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www.atlantic-cognac.com www.atlantic-cognac.com WELCOME TO THE PREMIER TOURIST DESTINATION IN SUMMARY FRANCE FOR FRENCH TRAVELLERS! The destination of the Charentes is located in the South West of France, at the heart of the Atlantic coast, between Nantes and Bordeaux and enjoys a distinctive light as well as a mild climate. Paris is only 2.30 hr from La Rochelle on the coast or Cognac, the city in which are located the great cognac production houses known throughout the world. LOCATION AND ACCESS...... 3 Gentle, refined, natural, the Charentes destination is multiple: land-based and oceanic, Atlantic and sunny, fluvial and coastal, lively and full of heritage... The animated, mysterious, seaside, rural, modern and historic character makes it the top-list destination for MUST-SEE ...... 4-7 the French in summer season. GASTRONOMY ...... 8-9 DESTINATION FOR ALL ...... 10-11 Europe France

GREEN TOURISM ...... 12 Paris

ACTIVITIES AND VISITS...... 13-14 Nantes

Bordeaux

Nantes 1 hr

Ile de Ré Marais Poitevin La Rochelle Paris 4 hr Atlantic Ocean 3 Ile d’Oléron Rochefort Ru ec Confolens Saint-Jean-d’Angély

Marennes Saintes Ri ver C ha rente La Rochefoucauld Cognac Angoulême Royan

THE CHARENTES DESTINATION Jonzac

Population: 1 million inhabitants

Surface: 13,000 km²

Climate: temperate and oceanic Aubeterre-sur-Dronne The Charentes, an innovating destination Bordeaux 30 min Main sectors of activity: ACCESS • Tourism: The Charentes are the most touristic destination in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine, largest region in France. • Agriculture: cereals, vines, oysters and mussels farming. By train By road • Industry: aeronautics, yachting – Le Grand Pavois in La Rochelle, top 5 of the major By air international boating events. Direct flights to La Rochelle from: LGV Atlantique / TGV: A10 Paris: • Entertainment: comics, film making and video games - Pôle Image Magelis in Ajaccio, Bristol, Brussels-Charleroi, Dublin, Paris Montparnasse - Angoulême (2h15 / 1h45) 450 km to Angoulême | 430 km to La Rochelle Geneva, Leeds, London-Gatwick, London- Angoulême. Paris Montparnasse - La Rochelle (2h30) A10 Bordeaux: Stansted, Lyon, Manchester, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux - Angoulême (0h40) 115 km to Angoulême | 190 km to La Rochelle • Higher education - nearly 700 international students. Porto Bordeaux - La Rochelle (2h10) www.larochelle.aeroport.fr https://en.oui.sncf/en/ A83 / N137 Nantes: Tourists: 83% of tourists are French and 17% are international. 250 km to Angoulême |140 km to La Rochelle Internationally, the British are the largest group, followed by the Dutch, German, Belgian, Spanish, Swiss, American and Chinese tourists. www.atlantic-cognac.com © G. Contal - Intothewave © G. Contal © BNIC - Konoisseur © A. Jonette 4 park orapatio…park temple, there amuseum,takestroll ina heritage,La Rochelle here achurch ora Walk around the arcades and admire Port orthemagnificent Town’s hall… monuments like thetowers in theOld city, itshistorical linkswithEngland, its La Rochelle, andrebel arich merchant guided tour to daysdiscover of the glory andtheislands.the oldMarina Follow a some magnificent views on Boyard, Fort ofthe town,fortifications alloffering vestiges ofthemedieval maritime lighthouse -are themostfamous - Saint Nicolas, LaChaîneandLanterne The authentic romantic and ROCHELLE LA MUST-SEE

three famous towers ofLaRochelle

www.atlantic-cognac.com thanks to special visits. visitors who, eachyear, discover orrediscover thecognac and alltheseexceptional landscapes delight themany associated festivals, thisregion remains authentic, itsvines winegrowers and distillers, from museums to numerous also chapelsorabbeys. From thegreat names ofcognac to villages inarefined withgently rolling hillsbut countryside conceals many churches smallRomanesque andcharming has managed to perpetuate its traditions and know-how and Meukow and Rémy Martin. Martell, of CognacThe country cognac houses-Baron Otard, Camus, Courvoisier, Hennessy, its cruisesontheCharente ofthegreat andthediscovery river Charente: Francis itsRoyal Castle, ofKing birthplace I, which offers many visiting possibilitiesHistory along the Cognac and isawell-knownbrand butalsoatown ofArt an exceptional brand land and COGNAC

