Villas in La Rochelle, France

The coastline both to the north and south of La Rochelle boasts miles of beautiful sandy beaches, with plenty of room for you to find your very own spot to soak up the sun. Pack a picnic and take a leisurely drive along the coast to the vast, quiet stretches of sand, or enjoy a wide range of activities on the beautiful beaches in traditional seaside towns such as Les Sables d’Olonne or Châtelaillon-Plage. From many coastal towns, you can take a boat trip to the numerous off-shore islands lying serenely amongst the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, to bask in peace and tranquillity on stunning sandy beaches.

Evenings in the La Rochelle area are dictated by the French love of food. In the fantastic local restaurants of La Rochelle and the smaller towns in Poitou-Charentes and the Vendée, you’ll feel happy to join the locals in making dining a real experience. It is not uncommon for French diners to take several hours over a meal, engaged in animated conversation whilst slowly consuming wine and many courses of delicious local food. Restaurants do not become busy until at least nine o’clock in the evening, the time that most locals choose to venture out, and prepare yourself for a late night, as the talking and drinking often continues into the early hours completing the perfect leisurely evening.

Spectacular countryside and coastline throughout the entire Poitou-Charentes and Vendée regions offers plenty of opportunities for you to spend time walking amid fields of sunflowers, verdant forests, and along vast beaches. Cycling is popular all over France, and this area is no exception, with cycle hire companies in most of the main towns and plenty of rural lanes for leisurely exploration on two wheels - don’t be surprised to find yourself deep in conversation with a local about the action in the latest Tour de France event. If you prefer something less energetic, try the excellent fishing in the idyllic lakes and streams dotted amongst the green landscape.

Memories of the past still reverberate through the streets of La Rochelle and the countryside of the surrounding Poitou-Charentes and Vendée regions. Having been established as a seaport more than 800 years ago, La Rochelle holds a huge place in maritime history and retains strong connections to the sea. The historic harbour front is the perfect place to begin to get under the skin of this fascinating city. The rural towns inland each have their own intriguing stories to tell, with many idyllic châteaux of former noblemen open to visitors, and various other monuments to be found scattered throughout the beautiful countryside.

• Spend a day touring the scenic islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oleron, to experience their stunning natural beauty, fantastic beaches and local culture

• Take a day trip to the wonderful, vast beaches surrounding the resort of Les Sables d'Olonne, to see the best of the western French coast

• Visit the historic town of Poitiers, accessible from many of the inland resorts, to experience the fascinating history and architecture

• Take a relaxing daytime or evening stroll along the historic harbour front at La Rochelle, taking in the great views over the water

• Taste world-renowned brandy in the medieval town of Cognac

• Encounter the superb variety of mammals, birds and reptiles from around the world at the excellent La Palmyre zoo, located on the beautiful coast near Saint-Palais-sur-Mer.