The Charente Maritime - Must See

La Rochelle
Visit this gorgeous Charente-Maritime town, one of the most beautiful towns in France. Be impressed by the three 14th and 15th century towers that dominate the entrance/port area of La Rochelle and visit the Maritime Museum with its 3 ships housing its exhibits.

The Roman Amphitheatre
This is to be found at Saintes in the Charente-Maritime, it is one of the oldest and largest in existence in France dating back to 40AD.

Zoo de la Palymre
This is near Royan in the Charente-Maritime. There are flamingos, monkeys, cheetahs, hippos, elephants, leopards, pandas, polar bears, ostriches, snakes and sea lions. Endangered species on show include: the White Rhinoceros, which the zoo is helping to save with the implementation of a breeding programme.

Aquarium
This superb aquarium houses 12,000 marine animals including a 3 tier shark tank.

Les Antilles Water Park
An indoor aquatic centre in Jonzac- one of the largest of its type in Europe, offering as well as swimming, slides, water toboggans, indoor beaches and much more

Phare de Chassiron
On Île d'Oléron, very striking white and black-striped lighthouse with impressive views of the Atlantic coast.

Phare des Baleines
This lighthouse is still functioning on Ile de Ré, climb its 257-step spiral staircase for stunning views.

Le Parc de l'estuaire This fine nature park is situated in Europe's largest estuary near Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, to the south of Royan.