© OT Rochefort Océan chefs. famous ‘fleur desel’, thewhite goldused by the great thesecretslearn ofthelocal ‘sauniers’, producers ofthe by bikeandvisitoysters producers andsaltmakers: open spaces. to bediscoveredThe islandisperfect are deRé anabsoluteof Ile delight to allfansofwide unique sites of the ‘Ré White’. The magnificent beaches tracks that ofcycling leadto manykilometres ofthe makes it an ideal place on moreto cycle than 110 craftmen's workshops... The flat oftheisland character Loix –mosaic of landscapesbetween landandsea, its La Flotte –oneoftheoldestvillages, itslively market, site,Heritage andboutiques, harbour itscharming –a Unesco Ré World such as Saint-Martin-de de Ré There are preservedvillageson 10picturesque Oléron, Aix, Madame). ofvast beachesand4different150 km islands(Ré, The Charentes with boastalongcoastline of460km Atlanticof the Coast THE ISLANDS Museum. and places ofcultural interest suchastheNapoleon forest, marshland, vineyards, boutiques, restaurants five beaches, sandy coves, ancient fortifications, is somethingfor inthispeaceful everyone paradise: houses, hollyhocksandfew motorised vehicles. There crescent-shaped paradise, withitswhitewashed have to goby boat! Time standsstillinthis3km The onlyreal islandoftheCharentes isAix asyou few seconds withaglassoflocalwhite wine! than 3years for anoyster to grow before you eat itina Label), providing aguarantee ofquality. takesmore It only one in France to benefit from Rouge (Red a Label traditional sites production inEurope for oysters, the and thebasinofMarennes are oneofthebiggest villages,of picturesque ancient citadels… Oléron forests, made heritage marshlandsandaremarkable its contrasting landscapes, numerous sandybeaches, lovers andoffers visitors aunique experience thanks to Corsica.after Oléron isaparadise for nature andsport thesecondis, biggestislandinFrance withits175km², The d'Oléron the Ile , commonly nicknamed ‘Luminous’ www.atlantic-cognac.com Î le Bridge inEchillais,Bridge recently reopened 4years after ofrenovation. standstheimpressivecollections. Closeto Rochefort Transporter young alike, with exceptionalThe Museum National Maritime heritage L'Accro-mâts, an 30m-high adventure to park be enjoyed by old and andtravelshas gonedown inhistory onallthe seasoftheworld, inEurope inthe 17th century,rope factory L'Hermione, afrigate that is unveiled in4exceptional places: LaCorderie Royale, thelongest welcome history to -Awholepanoplyofmaritime theArsenal desMers and othervessels. Today oflegends, enter thefactory inRochefort, was chosenasa key place to build, andrefit arm warships, frigates and live your own adventure! maritime the17thcentury, In Rochefort Site deFrance’: experience aplace, come madeofNature andHistory Explore theexceptional Océan, certified ofRochefort heritage ‘Grand navalthe dockyard ROCHEFORT 5

© J. Paulet © A. Stapf © M.Coquard - Best Jobers © Le Photo Maker MARAIS POITEVIN ANGOULÊME the Green Venice capital of comics The Marais Poitevin unveils her verdant countryside: the With its International Festival in January, the dedicated ferns, the willows and above all the canals that inspire museum to the ‘ninth art’ and the painted murals tour, you to take a leisurely boat tour to discover the fauna Angoulême has joined the UNESCO Creative Cities network. and flora of the destination. The Marais Poitevin has This town of Art and History offers the visitor a journey three labels - Regional Natural Park of Marais Poitevin, through its rich culture, from Cathedral Saint-Pierre, a jewel of ‘Grand Site de France’ and European Tourist Destination Romanesque architecture to the 19th century covered market. of Excellence - and three landscapes - the Aiguillon Bay The Angoulême Museum holds one of the largest collections and coast, the Dry Marshes and the Wet Marshes. It is of arts from Africa and Oceania in France and an exceptional the largest marsh in the West and the second largest paleontological exhibition from the local excavation site of humid zone in France after the Camargue. Angeac. THE RIVER CHARENTE

