Further Afield - La Rochelle - www.larochelle-tourisme.com You can spend many hours in La Rochelle and still not see half of what it has to offer. Charente Maritimes capital city has it all. Its famous old harbour and new marina are just 2 of its places to see. The two old towers stand guard to the old harbour and so provide spectacular views in every direction. Many museums can be found

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linking together La Rochelles rich maritime history. The newly built aquarium is one of Europes largest, featuring 10,000 creatures from the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Tropics! By the evening you will be drawn to its plentiful Quay-side restaurants to enjoy local oysters washed down with a glass of wine or maybe grilled Basse with a glass of Charente 'Pineau'. Three islands can be found off the La Rochelle/Rochefort coast, inexpensive boat trips can be taken to all three daily. Ile d'Oleron is the largest

with beautiful views across the Atlantic, whilst Ile de Re has miles of empty, unspoilt sandy beaches, a wonderful retreat for all the family. Le Marais Poitevin - www.veniseverteloisirs.fr Spend a day in the mysterious Marais Poitevin and you will come away more relaxed than when you arrived. Hire a boat for a few hours and meander through the miles of canals that disect this area, rich in fauna and wildlife. It will not take long before you will see why it is known as 'The Green Venice'. Bordeaux - www.bordeaux-tourisme.com One and a half hours drive south brings you into the city of Bordeaux well known throughout the world for its reputable production of some of the best red wines available, so you will find it hard not to visit at least one Chateau for a tasting tour. Chateau Beycheville is a fine Bordeaux red or 'Claret' as reds from this region are known. A beautiful Chateau that is open from 10:30am - 5pm Monday to Friday and admission is free. Rue St Catherine is Bordeauxs main shopping street, it is over 1km long and entirely pedestrianized. The Grand Theatre is well worth a visit, built between 1773 and 1780 this is considered to be one of the most beautiful 18th century buildings in Europe. Two museums in Bordeaux springs to mind; The 'Musee de vins des Bordeaux' dedicated to the wine producing culture. The vaulted cellars dating back to 1720 as well as the storehouses, bear witness to the importance of wine from this time onwards. The 'Musee d'Histoire is one of Frances oldest museums, set in a stunning private 'Maison' adjoining the 'Jardin Public', the museum has a zoological collection of specimens from all over the world, it features present day species including those at risk of extinction. Palmyre Zoo - www.zoo-palmyre.com A day at the zoo will bring enjoyment to all the family; The zoo was created by Claude Caillé in 1967, a man of passion and determination driven by a taste for adventure and a pioneering spirit. La Palmyre has around 1600 animals from every corner of the earth making the zoo the most popular private zoo in France as well as one of the most famous zoos in Europe and a vital part of regional heritage... A day out the kids will love! Futuroscope - www.futuroscope.com Set on the northern outskirts of Poitiers is the Futuroscope theme park. This futuristic attraction is second to Disneyland Paris, so if you want an exhilarating 3D journey to the bottom of the ocean or a trip along the length of the Nile, then this is the place to be. La Vallee Des Singes ( Monkey Valley) - www.la-vallee-des-singes.fr This park is one of a kind in France as all of the monkeys can roam free within its 37 acres, you will also find a mini farm featuring animals from the Potou-Charentes region. Children will also love the adventure play area that features jungle decor.