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places to visit in the charente maritime

saintes

Buildings in Saintes are old and lovely. The amphitheatre here dates from around the 1st century and is big, nearly as big as the Coliseum in Rome. It’s the ideal place for your children to re-enact their favourite scenes from ‘Gladiator’, and they’re probably a lot cuter than Russell Crowe.

The Arch of Germanicus makes a striking entrance to the town, and looks like the little sister of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

If walled cities are your thing, it’s worth visiting Brouage. It’s a great place for children to get immersed in real-life history, patrolling the stone walls and watching for marauding invaders - far more effective than being in a drab classroom! It’s been around since 1555 and has the quirky privilege of being the first European place for trading in salt. Americans would call the cobbled streets and upmarket craft shops quaint, but don’t let this put you off.

island adventures

This is the ideal chance for your children to relive the ‘Famous Five’ adventures, by exploring the three islands offshore from La Rochelle. The Ile de Ré and The Ile d'Oléron are linked to the mainland by bridge, the third "island", Fort Boyard, can be viewed by boat.

The Ile d‘Oléron is great for surfing and is well supplied with restaurants and even a few nightclubs. Children will love scrambling around some of the ruined windmills or race down the sand dunes and there are excellent beaches at Vert Bois and Grande Plage.

phare des baleines

Cycle and hiking routes rule supreme on the Ile de Ré. There is a fantastic view from the top of the 150 year old lighthouse, Phare des Baleines - which means ‘Lighthouse of the Whales’. Though I’m sure not many whales would be able to manoeuvre themselves up the 250 steps to the top. Back on the ground you could also visit the lovely old harbours and “ânes en culottes”, which translates - honestly - as ‘donkeys in trousers’. Go. See for yourself.

cognac

Opinion is divided on the town of Cognac. Some people say it is only worth visiting for the drink, others think the town itself is very pretty and worth a look. Perhaps you should go, let us know your opinion and settle this dispute once and for all! Lots of the cognac houses offer free tastings and if you’re unsure which buildings to approach, just look out for the black lichen stains on the outside of the buildings, which are as a result of alcohol evaporation during the cognac-making process. If you like the idea of quaffing your cognac in exalted surroundings try ‘Cognac Otard’, which is based in a 15-16th century château.

la rochelle

La Rochelle is as pretty as its name and well-equipped for keeping the whole family entertained. There are great shops, lots of restaurants, beaches and a huge aquarium. The tanks in the aquarium have transparent tunnels running through them, so you can see the sealife swimming around you. Wow! There is also a natural history museum, full of an interesting mix of stuffed animals, shells and African masks. A good place to while away a few hours if the sun goes in.

La Rochelle is small enough to explore on foot. The centre of the town is the Vieux Port and everything spirals out from here. The old port area has two stately towers guarding the entrance from the sea and is apparently the biggest yachting centre on France’s Atlantic coast. To get a good view over the city, climb the 15th century Tour de la Lanterne. See if your children spot the antique graffiti, left by prisoners, from the 17th-19th century.

The end of June and early July when the film festival comes to town is the perfect time for celebrity spotting. A great chance to pick up some autographs, or even be spotted as the next bright young British talent!

futuroscope

Futuroscope, just outside the Vendée near Poitiers, is one of the most popular theme parks in France. It has giant Imax cinema screens (7 storeys high), an all around cinema where pictures extend underneath you, a virtual reality Internet park and more. Your children will love it. Where else could they get an adrenaline rush by experiencing the sensation of skydiving or slip into a virtual astrononaut's suit to explore space - all in perfect safety!