devoted their lives to the animals.

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Dances with Robots remixed by Martin Solveig One of the top two attractions at Futuroscope, Dances with Robots gets a new club beat this year as the 23 foot high robot arms pick up their passengers and perform a brand new dance routine to re- mixes from the famous DJ who has, amongst other things worked with Madonna and is world famous on the Club scene. There are breathtaking new lighting and special effects.

The Beatles

From April – August 2013 there will be a 4D film about The Beat- les on display – the one that was shown at the Beatles Museum in Liverpool.

Lady Ô – New evening show The new evening show is an extravaganza of art and technology that provides a magical night-time experience bursting from one of the largest water stages in the world. This is a world of dreams and make-believe. CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Accommodation

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Château de Tennessus The castle dates back 600 years and is totally surrounded by water. It is an hour from Poitiers in the heart of the region. Now owned by a British couple this is a year round holiday destina- tion where you may fish in the moat, row around the castle, plunge into the swimming pool or stroll through the vegetable garden, it could not be more enchanting. There are just five large mediaeval bedrooms that are sold on a B&B basis although gourmet picnics can also be provided. www.tennessus.com

Domaine de Dienné mushroom and snail houses Just opened at the Domaine de Dienné are two very different types of rather unique accommodation – two mushroom houses and a snail house ! These join the variety of accommodation on offer that varies from gypsy caravans to chateaux in the trees… it is quite some place to be explored and there is also so much to do. Each house sleeps up to six people. www.domaine-de-dienne.fr

Quai des Pontis Situated in the heart of Cognac on the Charente River within lovely grounds, is the Quai des Pontis, offering three different types of self-catering accommodation – gypsy caravans in the park, cabins on stilts on the river’s edge and wooden lodges with garden views. All are very well equipped with DVD, LCD screens, Nespresso machines, grills, micro-waves etc …and all just a stone’s throw from the centre of town. Fishing, swimming, relaxing with a good book, exploring the surrounding countryside, this is your peaceful base for a peaceful holiday in Cognac country. www. quaidespontis.com

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Hôtel Ligaro - New luxury Hotel Where to stay whilst visiting Cognac – try the new Hotel le Ligaro in Jarnac which opened its doors in September 2012. The ten rooms are very spacious and decorated in traditional colours of Cognac – orange, cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate. A spa and pool will be added in 2013.There is a boutique selling local produce and a gastronomic restaurant just 500 metres from the hotel run by the same family. The lovely garden area has been completely redesigned. www.hotelligaro.com

Clos du Charpentier B&B Le Clos de Charpentier in Balzac is a quiet haven of peace just a few minutes from Angoulême. There are just four rooms in this charming establishment which has exceptional facilities including a gym, spa, indoor pool and gorgeous sunny terrace. Owners Joel and Marie-Claire provide a warm welcome. Contact : [email protected]

The Chateau of Brillac The Chateau of Brillac is a nineteenth century mansion that has been turned into a lovely hotel by owners Jean- Francois and Sylvie Maupas. Built of local white stone, this classic chateau is equally stunning inside with its contemporary design. There is a spa, vast heated pool and you are surrounded by green undulating hills and vales that are cram- med with woods. There are vineyards as far as the eye can see as Fossignac is deep in cognac country; the mansion was originally built by cognac producers. www. chateaudebrillac.com CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Itineraries

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Poitiers, Angoulême & La Rochelle 4 days / 3 nights

>> DAY 1 Visit Poitiers: Poitiers is a supreme example of Romanesque art in France but the present day structure of Poitiers was given shape in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Poitiers has 80 buildings classified as Historical Monuments, the most famous of which is the Baptistery of Saint Jean, which dates back to the beginning of Christianity in Europe; Notre-Dame- La-Grande church and the Saint-Hilaire church, which are classified by UNESCO. Now a university town and administrative centre, Poitiers had a complete redesign recently completed – the Coeur d’Agglo incorporates new green spaces such as the rue de Puygarreau, 4,000 new parking spaces, a new bus route, new public areas and pedestrian zones, new paving, street lighting, cleaning of buildings, new traffic circulation and an accentuation of the architectural heritage of the town.

