Between the Loire Valley and Bordeaux lies Poitou-Charentes, one of the sunniest parts of the French western coast.
Poitou is on the Atlantic coast which might account for its mild climate - 2,250 hours of sunshine per year - making it a great destination whatever the time of year. The drive along the 300 mile coastline is spotted with lively resorts such as Rochelle, Royan, Aix, Re and the islands of Oleron.
The surrounding's are sandy beaches set against deep forest. Inland the scenery changes to wooded valleys, canals and vast horizons, as the two areas of Poitou and Charente are joined by the Charente River valley with the Cognac vineyards on the right bank.