The river has its source in the Haute-Vienne and meets the ocean in Rochefort. It winds through 35 villages, the cognac vineyards as well as several towns of Art and History: Angoulême, Cognac, Saintes and Rochefort. Riverboats ©Clo et Clem accommodating 2-12 people can be rented with no license for a week or longer to sail along as your own captain. ROYAN - Best Jobers © M. Coquard Cyclists can travel along the valley, stopping here and there to enjoy the local gastronomy or to visit exceptional sites by historical beach resort the riverbanks. The majestic Charente river has something to amuse everyone, whether you’re keen on watersports, The architecture of the city is unique: villas line the shore wildlife, cognac and Pineau des Charentes, Roman heritage, dating from the Belle-Epoque, rubbing shoulders with classic comic books or naval links. 1950s buildings, all geometry and colour; the Church of Notre Dame is central for the inhabitants thanks to its style. Royan counts five beautiful beaches and its marina is one of the CHARMING VILLAGES most important of the Atlantic Coast. An unforgettable place for all the family to enjoy. In the nearby Gironde estuary, the 6 Cordouan lighthouse has been guiding ships for over 400 7 the refined nature years. This architectural jewel is candidate to be listed as a of the countryside UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Charentes offer to visitors to discover many preserved villages listed as ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’, ‘Petites Cités de Caractère’ or ‘Villages de

Pierres et d’Eau’: these certifications reward rural places with exceptional © A. Stapf natural and architectural heritage as well as a collective will from SAINTES © M. Coquard - Best Jobers © M. Coquard inhabitants to touristic development. art and history

Aubeterre-sur-Dronne or Talmont-sur-Gironde are one of those: take the by the river time to explore their unique and unexpected treasures, here an amazing underground church and a shaded central place with cafés and craft Wedged in a loop of the river Charente, shops, there an ancient fortified village with its medieval fortress and its certified ’Town of Art and History’, Saintes colourfull fishing cabins… Many unforgettable moments to share with intrigues for the abundance of its history friends or family! dating back to antiquity: the prestigious remains of the ancient capital such as the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, the jewels of Roman art like the Cathedral Saint-Pierre and the contemporary audacity with the Abbaye aux Dames offering its innovative Musicaventure, a visit with spatial 3D sound. Discover the town and the river with guided visits on a ‘gabare’ - a traditional flat-bottomed boat that used to transport merchandises when the town had a thriving port- or on an electro-solar boat unique in Europe.

www.atlantic-cognac.com www.atlantic-cognac.com © M. Coquard - Best Jobers © M. Coquard ©S. Laval 8 passion for andunveil theircraft themysteries ofcognac. distilleries, meet the winemakerswhowillconvey their under theheat ofthesunorinwinter inthewarmth ofthe producing cognac andPineau desCharentes. summer In stretch rightfrom thecoast to thesouthofAngoulême Hennessy, Meukow, Martell, Rémy Martin. The vineyards doors to visitors -Baron Otard, Camus, Courvoisier, river where the great houses of cognac opens their Cognac is also an historic town situated on the Charente andchefsinspire allover bartenders theworld. in creating theflavour andbalance ofa cognac that the different factors alltheseare‘eaux-de-vie’; important experience andtalent ofthemaster blenderwhomixes is aged, thedouble distillation inared copper still, the the oak used to make thebarrels in which the cognac of thesoilinwhichvinesare growing, of thequality passed down over generations. The precise characteristics requires passion, demanding standards and knowledge cognac isacomplex andsubtleprocessMaking that atowna drink, avineyard and COGNAC GASTRONOMY www.atlantic-cognac.com