Shop and buy macaroons – The Rannou-Metevier boutique has been making macaroons for over 90 years with a certain passion and creativity. Other specialities apart from the Macarons de Montmorillon include fine hand made chocolates and Bonne Mémé cake. www.rannou-metivier.com

Eat – at Le Bis – On the rue St.Nicolas, this new bistrot in the true Georges Brassens style serves delicious fish dishes and options for carnivores too in a modern atmosphere. www.lebis-espritbistrot.fr

Overnight at the Hotel Mercure - Housed in the 1854 Jesuit chapel, designed by renowned French architect Magloire Tournesac, the hotel has over 50 bedrooms with some offering an unobstructed view over the town of Poitiers. The restaurant is located in the nave and chancel of the former chapel. The kitchens are run, by two talented young chefs Gil Elad and Ayako Ota. www.hotelmercurepoitierscentre.com

>> DAY 2 Visit Angoulême and the Comic Museum - Located on the banks of the Charente River, Angoulême has long been associated with paper. Becoming the capital of paper in the Middle Ages, nowadays it is renowned as the capital of the image and more particularly, of the comic strip, with its annual festival and new museum. www.citebd.org

In Angoulême city centre, it is also fun to follow the cartoon trail throughout the town, as there are works of comic strip art on every street corner with over twenty painted walls to admire! Famous cartoonists such as Yslaire, Zep and Moebius are featured. They place the comic strip and the image in the heart of the city.

Shop - for chocolate at Chocolaterie Duceau where Jean Christophe Crosnier has been elevating the standard of the hand made chocolates to new heights for the last eight years. Jean Christophe learnt his craft in Paris at establishments like the famous Fauchon. Since his arrival in Angoulême he has risen to be named one of the top 100 chocolate makers in the whole of France. www.chocolaterie-duceau.com

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3 La Rochelle

2 Angoulême

Shop - for anything and everything at Chez Cax which is a boutique offering a vintage selection of furniture, lighting, clocks, objets d’arts etc from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s. Next door there is a contemporary art gallery showing works of young artists from the local area. www.chezcax.com

Eat at - Le Jardin des Arceaux – in the Hotel Mercure serves traditional French fare in a contemporary setting. www.mercure.com/fr/hotel-1213-mercure-angouleme-hotel-de-france/restaurant.shtml

Overnight- at the Hotel du Palais*** housed in an elegant eighteenth century building (former convent of the Tiercelet order) is located in the heart of the charming old city of Angoulême. Recently renovated, it has been arranged and decorated with care to create a warm and friendly atmosphere. All rooms have common characteristics: simplicity and style, elegance and comfort - conducive to relaxation and rest. www.hotel-angouleme.fr

>> DAY 3 Visit La Rochelle by yellow bike – taking in all the famous sites. Founded in the tenth century, visitors to the town can still glimpse vestiges of its medieval walls. The Old Town is characterised by medieval houses with facades sculpted during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, streets with arcades and private mansions of big ship owners. La Rochelle has four ports: the Old Port with its iconic towers, the commercial port - La Pallice, the fishing port ‘Chef de Baie’ and the Minimes Port which is the premier European pleasure port with 3,500 slips. The Minimes Port welcomes the annual ‘Grand Pavois’, a famous European nautical show every September. The modern areas of the town are close to the Old Centre, notably the ‘Gabut’ quarter with its painted wooden buildings and the area near to the Minimes Port.

Visit the offshore islands by boat - there are frequent and inexpensive boat trips to all of the nearby islands such as Oléron, Aix and the Ile de Ré. www.inter-iles.com

Eat – at La Cuisine de Jules – a refined and simple menu specialising in fish, and regional products in a contemporary setting. ‘Jules’ , as it is affectionately known, is renowned for certain dishes such as the famous Tartare de Jules, veal kidneys and brains, as well as foie gras. Everything is in season and products are selected for their quality and the high standards that they attain. www.lacuisinedejules.com

Overnight at the Masqhotel - a modern hotel well-placed in the centre of town. There is a comfortable lounge and a welcoming atmosphere much appreciated by customers. www.masqhotel.com

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Poitiers

Niort

Oléron La Rochelle Ile d’Oléron Gastronomy

Angoulême

For your holiday on the Ile d’Oléron stay at The Hotel Square, a charming two star property that was originally a town house dating back to the eighteeenth century. It is situated in the centre of the capital of the island - St.Pierre d’Oléron, just a few steps from the lively restaurants and bars. Each of the 27 rooms is individually decorated, there is a pool for the summer and an interior courtyard garden where breakfast can be taken if you prefer. www.le-square-hotel.fr

Visit - Route des Huîtres The Oyster Route is situated between the Château d’Oléron and Boyardville and takes in the channels and oyster beds which one visits by tractocar! Many of the old cabins are in use once again inhabited by artists that have lovingly restored some of these charming old buildings. The coast here is beautiful with a varied flora and fauna to admire. There is also a museum to visit that tells the story of oyster cultivation in the area. www.en-charente-maritime.com/tourisme/activites/gastronomie/balades/route-des-huitres

