Parthenay
A picturesque medieval town just 13 kms away. Dating back to early middle ages, taking a stroll along the medieval road, la rue de la Vau Saint-Jaques, is like stepping back in time. Keep a sharp eye out for the sculpted cockle shells marking the chemin de compostelle taken by the pilgrims en route to Santiago del Compostela. Then wend your way back up and relax in one of the towns many cafés and restaurants, to sit at Le Drapeau with a café and watch French life happening all around you is a wonderful way to waste time!
Aside from the history and relaxation on a more practical note the town also has several large supermarkets and a hospital.
Poitiers
The capital of the Poitou-Charentes, Poitiers is steeped in history, it is one of the focal points of Romanesque architecture in France. Built on a rocky promontory the area has been inhabited for over 2000 years. It boasts over 100 church towers and one of the oldest universities in France. The tourist office there will provide you with plenty of information for taking a tour around the city, depending on how far you wish to walk and how much you want to see they will give you the plan you need.Afterwards relax in one of the squares, where you can find plenty of cafés and restaurants.
Just on its outskirts Poitiers is also home to Futuroscope.
Futuroscope
An amazing collection of spectacular films. Thrilling and educational, they provide entertainment for both adults and children alike. Follow the migration of the Monarch butterfly across America, with screens beneath your feet and in front of you, it is as close to flying with the butterflies as possible whilst being safely on the ground. Follow a drop of rain during a thunderstorm or race your way through the region in a breakneck tour of the Vienne, the moving seats just adding to the thrill.
Then, if you have the energy, there is a laser and fireworks show held over the lake in the evening.
Marais Poitevin
A little closer to home are the wonderful waterways of the Marais Poitevin. A maze of canals created in the middle ages by the monks who had an idea to drain the Golfe du Poitou, the huge bay that nearly reached Niort. It also locally known as 'la Venise Verte', or 'Green Venice', because of the carpet of duckweed that grows across the surface of the waters, resulting in a most captivating area to explore.
You can hire a boat with or without a guide at Coulon, one of the towns to be found along the Marais Poitevin waterways.
La Rochelle
Head towards the west coast for day out at the beautiful port of La Rochelle. Famous for its old harbour and three medieval towers. Historically it was given to the English by Eleanor of Aquitaine when she married Henry Plantagenet, used as a base from which the English could attack their French enemies it was eventually reclaimed by the French.
Now it is a wonderful melange of chic bars, superb restaurants and lively quayside markets, all set against amid this fascinating historical town.
From here it is a short drive to one of the many beaches to be found along the coast, or travel across the bridge to The île de Ré.
The île de Ré
Park the car and get on your bike! If you haven't got your own bikes then hiring one is easy enough. So flat, the island hardly rises out of the sea and with miles of safe cycle routes all over the island, it is a most relaxing way to get about. Only meeting up with the cars in towns or when crossing over the roads, the bikes do seem to take precedence!
Famous for salt and oysters you can discover where they are produced as you cycle around. Stop and catch your breath, perhaps swim, at one of the many beautiful beaches. Saddle sore?! Then stop at one of the charming towns, St-Martin, the capital of Ré, is pictured above, and relax at one of the many cafés and restaurants or take a stroll around the shops.
