Explore Cognac country
The name cognac is synonymous the world over with the finest French spirit but the town of Cognac was an important trading port for salt and local wine long before the discovery of the double distillation process that produced the famous drink.
Take a guided tour of Hennessy and the town's other major cognac houses; visit the fascinating Musée des Arts du Cognac; and find out about the surrounding area in the adjacent Cognac Country Discovery centre.
School Holidays in France - Explore The Cognac Region
The French Atlantic Coast south of La Rochelle is packed with possibilities, whether you want a romantic break or a family holiday, a gastronomic weekend or heritage trip.
Rochefort on the Charente river was developed as the strategic dockyard for 'Sun King' Louis XIV. Visit the royal rope factory; see the construction of a replica 18th century frigate; and visit the town's exotic gardens and museums.
The Atlantic coast here is dotted with military defences such as the fortified salt port of Brouage, or take a cruise to see Fort Boyard which rises from the waves close to Ile d'Oléron.
Home to the famous Marennes-Oléron oyster beds, the island offers family-friendly waters on the east coast and rolling breakers on the west, plus some seriously good seafood.
Take a boat to the traffic-free island of Ile d'Aix, home to just 200 people, or cross the causeway at low tide to the even smaller Ile Madame, to walk through carpets of wild flowers.
La Rochelle & Ile de Re With their rich history and fascinating heritage sites, picturesque coastline and varied family attractions, La Rochelle and Ile de Re rank amongst the highlights of the French Atlantic Coast.
A fishing village in the Middle Ages, La Rochelle is famous today for its beautiful Vieux Port, guarded by medieval twin towers. Relax at a restaurant on the quayside, discover the temptations of historic shopping streets fringed with arcades, and visit the city's many museums.
Step on board the ships of the Maritime Museum and visit the Aquarium – one of Europe's largest. Easy to explore on foot, La Rochelle also operates a bike hire scheme with 160 km of designated cycle tracks.
The city has a vibrant contemporary
scene too with music festivals, sports events and shows throughout the year, including Le Grand Pavois, Europe's biggest floating boat show. Take the toll bridge to Ile de Re, known as The
White Island for the quality of its light and whitewashed houses.
Explore the island's ten villages which include two classified amongst the Most Beautiful Villages of France; follow a network of trails by bike or on horseback; and wander the Vauban ramparts of Saint-Martin-de-Ré where you might even spot one of the famous 'Donkeys in Trousers'.
Royan and the neighbouring Atlantic coast resorts have been popular with tourists since the 'Belle Epoque' of the late 19th century.
Visit La Palmyre zoo, one of Europe's largest ; walk or cycle the forest trails of La Coubre, and explore the small fishing villages of the Gironde estuary.
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