Visit- Marché de la Cotinière The market of this charming fishing village is so pretty that visitors are welcomed back time after time. Protected from the ravages of the ocean by a dyke it is home to a flotilla of over a hundred boats that fish for sole, crayfish and other ‘noble’ species of the deep! Once back to the village the fish is sold very quickly at the market, mainly to wholesalers who export the fish all over France. Until the thirteenth century the harbour of La Cotinière also served as a safe haven for ships on their way to and from La Gironde, taken unawares by bad weather. This lovely spot now attracts tourists who can also see the ruins of the St.Nicolas Chapel built in the thirteenth century and destroyed in the sixteenth, as well as the typical little houses snuggled up together for better protection against the elements. www.saint-pierre-oleron-tourisme.fr/la-cotiniere.php

Visit - Le Port des Salines This is where you can learn all about the important cultivation of salt and the work of the salt maker though exhibits and guided visits. Sea salt was always important to the economy of the Ile d’Oléron and this museum shows you everything you want to know about sea salt and the salt marshes. In the summer months you can even take a boat trip out onto the salt scape. www.en-charente-maritime.com/tourisme/visites/poles-nature/port-des-salines

Eat - Restaurant Saveurs des Îles This gorgeous restaurant is situated in the centre of the village of La Menounière which itself is just a few minutes from La Cotinière. There is a shady terrace and a lovely garden in which to relax and enjoy a creative menu influenced by the owners travels around the world using local produce. www.saveursdesiles.fr

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Chauvigny Poitiers 1 2 3 St Savin

Tour through the historic centre

La Rochefoucauld of Poitou-Charentes 8 Talmont-sur Angoulême 4 Royan 5 7 Gironde

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne 6

Start your journey in Poitiers - regional capital of Poitou-Charentes and a desi- gnated ‘Art & History’ town. Follow one of the three discovery loops marked on the pavement to visit beautiful historic monuments such as Notre-Dame Church, the Law Courts, and the St Jean Baptistery.

Continue to Chauvigny – to watch an exceptional display by birds from all over the world in one of the old fortresse. Eagles and buzzards, owls, parrots and many other species will skim right over your head.

Continue to the Abbey of Saint-Savin - an architectural masterpiece classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its beautifully preserved Romanesque wall paintings are unique in Europe. It is well worth exploring.

Visit the Château de la Rochefoucauld - dating from the twelfth century with its imposing Renaissance staircase, the bedroom of Marguerite de Valois, and lavish ceremonial rooms.

Continue to Angoulême - where you can climb the ramparts to the chateau and stroll through the old streets to find the monumental wall paintings drawn by famous comic strip artists. Don’t miss the fascinating comic strip museum either, the Musée de la Bande Dessinée.

Visit Aubeterre-sur-Dronne - south of the Charente and classified amongst The Most Beautiful Villages of France. You’ll love its southern atmosphere and stunning underground church.

Visit too the classified village of Talmont sur Gironde, a 12th century citadel which never fails to delight with its Romanesque church perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.

Continue to the seaside resort of Royan - another Art & History town, which is famous as a typical ‘50’s French seaside resort with lovely beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

www.visit-poitou-charentes.com/en/Live-the-lifestyle/Heritage/Historic-circuit-through-the- heart-of-Poitou-Charentes

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Cookery Courses Our 'Coup de coeur'

Reza Mahammad - A star chef in Charente! Reza Mahammad is a chef of renown on both sides of the Channel. He adores the Charente and will be giving cookery classes there in 2013 having tested the water for this kind of event at the end of 2012 to great acclaim. Reza feels at ease in the Cha- rente – a second home to him after the razamataz of the life of a TV chef in the UK. Reza’s family were one of the first to install an Indian restaurant in London over fifty years ago – The Star of India. Reza has continued the pionering spirit with this new initiative. The classes will take place in a restored barn in Chez Cartier where there will also be yoga and music classes to experience. Reza enjoys taking typically western food and adding an Indian touch so, for example, duck à l’orange is spiced with ginger Cocktails : Bar Louise - Cognac and cinnamon. All these recipes are going to be in Reza’s new book. Alexandre Lambert is head barman at the Louise Bar in the Hotel Francois Premier in Cognac and is helping put the Cognac cocktail firmly back onto the map. He was in the last eight of the Barcardi Legacy competition held in 2012 with his Barcardi Sling. The final eight will battle it out in Puerto Rico in 2013. www.hotelfrancoispremier.fr

