Poitou-Charentes

With its mild, sunny climate, 300 miles of Atlantic coast and inland lushness, Poitou-Charentes is an ideal holiday destination.

The pilgrimage route to Santiago del Compostela in north west Spain left behind it a wealth of Romanesque churches in the region - Angoulême’s Saint-Pierre cathedral and Poitier’s Notre-Dame church.

Head to the coast to explore the port of La Rochelle - now a major industrial centre as well as an interesting historic port. The popular holiday islands of Oléron and Ré are ideal for families, with many miles of off-road cycle routes and white sand beaches.

The region is famed for Cognac and Pineau - a Cognac-based aperitif. Its cuisine features oysters, foie gras, goats cheeses - in particular Chabichou - lamb and snails.