At first glance the long ribbon of sandy coastline, bathed in sunshine during the summer months, of Poitou-Charentes has something of the southern Mediterranean about it. But as you get to grips with the region you notice the influence of the Atlantic creeping in.
The resorts may be less glamorous than in the south but historically they’re much better looking.
Inland, the countryside has an early morning dewy quality of moistness, the fields are lushly green, the rivers are softer and the population evenly spread. Around Cognac the glow of the vineyards crowned by the individual châteaux, produce the famous golden elixir.
To the north, the Marais Poitevin - nicknamed the “Green Venice” - is France’s version of a warmer less wind swept Norfolk Broads. It’s a dream world of river boulevards and emerald coloured shimmering reflections.
Added to all of this, the region formed an important part of the pilgrims' route across Europe to north west Spain, and is blessed with some of the finest romanesque churches in France.
Driving along the smaller roads is immensely enjoyable as the A10 takes the brunt of the traffic sweeping through the region.
