Poitou Charentes

The Atlantic Coast, Marais and mediaeval battlefields.

One of the most singular geographical features of the coast are the Marais Poitvin in the northern corner of the coastline. These are large areas of low lying land extending a considerable distance inland. They are drained by innumerable channels which teem with wildlife and are becoming an ever more important leisure area. The beaches near the costal towns have been well known for many years. More recently the road bridges to the two islands - Ile d'Oléron and Ile de Ré - (they stretch out like two long fingers to the Atlantic Ocean) have made their coastline easily accessible.

A new-build house in a very traditional style.

A temperate land for battles.

Inland too this area is low lying. The eastern border is more than a hundred miles from the sea yet the highest point in la Vienner is only 230m (750ft) above the sea. Essentially an agricultural area its gentle geography made it a battlefield during the Hundred Years War (14th and 15th century) when England and France (or at least their ruling families) battled for possession of the territory. Subsequently the Wars of Religion left a long shadow behind them. Generally the climate is temperate. In the north it is decidedly maritime - not much different to the British south coast but generally warmer and drier. It improves as one moves down the map and the southern areas certainly begin to exhibit more of a Mediterranean atmosphere.