Page 396 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

EXPERIENCE Poitou and Aquitaine 2

1
7 DAYS

in Poitou and Aquitaine

Day 1 Day 3
Begin your week in the capital, Poitiers Continue on to the historic sailor’s city of
(p398), a vibrant town of varied archi tec­ La Rochelle (p408), a 2­hour drive west.
tural styles, such as the 11th­century Along the way, stop at Niort (p402) to pick
façade of the elegant church, Notre­ up a bottle of angelica liquor – legend
Dame­la­Grande (p398). For lunch, have says it cures the plague. In La Rochelle,
delicious Moroccan­inspired food at Notre feast on fresh seafood down by the
Dame de Pique (185 Grand’Rue). Spend harbour before wandering through the
the after noon sketching out visions of the cobbled streets on your way to climb the
future at Futurescope (p404), just outside Tour de la Lanterne, with its 400­year­old
of town. Dinner is modern French dishes graffiti. Tuck into a charcuterie plate and
served in a former grand chapel at Les a pint of craft beer at Captain Houblon
Archives (14 rue Édouard-Grimaux). (8 rue de la Ferté), then take in the nightly
street entertainment around the marina.
Day 2 Day 4
Drive east to Chauvigny (p404), a pretty
town that lies on the banks of the Vienne Head an hour south to Saintes (p411),
River and is surrounded by ancient castle a 2,000­year­old city filled with historical
ruins. Ramble about these before taking treasures. There is a farmer’s market here
in the particularly fine columns at Eģlise every day except Mondays, so stock up
Saint­Pierre. Fortify yourself on crêpes at on local goodies for a picnic lunch amid
rustic La Bigorne (25 Rue des Puys) then the ruins of a 1st­century Roman amphi­
head 10 km (6 miles) north of Chauvigny theatre. Rent a canoe and glide peacefully
for a guided tour of romantic Château de along the River Charente to finish off the
Touffou (p406). Back in town, opt for day, then stretch out in comfort and
burgers and a refreshing mojito at La simplicity at Hôtel des Messageries
Moustache (www.la-moustache.fr). (www.hotel-des-messageries.com).
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