Flavours of France In the picturesque, seaside town of La Rochelle you will be able to learn to cook dishes using local, seasonal ingredients such as the Pineau sauce made with the region's local aperitif on the Flavours of France French cooking course. Laurent has a way to make the most complicated of dishes look simple. During your French cooking course you will stay in Résidence de France a beautiful hotel located in the heart of La Rochelle. Rooms are Le Taste Vin in La Rochelle spacious and have en-suite facilities. A short walk from the harbour your accommodation is the perfect base to explore this historic, lively town and is walking distance from It is not unusual to completely Miss the the cooking course venue. entrance to this wine boutique on the www.flavoursfrance.com rue de Temple in La Rochelle as it is so discreet. The wine boutique sits in a lovely converted thirteenth century vaulted cellar and also serves other regional specialities such as pineau, Montmorillon Macaroons Cognac, cognac punch, cognac cocktails, and fruit syrups, all served by vastly Awarded the distinction of being one of the top chocolate makers of France in 2010, knowledgable experts in their field. Every Rannou-Metivier has six shops and …the Macaroon Museum! Macaroons were brought first Tuesday in the month one of the staff to the area in the seventeenth century and five generations later the Rannou-Metivier gives a talk on a certain theme which family are still making the best macaroons in town! Montmorillon is the centre of French changes all the time. Certainly a chance macaroon production without which you cannot leave town! to gain some insight into the alcoholic www.museedumacaron.com - www.rannou-metivier.com products of Poitou-Charentes!

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EU Eco-label accommodation club in Poitou-Charentes Poitou-Charentes is one of the top regions in France in terms of EU eco-labelled accommodation. In 2006, ‘Les Orangeries’ in Lussac-les-Chateaux was the first establishment in France to be named as Eco-label friendly. Today, the region has 26 Eco-label accommodation products. A ‘Club’ of the Eco-labelled facilities was inaugurated in December 2009 and aims to put some common actions in place for all its members. This is the only official organisation of its type fully recognised by the EU. Members must adhere to certain practices: reduced water consumption, reduction in amount of non-recyclable rubbish, reduction in energy consumption, use of reusable energy, use of ecofriendly products and materials, breakfast based on organic and local products, communication and putting in place good environmental practices. Hotels

Hôtel Les Cleunes Hôtel Les Orangeries 25 boulevard de la Plage 12 avenue du Docteur Dupont 17370 Saint-Trojan-les-Bains 86320 Lussac-les-Châteaux [email protected] [email protected] www.hotel-les-cleunes.com www.lesorangeries.fr

Hôtel Spa Plaisir Hôtel Le Pigeonnier du Perron 57 avenue du Pas des Boeufs 22 lieu dit Le Perron 17580 Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré 86530 Availles-en-Châtellerault [email protected] [email protected] www.hotel-plaisir.com www.lepigeonnierduperron.com

Accommodation for groups Hôtel Le Peu Breton Auberge de Jeunesse 31 rue de la Cailletière Avenue des Minimes BP 63045 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré 17000 La Rochelle [email protected] [email protected] www.hotelpeubreton.com www.fuaj-aj-larochelle.fr

Hôtel Les Vignes de la Chapelle Village de Vacances Océanique 5 rue de la Manne Chemin des Peux Blancs 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré 17580 Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré [email protected] [email protected] www.lesvignesdelachapelle.com www.village-oceanique.com

Hôtel Maison Flore CPA Lathus 25 rue du Grand Port La Voulzie - BP 5 79210 Arçais 86390 Lathus-Saint-Rémy [email protected] [email protected] www.maisonflore.com www.cpa-lathus.asso.fr

Hôtel La Gourmandine CPA du Chambon 22 avenue du Président Wilson 16220 Eymouthiers 86100 Châtellerault [email protected] [email protected] www.lechambon.org www.la-gourmandine.com

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Campsites and caravaning B&B

Castel Camping Les Gorges du Chambon Gîte La Guillaumette Le Chambon 6 rue de la Fée au Bois La Guillaumette 16220 Eymouthiers 17450 Fouras [email protected] [email protected] www.camping-gorgesduchambon.com www.laguillaumette.com

Camping Les Gros Joncs Gîte Les Sources de Taillepied 850 route de Ponthezière 6 rue du Pont de Taillepied Les Sables Vignier - BP 17 79170 Paizay-le-Tort 17190 Saint-Georges-d’Oléron [email protected] [email protected] www.gites-de-france.com www.camping-les-gros-joncs.com

Camping Municipal Le Rayonnement Gîte La Clé des Champs 3 avenue de la Fosse-aux-Mâts La Bourse 17300 Rochefort 79240 Scillé [email protected] [email protected] www.ville-rochefort.fr www.gites-de-france.com/

Camping Au Port Punay Gîte Couette et Potager d’Antan Allée Bernard Moreau Les Boucholeurs Coubortiges 17340 Châtelaillon-Plage 79500 Pouffonds [email protected] [email protected] www.camping-port-punay.com www.coubortiges-gites.com

Camping La Brande B&B Couette et Potager Route des Huitres Coubortiges 17480 Le Château-d’Oléron 79500 Pouffonds [email protected] [email protected] www.camping-labrande.com www.coubortiges-gites.com

Camping de la Côte Sauvage B&B La Chambre des Moulins 336 rue de la Forêt 177 rue des Quatre Roues 17590 Saint-Clément-des-Baleines 86000 Poitiers [email protected] [email protected] www.village-center.fr www.chambredesmoulins.fr

