It is one of the largest regions in France. Let’s go!
This large region includes 12 departments (yes, that’s all!):
- The Charente
- Charente-Maritime
- Corrèze
- La Creuse
- The Dordogne
- The Gironde
- The Landes
- Lot-et-Garonne
- The Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Les Deux-Sèvres
- Vienna
- Upper Vienna
For this article, I’ve changed my way of writing it a bit. It’s by department that we’re going to proceed this time!
Les Deux-sèvres
This department owes its name to the Sèvres Nantaise and the Sèvres Niortaise.
The Poitevin marshland
An incredible natural landscape stretching over more than 100,000 hectares, it crosses 3 departments: Deux-Sèvres, Charente-Maritime and Vendée.
Thouars
City of art and history, you can discover the castle of Oiron, the church of St Pierre or the church of St Médard.
Vienna
If I tell you Poitiers, you’re going to answer me Futuroscope. Yes, you’re right, but not that…
I will not linger but it is also the Valley of the Monkeys, the spectacle of the giants of the sky at Chauvigny or Planet Crocodiles.
Upper Vienna
This department gets its name from the river that runs through it.
Limoges
This is the capital of the arts of fire. You can visit the Adrien Dubouché National Museum and admire a collection of rare porcelain pieces.
Stroll through the historic districts of the city around the cathedral.
Reynou Zoological Park
It seems to me that this place is a must-see in the department. You will be able to discover 600 animals on more than 100 hectares.
Le moulin du Got
This mill is located in Saint Léonard de Noblat. It was built in the 16th century to produce paper.
The city of insects
400 m² dedicated to the world of insects with interactive exhibitions. You will also be able to walk in the 8000 m² of gardens. The city of insects is located in Nedde.
Feeriland
It is a place where you can discover 7 giant animated and sound models. There is also an aquatic botanical garden and of course for young and old, you will find a relaxation area with many games to do with the family.
La Creuse
Another department that owes its name to the river that crosses it.
The Valley of the Painters
It is here that many painters such as Monet, Guillaumin or Picabia were inspired by this grandiose landscape. A wild nature that has been preserved over time.
Millevaches Regional Nature Park
314,000 natural hectares where meadows, forests, etc. are intermingled. This place is nicknamed « Little Canada ».
Vassivière Lake
Lake Vassivière is in the continuity of the park so much it reminds us of Canada.
Corrèze
The farms of the Middle Ages
Dive into the Middle Ages by visiting this village.
Abyss of the Fage
It is in Noailles that you will discover a multitude of Stalactites. This abyss is also home to the largest colony of bats in Europe.
Colette’s gardens and maze
On the D152 in Varetz, discover a giant maze on more than 5000 m². But also XXL games such as dominoes or mikado.
Pompadour’s castle
It currently houses a stud farm and an orangery.
The parts of Travassac
Located in Donzenac and unique in Europe, you will discover the world of slate quarries.
Welcome to the Périgord!
Marqueyssac’s gardens
Situated in front of the castle of Castelnaud which you can also visit, take a tour of a rocky spur overlooking the Dordogne valley.
The caves of Lascaux
It’s a must-see visit! An extraordinary journey to the heart of prehistory that will enchant you…
National Museum of Prehistory
If you haven’t had enough yet, as they say when there’s enough, there’s more! Here you can discover life-size reconstructions. This museum is located in Eyzies de Tayac.
Rocamadour
Le gouffre de Padirac
Located 20 minutes from Rocamadour, it is a huge natural cavity. 103 meters underground, the river Padirac flows in a network of tunnels of more than 40 km.
The Charente
Its name comes from the river that runs through it.
Cognac
Well yes, I had to start or maybe finish earlier, but too bad. Don’t force too much ! Don’t just kill the germs, it’s not just that. 😀
Angoulême
If there’s one thing you don’t want to miss about this town, it’s its museum. But also its cathedral in the old town centre.
Charente-Maritime
Paleosite
We go back to prehistory with this life-size site. It is located in Saint Césaire.
The Seagull Train
Discover on board this train the Charente countryside, the salt marshes and the local fauna in a different light.
Fort Boyard
It can’t be visited but you can get as close as possible by boat.
La Rochelle
A coastal town, it has been a fishing and trading centre since the 12th century. You can find the old port, the aquarium but also the Chain and St Nicolas towers.
Islands
Don’t forget to take a tour of the Ile de Ré and the Ile d’Oléron. That would be a pity…
Palmyra zoo
I’ve been to that zoo a couple of times and believe me, it’s worth the detour!
Rochefort
If there was only one thing you couldn’t see in Rochefort is the Hermione, which is the faithful replica of the frigate borrowed by the Marquis de La Fayette.
But as you have time, I also suggest you go to the Arsenal district and the Corderie Royale.
Rochefort is not to be outdone either with its museums, such as the old-fashioned shop museum or the navy museum (but there are others).
The Gironde
This department owes its name to the Gironde estuary.
The Dune of Pyla
It is the highest in Europe.
Bordeaux
Capital of the region, the city is full of places to visit. In fact, shopping enthusiasts will find what they are looking for in the Rue Sainte Catherine with its 230 shops.
Places to visit are the Grand Theatre, the Place de la Victoire and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Lot-et-Garonne
Agen
If you like prunes, now’s the time! You can also visit its St Caprais cathedral and don’t forget the fine arts museum.
Walibi
Want to relax with your family? Then you’ve come to the right place!
The Automaton Village
Les Landes
The Landes is especially Hossegor famous for surfing. You will be able to go along the wild coast.
Atlantic Pyrenees
The pen is getting hot but this is the last department of our journey. Here are some ideas.
Biarritz
In Biarritz you can find an aquarium, its lighthouse or the city of the ocean.
Bayonne
A town in the Basque country, it is particularly famous for its ham. It’s a city that moves a lot. You can visit the Sainte-Marie cathedral or the Basque museum and the history of Bayonne.
A big story for this great region. So I’ve put some music… See you next week to visit the Auvergne – Rhône Alpes.
Photo credits :
- byb64
- thierry llansades
- André – La Piste aux Images
- Jean-jacques QUEYRIE
- pom’
- Alexandre Dolique
- Lissa Ann Photography
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