© BNIC / S. Charbeau ‘apéritif’ orgetinspired by localchefs for recipes! tasty both draw andexpertise. onthesametraditional skills Try itasan PineauSo des Charentes with cognac, shares much ofits history give taste, it the distinctive whether white, red or rosé pineau. year isadded, thenitisstored inoakbarrels for alongtimeto grapesharvested are pressed andthecognac from theprevious grape juice andcognac was awarded AOC status in1945. The Pineau desCharentes, winemadefrom ablendof afortified CHARENTES PINEAU DES (wines) andMarennes Oléron oysters LabelinFrance) (uniqueRed cognac). Charentes winemadefrom ablendof (fortified grape juice and noix duPérigord (walnuts) butter, potatoes, deRé Ile ChabichouduPoitou (goat cheese)and • • • • missed inmany orat markets localproducers! locals) makethereputation ofthedestination andare notto be ‘fleur desel’ andeven the ‘cagouilles’ (snailssoappreciated by offishandseafood,variety caviar, thesalted butter caramels, the Charentaise galettes, theoysters, theCharron mussels, wide France the heritage: isscattered ofculinary withallkinds gastronomy delights WORLD-CLASS 2 ‘AOC’ 2 ‘IGP’ 4 ‘AOP’ starred7 Michelin restaurants willdelight your taste buds. (protection designation of origine) : cognac,(protection Pineau designation oforigine) : des (protected geographical indication): Vins Charentais (protected designation oforigine): Charentes Poitou

© Miles and Love © Le Ciré Jaune one step! sardine, scallop… andhere, from seato plate, there isonly meagre, red mullet, sole, langoustine, prawn, seabream, delight to be tasted in the Charentes: céteau, sea bass, offishandseafoodThe widevariety isanotherauthentic ofnaturemarriage andtheknow-how oftheproducers. oysters and Charente-Maritime are the result of the perfect The Atlantic’s precious ‘stones’ -Marennes Oléron oysters IODINE FLAVOURS

© S. Laval www.atlantic-cognac.com vinegar madefrom Pineau desCharentes… ideasare notlacking! saffron, nutoil, artisanal French balsamicagedinoakbarrels, breweries, chocolates, andrillettes, terrine Atlantic fishmousse, embroidery, handmadeknives, comic books, beers from local ‘Charentaises’ slippers, bagsmadefrom recycled sails, gold Discover thedonkey’s deRé, theiconic milksoapoftheIle French thejourney...extend whoreinvent arecraftsmen passionate artists traditions and where you canfindsouvenirs: localproducers, creators andart CharentesIn there are somany boutiquesandworkshops inCharentesmade AND ARTS CRAFTS SHOPPING clusive visitofthe cellars. andleaveto aselection withyour anex personalisedbottleafter your own cognac orcreate your Pineau desCharentes according professional, you how willlearn to blendthe ‘eaux-de-vie’ to make Step into theshoesofacellar undertheguidance master: ofa region… And share moment withyour atasty orfamily! friends their secrets to and learn usethebestraw ingredients from the ofonetheCharentes’the kitchen bestchefs: you willdiscover Experience somethingspecialby classin attending acooking workshops FOOD ANDDRINK -

©YoshiPowerShot 9 © Agence Les Conteurs © Yoshi Power Shot - Outdoo DESTINATION FOR ALL families or couples, groups or solo

Spending your holidays in the Charentes is a unique experience, whether you stay for a weekend, a week or more. All throughout the year it is a lively destination. The unspoiled region of the Charentes is ideal for family holidays or business trips, offering human-scaled accommodations and sites to visit, for a relaxing stay with health treatment or holiday with the bucolic perfume of the countryside or the fresh air of the Atlantic Coast.

FAMILY FRIENDLY DESTINATION © A. Stapf © S. Laval The choice for adapted visits and activities is wide all year round for all the generations: the Aquarium of La Rochelle, the Zoo of La Palmyre, the archeological park of Cassinomagus, the aquatic and recreational centre of Antilles de Jonzac, various animations in medieval castles… And all over the Charentes, explore the thrill of a GPS treasure hunt thanks to the free app Tèrra Aventura and its more than 60 trails!