Camping La Venise Verte 178 route des Bords de Sèvre 79510 Coulon [email protected] www.camping-laveniseverte.fr

Camping du Lac de Saint-Cyr Parc de Loisirs 86130 Saint-Cyr [email protected] www.campinglacdesaintcyr.com

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Tour Auto Historique - 27th April 2013

The Tour Auto - a car race reserved for prestigious historic cars will take place this year between Paris and La Rochelle. La Rochelle will therefore add her name to other lovely venues in France that have hosted the race in recent years, among them Biarritz, Cannes, Nice and Saint- Tropez. La Rochelle hosted the race final once before in 1997 but it was very different then – today’s race features 200 plus vehicles - the most beautiful models in the world – Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar Porsche and Aston Martin. It is now one of the most prestigious races in the world in which 25 – 30 different nationalities take part. www.tourauto.com

Circuit des Remparts - 20th-22nd September 2013 Classic car street-racing in Angoulême A highlight in any car enthusiast’s diary is the annual ‘Circuit des Remparts’ held the third weekend in September. First staged back in 1939, the weekend-long events sees classic cars hurtling around the ancient, twisting roads of this pretty hill-top town. The track hasn’t changed since that first race and it is one of the very few motor races to take place within the walls of a town, making it quite unique. The course itself is very demanding, twisting around the town ramparts and containing two right-angle bends and three hairpins. The weekend starts on the Friday with the ‘Concours d’Elegance’ (Elegance Parade) when owners get the chance to show off their gleaming cars – prizes are awarded for the best presented car and driver which was won by an immaculate 1948 Delahaye in 2012. The cars are parked throughout the town centre so it is a great opportunity to get close to them and talk to the owners before the more pressured race day. Saturday is the day of the Charente International Rally, a leisurely affair with some 300 cars taking part. The route is released a few days beforehand and includes a generous lunch stop at one of the sights of the area. The cars return to Angoulême late afternoon and there are great picnic stops along the way if you want to watch them pass. Race day is Sunday and best watched from one of the stands but book your ticket early as they do sell out. In 2012, more than 120 teams took part in the eight different classes making for a fascinating series of races with their fair share of spills and thrills throughout! www.circuit-des-remparts.com

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Highland Games - 8th-9th June 2013 Traditional Scottish games with a continental twist The traditional Scottish Highland Games have existed ever since the 11th century; they provide an occasion for a reunion of members of clans often scattered throughout the world. Historically, when the games were over, the clan's chieftain had selected its swiftest, strongest and most proficient warriors. It is therefore slightly surprising that the tradition of Highland Games now has a firm foothold in the historic Deux-Sèvres town of Bres- suire which has been twinned with Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire for the past two decades. This twinning has resulted in a passion for all things Scottish with the thousand-year-old château welcoming the first Highland Games complete with athletes, dancing and music to mark the fifth anniversary in 1996. The second competition was held in 2001 and the Games are now a much-anticipated, annual event. Today, part of the World Series and organised by the French AJEF, the competition revolves around five core ‘heavy’ events – the caber toss, stone put, Scottish hammer throw, weight throw and weight over the bar. Competitors from across Europe compete for the acclaim of winning the games and adding to their World Series scores. No Highland Games would be complete without marching pipe bands and Scottish dancers with bands and troupes coming from across Europe to entertain the crowds. In addition, in 2013, there will be strong man exhibitions by Jonathan Kelly and Sebastian Wenta to wow the audience. Add to this a concert on Saturday night, a choice of traditional Scottish fare or a something a little more continental, a stunning medieval backdrop and of course, sunshine - these are two days that you will not want to miss! www.highlandgames-france.eu Maraisthon - Get ready to explore the Marais Poitevin 15th -16th June 2013 Get set, go – discover the beautiful Marais Poitevin from a new perspective. Set in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, the pretty waterside town of Coulon is known as the capital of the Venice Verte (Green Ve- nice). Here, throughout the year, you can hire flat-bottomed boats to explore the waterways from one of the many embarcadères. On one weekend each year however, the activity becomes land based when France’s premier eco-marathon comes to town. The world- renowned Maraisthon attracts over 1,000 competitors from all over the globe. The 4th edition will be held on the weekend of the 15th and 16th June 2013 and is a date not to be missed. The event offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the area, whether you are a runner or simply want to join in the festival atmosphere. As well as the marathon there is a 10km fun run (entry for both races must be reserved on the Maraisthon website). Plus, there is a 11km Discovery Walk led by knowledgeable guides which visit areas normally not accessible to the public. Discover the Marais Poitevin flora and fauna before returning to Coulon to explore the eco-market and exhibitions. Guides are available in English. Complete your Maraisthon experience by enjoying a meal in one of the many local restaurants before gliding through the waterways by boat. You can either take the oars yourself and follow one of the well sign-posted routes or hire a guide. Getting there: Coulon is a short 45 minute drive from the Atlantic coast, La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré. The TGV station at Niort is nearby. There is ample parking close to the village centre. www.maraisthon.fr

