Hear about journey to the Charente area of southwest France because the Newbie Traveler talks to Kylie Lang from LifeInRuralFrance.com about her adopted dwelling.
The Charente area, a part of Nouvelle Aquitaine in southwest France, is understood for its charming sunflower fields, historic chateaux, and wealthy historical past. Guests to the Charente can discover picturesque vineyards, style world-renowned cognac, and take pleasure in recent oysters. The area hosts every day markets providing recent produce all year long, offering an genuine style of French life. Its quaint villages seem nearly frozen in time, creating a way of stepping again to the fifteenth century.
Eleanor of Aquitaine, a outstanding historic determine, performed a major position on this area. She was the one girl to be queen of two international locations, France and England. The Charente, which was below English rule for about 300 years, now has a various neighborhood of English-speaking expatriates.
Angoulême, one of many notable cities within the Poitou Charente area, sits on a hill with historic roots courting again to Roman instances. Town is often known as the European capital of comics, internet hosting an Worldwide Comedian Pageant yearly. It options spectacular murals and a well known vehicle race.
Kylie suggests exploring the Lodge de Ville, which gives insightful excursions about its historical past, and strolling the town’s ramparts. Angoulême’s strategic location permits quick access to Bordeaux, which is slightly below 90 minutes away. Bordeaux, also known as the capital of wine in France, gives an excellent day journey alternative. Guests can discover the Cité du Vin, a contemporary wine museum providing immersive experiences and a panoramic view of Bordeaux. She additionally recommends the weird Bassins des Lumières which is a digital artwork museum in an outdated German submarine base.
Cognac, one other jewel within the Charente’s crown, is famend for its historic significance and world-famous cognac homes similar to Hennessy, Martell, and Remy Martin. Kylie recommends the Hennessy tour, a three-hour expertise that delves into the cognac-making course of, and a river cruise to witness the scenic great thing about the area.
The Chateau Royal de Cognac, constructed within the eleventh century, gives historic insights and a glimpse into the previous. Cognac additionally hosts occasions just like the Blues Pageant, attracting big-name musicians and making a vibrant environment.
Shifting towards La Rochelle, it was a major port and stronghold for the Knights Templar and later for the Huguenots. Town is called the “jewel of the Atlantic coast” and gives historic websites just like the towers of Saint Nicolas and La Chaîne. La Rochelle has a vibrant maritime historical past that influences its current id as a well-liked vacationer vacation spot.
The islands of Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron, linked by bridges, are identified for his or her oyster and salt beds. These islands have beautiful seashores, making them excellent locations for seashore lovers.
Kylie mentions the Battle of Excursions, a pivotal occasion through the Center Ages which occurred exterior Poitiers. Poitiers additionally has connections with Eleanor of Aquitaine and gives historic websites such because the Palace du Duc, which is now the native courts.
Futuroscope, situated close to Poitiers, is a digital theme park that provides a novel and futuristic expertise. It’s dwelling to numerous thrilling rides and sights. Moreover, the Valley of the Monkeys (Vallée des Singes) close to Poitiers is a 44-hectare reserve the place monkeys roam freely. The park gives an up-close expertise with varied monkeys and primate species.
Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne is a picturesque village with an interesting monolithic church often known as the Eglise Saint-Jean. The church, carved right into a limestone cliff, showcases exceptional historic craftsmanship. The village is assessed as one of many “Plus Beaux Villages de France,” recognizing its scenic magnificence and historic significance.
Kylie recommends a go to to La Rochefoucauld Chateau, a historic chateau open to the general public. The chateau has a wealthy historical past, and the La Rochefoucauld household was intently linked to royalty and was concerned in World Conflict II resistance. The chateau includes a spiral staircase, mentioned to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
If you find yourself consuming in a neighborhood restaurant, strive a “plat de jour” for a value-packed meal. Additionally, strive the native goat’s cheese which is a specialty of the Charente and an surprising bonus from the Battle of Excursions. Along with making an attempt cognac, she additionally recommends Pinot de Charente, a fortified wine within the area, which is akin to port or sherry.
Kylie encourages guests to discover the beautiful landscapes of sunflower fields and revel in cognac, pinot, and the distinctive environment of line dancing.
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Present Notes
LifeInRuralFrance.com
Charente
Poitou-Charentes
Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Angoulême
Circuit des Remparts
Bordeaux
Cité du Vin
Bassins des Lumières
Journey to Bordeaux, France – Episode 536
Bordeaux Metropolis Move
Cognac, France
Hennessy Cognac Excursions
Chateau de Cognac
Cognac Blues Passions Pageant
Charente-Maritime
Oléron
La Rochelle
Knights Templar
Towers of los angeles Rochelle
Aquarium La Rochelle
Huguenots
Museum of protestant historical past in La Rochelle
Battle of Excursions
Poitiers
Palace of Poitiers
The Satan’s Staircase
Les Archives (restaurant in outdated Abbey)
Abbey of Montierneuf
Futuroscope theme park
La Vallée des Singes
The underground church of St. John – Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean of Aubeterre, Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
La Rochefoucauld, Charente
Robert de La Rochefoucauld
Chez Steph (La Rochefoucauld)
Chocolaterie La Pichotte
Verteuil-sur-Charente
Jeux de Pots, Verteuil-sur-Charente
The Mill of Verteuil
Strolling soccer
Pineau des Charentes
Ruffec, Charente
Jarnac
Neighborhood
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