The region offers a great variety of accommodations, from top of the range 5-star sites to 2-star rentals, you’ll be spoiled with choice: luxury hotels, charming gites and guesthouses, campsites by the seaside or in the middle of the countryside…

10 The Charentes are the first destination in France for disabled 11 facilities with more than 500 different places branded with the ‘Tourisme & Handicap’ label: this national list rewards accommodations, restaurants, beaches, sites to visit or activities that are committed to welcome visitors with © Aquarium La Rochelle © Aquarium © A. Stapf disabilities thanks to specific facilities in complete freedom, safety and autonomy. © K. Tadeusz

FESTIVE DESTINATION

Our festivals bring the destination of the Charentes to life all year round.

Les Francofolies de La Rochelle - 3rd most important music festival in France with 150,000 spectators – and the Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d’Angoulême - most important comics festival in Europe with 200,000 visitors – are unmissible and The Charentes offer an eclectic and festive programme for all tastes: dance, street art, cinema, photography… © Details of Perrine

100 % NATURE sensations

The Charentes invite you to an invigorating stay, a paradise to practise watersports on ocean, rivers, lakes and marshes: surf, windsurf, kite surf or catamaran; stand-up paddle, water ski or canoe… © J. Lolos © J. sailing and sliding lovers are welcome all year round for thrills! Runners and walkers, come and spend your energy at your own pace in the Charentes: 11,000 km of hiking trails, marathons by the seaside or in the vineyards and theme walks in protected natural areas, the choice is yours! 3 sites listed as ‘Stations Sport Nature’ : Le Chambon in Eumouthiers, Le Bain des Dames in Châteauneuf ECHAPPÉES NATURE and Le Champion in Mansle.

A network of 14 preserved natural sites, a multitude of small worlds to discover and landscapes to © A. Tapiero learn about through museums, exhibitions and guided tours: Asinerie du Baudet du Poitou (famous for their donkey breeding), La Pierre de Crazannes (stone carving in old quarries), the natural reserves of Lilleau des Niges, Moëze-Oléron or Marais d’Yves (birdwatching), the Park de l’Estuaire (knowledge THE CHARENTES of the Gironde estuary), the Maison de la Forêt (traditions related to wood)… Many beautiful land of cycling encounters between nature and you! 6,750 km of bicycle paths all over the area thanks to a rich network of local loops as well as 5 European and national cycling tracks: La Vélodyssée® along the Atlantic Coast, La Vélo Francette® from 12 For sustainable and responsible holidays, the Charentes 13 Normandy to La Rochelle, Le Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo® going to the offer a great choice of accommodations and restaurants Mediterranean Sea, La Scandibérique® on the pilgrims route from with zero-waste approach, natural and local materials Norway to St James of Compostella and the most recent, La Flow Vélo® or products, renewable energy use… Come and live an crossing the Charentes from Dordogne to Aix Island. ethical experience and recharge your batteries in the respect of the environment. In September 2020, the Tour de France was back on the Atlantic coast! The Charentes welcomed the teams for 3 days and 2 stages between Ile d’Oléron, Ile de Ré and Châtelaillon-Plage. © A. Stapf THE LAKES of Haute Charente WELLNESS & health benefits In Charente Limousine, two large lakes, Lavaud and Mas Chaban, are where freshwater sports can be enjoyed: swimming, canoeing, The Charentes are the 1st destination of France for fishing… You will find many cycling or hiking tracks as well as wellness: ESTUARIES spots for birdwatching and sites for horseriding or the practise 6 thalassotherapy centres at the heart of the Atlantic © S. Laval of archery. coast (Ile de Ré, Châtelaillon-Plage, Ile d'Oléron, Royan) for wellness and rejuvenation with sea water.