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR -Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804- [email protected] 30 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Maraisthon,Festivals the Eco-friendly & Events Marathon Cognac

Musiques Métisses, World music festival th th 17 -19 May 2013 Rock to the beat in Angoulême The striking hill-top city of Angoulême, capital of the comic-strip, is home to the annual eco-festival Musiques-Métisses. Set in a park on the banks of the Charente, the festival offers the opportunity to enjoy rich and diverse music from around the world. Originally created to promote jazz and European improvised music, the festival rapi- dly added popular and urban African music to its repertoire as well as bands from the Caribbean, Latin America and the Indian Ocean. Today, Musiques Métisses is recognised not only for the international talent it attracts, but also as a showcase for home-grown musicians such as Alpha Blondy, Goran Bregovic, Groundation... Now in its 38th year, recent programmes have included Salif Keïta, Johnny Clegg, Bonga, Khaled, Cheb Mami, Compay Segundo, Celia Cruz, Tito Puentes, Danyel Waro, Rokia Tra- oré, Kassav, Doudou N'Diaye Rose, Ismaël Lo and the list goes on…. Entry to the festival village and market is free, with tickets required for the main acts. A secondary stage in the main village features live acts throughout the festival ensuring that everyone can relax and enjoy some great music. The food court features meals from countries across the world – from India to Africa and back to France – and there is a great children’s area where creative workshops enable little ones to bang the bongos and play in the sand! www.musiques-metisses.com The full programme is available on the Musiques Métisses website where tickets can also be bought for the main acts. Cognac Blues Passion 2nd - 7th July 2013 World class music festival on the banks of the Charente Cognac’s most famous export is undoubtedly its namesake but the town’s fame is now rising in the music world too thanks to its annual festival, Cognac Blues Passions. Fol- lowing an inspired line-up in 2012 with headline acts including Tom Jones, Sting and Hugh Laurie, the question is how they will improve upon this in 2013, their 20th anniversary year. Rest assured, they will with names such as : Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite, Asaf Avidan & Band, Jimmy Johnson & Syl Johnson, Beth Hart... The week-long festival takes place over the pretty town of Cognac, with music in every corner. Over 80 concerts are scheduled in twelve different venues and more than 60 artists arrive from around the world. Whilst the heart of the festival remains the blues and blues-derived music, the recent festivals have broadened their repertoire to include other music from across the world. Choose from simply enjoying the festival atmosphere at one of the many pavement bars and restaurants and listening to the music as it floats across the town, or buy a ticket to one of the daily events held in the beautiful botanic gardens. The gardens hold three stages with the headline act appearing in the Roman amphitheatre under the stars – a truly magical venue. Get in early to enjoy the full line-up – there are refreshments on site including several local specialities. The acts carry on late into the night at the local clubs – and then the music starts all over again in the town centre the next morning! Passports for the whole festival are also available although these do sell fast – full ticket availability can be checked on the Blues Passions website. www.bluespassions.com

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR - Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804 - [email protected] CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast 31 La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Festivals & Events Royan

Un Violon sur le Sable 20th - 27th July 2013

A classical experience not to be missed! Each year, three magical evenings enthral concert goers. Watch as the Grand Plage at Royan is transformed from a popular and busy beach into the most atmospheric auditorium with the Atlantic waves and a star filled sky as a backdrop.

Director and conductor, Jerôme Pillement, invites eighty musicians from the orchestra of the Paris Opera and other national orchestras to form the Violon sur le Sable Symphony Orchestra. Along with prestigious international soloists, they perform a varied programme suitable for a wide audience, featuring popular classics, music from films and other more modern pieces. In 2012, the repertoire stretched from Mozart to the Rolling Stones. Each of the three evenings has a different programme as well as different soloists. The concerts are all free – just bring your blanket or small chair down to the beach and enjoy the sunset. It’s a very social affair, so join in with your picnic or pick up a meal from one of the beachfront restaurants. Be warned though, the best spots go early but the 50,000 strong audience for each concert is easily accommodated and giant screens either side of the stage ensure everyone has a good view. Each concert finishes with a fabulous firework display set to music – making it the most magical of evenings.

If sitting on the beach sounds a little chilly (and it can be once the sun goes down!) then opt for a seat in the ‘Tribunes’. There is a charge for these and it is best to pre-book.

