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Puy du Fou Theme Park Best beaches - St Jean-de-Monts Best beaches - St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie Best beaches - Les Sables-d'Olonne Best beaches - La Tranche-sur-Mer Best beaches - St Palais-sur-Mer Best beaches - St Georges-de-Didonne Le Marais Poitévin Regional Park Beautiful La Rochelle Lovely regional town of Niort Roman town of Saintes Cognac and Brandy Production Ile de Ré Futuroscope Theme Park Le Dune du Pilat Tepacap Adventure Park Tourist information on Château Enigmes Aqualand theme park Tourist Information on the Zoo de la Palmyre La Rochelle Aquarium Atlantic Toboggan Water Theme Park Map of Charente / Vendée

The Charente and Vendée regions are blessed with a microclimate ensuring a high probability of hot sunny days during the summer.  With nearly 100 miles of excellent sandy beaches backed by pine forests, plus easy access from the southern channel ports, it is a popular destination for British holidaymakers seeking a sun, sea and sand holiday.
 

However there is much more to this area than beaches including fortified cities, islands, wetlands and vineyards.
It is worth travelling inland from the coast to see agricultural France at its best as well as some highly rated theme parks such as Puy du Fou and Futuroscope.  The northern part of Les Landes is included in this section.
 

We bring you a wealth of information on this region including the best towns, tourist attractions, beaches, restaurants and markets.  If there is anything you think we should add, please use our feedback form.

Best Attractions in Region

Charente
/Vendée Restaurants

Charente / Vendée Markets

We pick
the best
beaches

 

Wine and Spirits in the region

 

Although the Charente/Vendée area is not really renowned for wine and spirits, there are some gems that should not be missed. 

 

For Cognac visit the town of Cognac.  For Pineau (a blend of wine and brandy) there are several outlets on the north side of the Gironde. 

 

And for wine, head towards the southern end of the Gironde estuary where there are vineyards galore on both banks.  Visit our wine section for further information.

The weather.. in the Charente/Vendée  is quite reliable, despite its proximity to the Atlantic.  Winters are mild but a good sunshine record makes it an attractive alternative to the Côte D'Azur. For an up to date weather forecast, select here or check today's weather opposite.

 Temperature Profile

Distinctly France - gite rental company specialising in the Charente/Vendée

Holiday Gites Poitou Charente - excellent choice of gites for rent in the Charente

Gite holidays in France - Inexpensive gites for you!