AND FORESTS 3 spa resorts (Rochefort, Saujon, Jonzac) draw their © La Clef benefits from secret springs, between 200 and 1,850 m The Charente Estuary is classified ‘Grand Site de France’ AIGUILLON BAY underground for medical prevention or for curing. with the Arsenal of Rochefort, as a place ecologically sound wild nature and developping durable energy. The Gironde Estuary is the wildest and largest natural river estuary in Europe with astonishing views from natural viewpoints Meschers-sur- This is a magical place in the north part of Charentes near the PREMIUM GOLFS Gironde or observation tower in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. Marais Poitevin – a bridge between the land and the sea, between men and nature: it's a haven for migratory birds from Siberia, La Tremblade and the Coubre Forest are unmissable for nature The Charentes count 6 golfs with 18-hole courses and 8 Europe and Canada listed as National Natural Reserve, one of lovers, mountain bikers, horseriders, hiker or beach bums! On golfs with 9-hole courses: amongst a pine forest or facing the largest sites for wintering and migratory stopover in France. Oléron island, an integral biological reserve is dedicated to the an historic town, in the vineyards or by the sea side… There are also 300 kms of mussel beds where 120 professionals study of biodiversity. there will always be a perfect place to practise your

www.atlantic-cognac.com www.atlantic-cognac.com CULTURAL AND NATURAL HERITAGE

5 UNESCO Heritage Sites: • Citadelle of Saint-Martin-de-Ré • Church of Saint-Pierre d’Aulnay de Saintonge • Royal Abbey of Saint-Jean-d’Angély Lyon • Pilgrimage Hospital at Pons Nice Church of Saint-Eutrope in Saintes Ajaccio • Marseille 6 villages listed as ‘Plus Beaux Villages © A. Stapf Dublin de France’: Brussels-Charleroi Bristol • Ars-en-Ré • Aubeterre-sur-Dronne Geneva London-Stansted • Brouage • La Flotte Leeds-Bradford • Mornac-sur-Seudre • Talmont-sur-Gironde Manchester

© S. Laval Porto 7 villages listed as ‘Petites Cités de London-Gatwick 14 Caractère’: • Aubeterre-sur-Dronne • Confolens AIR FRANCE / CHALAIR / EASYJET / JET2 / RYANAIR • Nanteuil-en-Vallée • Saint-Sauvant, • Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente • Talmont-sur-Gironde • Villebois-Lavalette and Verteuil-sur-Charente, to be approved

460 km of coastline with four islands: Ré, Oléron, Aix, Madame and 42 marinas. CASTLES AND FORTIFICATIONS The river Charente. Witnesses of past centuries, the castles wonderfully illustrate the eventful The Gironde Estuary, largest unspoiled history of the Charentes. They can also host private events such as weddings. estuary of Europe, the Rochefort Most of them can be visited and some offer special animations like escape Dockyard, the Charente Estuary ‘Grand games: Château des Enigmes de Pons, Château Fort de Saint-Jean-d’Angle, Site de France’. Chalais, Crazannes, Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, Jonzac, La Mercerie, La Roche Courbon, La Rochefoucauld, Neuvicq-le-Château, Taillebourg, Verteuil, Villebois-Lavalette… You can find ‘châteaux’ all around the Charentes! The Cognac vineyard, over 75,000 hectares. cations. Document non contractuel. The Charentes count numerous fortifications along its 460 km of coasts such as the network of Vauban with the ramparts and fortress in Brouage, the The Marais Poitevin ‘Grand Site de Citadel in Château d’Oléron or the star-shaped fort in Saint-Martin-de-Ré… France’, interregional park of 42,200 hectares. Another exceptional site to see by boat during a sea cruise with Croisières Inter-îles: Fort Boyard built by Napoleon and now known all over the world

for its TV game show! Sous réserve de modiﬁ SYNDICAT MIXTE DES AÉROPORTS DE LA ROCHELLE - ÎLE DE RÉ ET ROCHEFORT - CHARENTE-MARITIME www.atlantic-cognac.com www.larochelle.aeroport.fr

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Charentes Tourism

Site d’Angoulême 21, rue d’Iéna CS 82 407 16 024 Angoulême Cedex

Site de La Rochelle 85, boulevard de la République 17 076 La Rochelle Cedex 9 © Conception graphique : Charentes Tourisme - 2020 / Photo de couverture : A. Stapf - Porteur de Songe - 2020 / Photo Tourisme : Charentes graphique © Conception