The programme for each concert is available in early July on Un Violon sur le Sable website. www.violinsurlesable.com

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR -Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804- [email protected] 32 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Festivals & Events La Rochelle

Red Bull World Cliff Diving Championships 23rd - 25th May 2013 Death-defying diving in the most spectacular location The three towers rising up to face the Atlantic are one of the best known sights of La Rochelle. Climb to the top of the Saint Nicolas, Chaîne or Lanterne Towers and you have the ideal viewing point from which to admire the town and the port with Fort Boyard, and the islands of Aix, Oléron and Ré in the distance. However, each year, 12 brave (or perhaps one may think foolish!) men climb the circular stairs of Saint Nicolas Tower with another purpose in mind. Once at the top, they pause for a moment before diving into the sea some 27m below!

La Rochelle literally means ‘little cliff’ so it is apt that the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series visits the city each year. Watched by over 70,000 spectators, the world-beating divers perform a series of complex twists and turns before plunging into the seawater below. In 2011, the La Rochelle stop was won by ‘brilliant Brit’ Gary Hunt with three perfect 10s who then went on to win the overall series.

On the day of competition, each diver is required to complete four pre-planned dives. Two dives must have a maximum degree of difficulty of 3.6 and the two optional dives are assigned a degree of difficulty, with each dive being scored by five judges. On the day before the competition, a head-to-head dive-off is held to determine the diving order for the competition. Two dives are required and only eight divers progress to the second day. The whole weekend event is full of thrills and exhilarating diving, set in the heart of historic La Rochelle. www.redbull.com

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR - Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804 - [email protected] CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast 33 La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Festivals & Events La Rochelle

Francofolies - French Music Festival 12th – 16th July 2013

Vibrant festival set in La Rochelle All styles of French language music converge at one of France’s leading festivals held at La Rochelle each summer. Les Francofolies welcomes all styles from soul to folk as well as hip hop, electro, blues and rock. With more than 250 concerts in eight different venues programmed across five days and nights, there is plenty to keep the most enthusiastic festival-goers entertained. This year the french artists who have been announced are : Lou Doillon, M, Patrick Bruel, Vitalic ... For the international part : Archive, Woodkid...

Set in the historic town of La Rochelle, the festival for it's 26th edition promises in 2013 an extra special line-up. More than half of the concerts are free making it easy to combine sight-seeing with soaking up the festival atmosphere. With more than 185,000 spectators expected over the course of the festival, it is important to book accommodation before you arrive but good transport links mean that you can stay outside La Rochelle and journey in easily.

An important part of Francofolies is the development of new talent and young artists play a special role in the festival. In 1998, ‘Le Chantier des Francos’ was created encouraging young acts to perform throughout the year in La Rochelle and not just during the festival.

Tickets for Francofolies can be bought online and start from 25. A three day pass costs 96. NB - the headline concerts sell out fast! www.francofolies.com

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR -Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804- [email protected] 34 CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Festivals & Events

JANUARY - FEBRUARY- MARCH > Kite Flying Festival - Chatelaillon– 30th March – 1st April 2013 An annual event held at Chatelaillon-Plage with more than 250 competitors and 40,000 spectators

APRIL - MAY - JUNE > Jazzellerault - Châtellerault - May 2013 As night falls and the first notes ring out, so the fireworks begin and some of the biggest stars of the jazz world like Wynton Marsalis start to play. The festival takes place at different venues all over town and the festivities last for a whole week. 2013 promises not to disappoint. www.festival-jazzellerault.com

> Musiques Métisses - Angoulême -17th - 19th May 2013 - www.musiques-metisses.com > Blues Passions - Cognac - 2nd - 7th June 2013 -www.bluespassions.com > Highland Games - Bressuire - 8th - 9th June 2013 - www.highlandgames-france.eu > Maraisthon - Marais Poitevin -15th - 16 th June 2013 - www.maraisthon.fr > Red Bull Cliff Diving Championships - La Rochelle - 23rd - 25th May 2013 - www.redbull.com

> Passe Portes - Ile de Ré – June 2013 - www.festivalpasseportes.com This is a festival of open-air theatre free to all and taking place when the island is heading towards the warmth of the summer months.

> International Film Festival – La Rochelle - 28th June – 7th July 2013 The 41st festival is held in La Rochelle. In 2012 82,429 spectators watched 389 performances of 142 long films and 61 shorts. www.festival-larochelle.org

> Polychrombies Notre Dame La Grande - Poitiers – June – September 2013 Light show that takes place every evening in the summer on the facade of this wonderful church.

JULY- AUGUST - SEPTEMBER > Festivals Nuits Romanes – Poitou-Charentes - July & August 2013 http://nuitsromanes.poitou-charentes.fr All sorts of entertainment that takes place in various places all over the region in the summer.

> The Francofolies - La Rochelle -12th - 16th Luly 2013 - www.francofolies.fr > A Violin on the Sand - Royan - 20th - 27th July 2013 – www.violonsurlesable.com

> Fête du Cognac – Cognac -25th – 27th July 2013 - www.lafeteducognac.fr A culinary festival which incorporates a concert taking place around the port.

> Festival de Saintes – Saintes - July 2013 This will take place in July 2013 in the Abbaye aux Dames in the centre of Saintes. The concerts are all classical with music from the present day back to the Renaissance. www.abbayeauxdames.org

> Festival international de Guitare – Ile de Ré - July 2013 This festival takes place all over the island with a number of recitals given by guitarists from all over the world.

> Ballooning European Cup - Mainfonds - 31st July – 4th August 2013 - www.mainfonds.com Taking place at Mainfonds with around 70 balloons and 60,000 visitors

> Jazz en Ré – Ile de Ré - August 2013 The Sixteenth Jazz en Ré Festival will take place this August in Saint Martin de Ré. Taking place at the port of St Martin de Ré under the Vauban fortifications, this enjoyable jazz festival has something for everyone, from swing to ‘manouche’ to blues. www.saint-martin-de-re.fr/fr/evenement/31233/15eme-festival-jazz-re

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR - Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804 - [email protected] CôteAtlantic Atlantique Coast 35 La Rochelle Marais poitevin Cognac Country Futuroscope DESTINATIONSDESTINATION POITOU-CHARENTES Festivals & Events

> Festival Musique en Ré – Ile de Ré - August 2013 - www.musique-en-re.com This is the only festival in France dedicated to amateur composers gathered together so the public may appreciate the talent and the diversity of French song.

> Festival BD IIe de Ré – Ile de Ré - August 2013 - www.festival-bd.com This festival welcomes artists and designers from the cartoon world for the most colourful two days of summer !

> M. Haydn’s Holiday - La Roche-Posay - September 2013 - www.lesvacancesdemonsieurhaydn.com These eight annual, classical music concerts are exceptional. There are no reservations, you pay what you like and tickets only go on sale 30 minutes before each performance. There is a mix of old and new instru- ments, favourite golden oldies and contemporary masterpieces.

> Jazz between Two Towers - La Rochelle -October 2013 This is one of the best known jazz festivals in France attracting stars such as John Scofield, Joe Louis Walker and Michelle Hendricks. The beautiful setting between the towers of the old port of La Rochelle is exceptional. www.larochelle-jazz-festival.com

> Festival de Confolens - Confolens - August 2013 - www.festivaldeconfolens.com This is the best of its kind, a world music and dance celebration that has been going for over 50 years.

> Coup de Chauffe – Cognac -September 2013 - www.avantscene.com The 19th arts festival takes place annually in Cognac with thirty or so regional, national and European com- panies taking part to show more than 60 free shows – art in the streets.

> The Circuit des Remparts - Angoulême - 20th - 22nd September 2013 www.circuit-des-remparts.com

> Le Grand Pavois - La Rochelle – 25th – 30th September 2013 One of the most important boat shows in the world with more than 750 boats, 89,000 visitors in 2012 and covering an area of 100,000 square metres. www.grand-pavois.com

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER > Piano en Valois Music Festival – Angoulême - October 2013 The twentieth version of this festival takes place in Angouleme this year. www.piano-en-valois.fr

> Ornithological International Film Festival – Ménigoute - October/November 2013 www.menigoute-festival.org Taking place in Ménigoute, the 29th festival will show over forty films from the five continents. Photo exhibition and craft shows will also be included.

> Les Gastronomades - Angoulême – November 2013 A culinary display that unties the greatest chefs from the region around some local specialities. www.gastronomades.fr

> European Literature Festival - Cognac – mid-November 2013 An erudite festival where the public can met some of their favourite authors. www.litteratures-europeennes.com

> La Rochelle Marathon - La Rochelle - November 2013 - www.marathondelarochelle.com The 23rd race will take place towards the end of the month and is the second fastest marathon after that of Paris. Usually about 9,000 participants take part in the marathon ot the 10 kilometre race.

> Rencontres Henri Langlois – Festival of Cinema Schools – Poitiers - November – December 2013 The 36th festival taking place in Poitiers brings the work of young film makers to the public eye. www.rihl.org

PRESS CONTACT : Sandrine PAILLONCY - Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 - [email protected] Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR -Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804- [email protected] PRESS CONTACT Sandrine PAILLONCY Tel: + 33 (0)5 49 50 26 55 [email protected]

Gillian GREEN - Magellan PR Tel: +44 (0)14 8357 0804 [email protected] Pch, DR Futuroscope, Sites de visite , Festivals et Hébergements. Pch, Février 2013 - ©CRTPC/P. Baudry, F. Leroy, M. Anglada, S. Charbeau, X. Léoty, J. Villégier, P. Bonneau, S. Laval, Inventaire CR P. J. Villégier, M. Anglada, S. Charbeau, X. Léoty, Leroy, F. Baudry, - ©CRTPC/P. Février 2013