Things to Do in Poitou-Charentes

Things to Do in Poitou-Charentes, France - Poitou-Charentes Attractions

Things to Do in Poitou-Charentes

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Futuroscope, Aquarium La Rochelle, Walking Tours, Water Parks.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Poitou-Charentes.

Top Attractions in Poitou-Charentes

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Aquarium with diverse marine life and educational exhibits. Features include audio tours, large tank seating, and informative displays in multiple languages. Ideal for an afternoon visit.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Historic towers with panoramic port views, featuring narrow staircases and rooms that once served as a prison, complete with centuries-old graffiti.
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Historic market in the old town, showcasing fresh local produce and seafood, with a variety of vendors and eateries, set against a scenic harbor backdrop. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • padprod
    Manchester, UK285 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Review of one day visit to Futuroscope

    I remembered Futuroscope from my time learning French at school, being impressed with the futuristic architecture and rides. I spent around 8 hours on a Saturday in September there

    Access:
    I got the bus from viaduc Leon blum which took around 30 minutes (it was free on the day) and a short walk to the entrance. I had purchased ticket online (slightly cheaper than on the day) It cost €7 to leave any luggage (which you can access throughout the day)

    Rides
    The Gyrotour- a 45 m rotating platform that offers great views around the site, with English commentary via the app. A good way to get your bearings

    Kinemax- 4k IMAX with 2 features, ‘Through Thomas Pesquet’s Eyes ‘ and Antarctica 3D

    Cosmic Collisions- a 23 minute presentation in the planetarium

    Illusio- a 25 minute live magic show (in French)

    Dynamic Viennese- a thrilling simulator ride

    The Time Machine- - travel through time

    Etincelle- a 4D ride that mixes live action and cartoon.

    The extraordinary journey- your legs dangle I.n this simulation big screen ride

    The park was easy to navigate but planning is necessary to make the most of your time, and keep waiting to a minimum

    App
    This was useful in offering live wait times and directing around the site. The accompanying commentary app translated some of the attractions

    Food
    Plenty of food options and places to sit

    Overall I really enjoyed my time at the park, I would recommend 2 days to get the most of it. The rides are quieter start and end of the day.
    Written October 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LeaP89
    Rugby, UK156 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    As aquariums go this one is a really good size. Took us an hour and half to get round it all not including the gift shop! Really well signposted and explained, in english too which is helpful. It was very busy but probably to be expected in August but was still worth a visit. The kids absolutely loved it!
    Written August 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • patn546
    County Cork, Ireland37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A unique place to visit. Delighted I made the choice to do so. Very friendly people and especially the fresh Croissants.
    Written October 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ang G
    Scottish Highlands, UK696 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love monkeys so we just had to visit this place. We arrived at the park just after 10am when the park opened, plenty of parking space available. It costs 22 euros per adult to enter the park.

    You get a map of the zones when you buy your ticket which helps you navigate, but there are also some signs dotted around the park. The map also details feeding times and it was fascinating being able to observe a couple of these. There's also seating dotted around certain zones which lets you just have a break and take in the environment.

    You can't feed the monkeys yourself and are asked to only eat food in the designated picnic areas. There was a restaurant on site but we just took our own sandwich with us. There were several toilets located around the park and they were very clean and well maintained.

    The park itself is so very well done, really looks natural and it was wonderful walking through the zones and seeing the monkeys in a more natural and free environment. The only ones we didn't see were the chimpanzees - I guess they were sleeping when we passed their zone around 2pm!

    A wonderful place to visit!
    Written September 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Diarmuidog
    293 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Took trip from La Rochelle to Ile d'Aix, which circles Fort Boyard on the way. It's a most peculiar landmark, but well worth seeing. Although the tour explanations are in French only, the main thing is to see the fort, as you can read as much detail online as you wish! As a manmade edifice it is really very impressive. Apparently it's also used by a TV ADVENTURE show!

    Staff on the ferry (Navipromer?) were very friendly and helpful, although logistics on the pier on Ile d'Aix could be better organised!

    Written August 11, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dan Maarek
    Tel Aviv, Israel16,512 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Church, and probably the most beautiful "Romane" architecture style church in France.
    I recommend to walk by also at night, it is simply magical.
    Just look at the pictures.
    Written October 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jim W
    Sindelfingen, Germany8,898 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I really enjoyed our one lovely evening in La Rochelle. After an amazing dinner, we continued our walk learning about the three towers and how this city started and grew over the years. It is well worth taking time to read about the three towers.

    Facing the Atlantic, La Rochelle's three towers - Saint-Nicolas (14th century), la Chaîne (14th century) and la Lanterne (12th and 15th centuries) - are the remains of a large-scale program of medieval fortifications built by the city.

    The Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne are the gateway to the Old Port. Their function is primarily defensive. A chain even linked the two towers at the time! Each tower was designed as a dungeon. Each tower housed a captain, appointed by the mayor of La Rochelle, with his family and soldiers under his command.

    As for the Lantern Tower, it had several successive roles. Its captain controls and disarms ships entering the port. It also served as a lighthouse and landmark with its large spire. In the 16th century, the Royal Navy turned it into a prison for privateers. In the 19th century, it became a military prison. That is why you will be surprised to discover more than 600 graffiti carved by inmates. This tower was also known by other names: Garrot tower, Priest tower, and Four Sergeant tower.

    The towers of La Rochelle have been listed as historic monuments since 1879. From onwards, restoration campaigns have continued right up to the present day.

    From the top of each tower, enjoy a unique panorama of the city and the ocean.
    Written September 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Phill H
    Herne Bay, UK18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an amazing zoo and so well designed.
    Feeding the giraffes was a great experience and not something you would be able to do when going to a zoo.
    I can see why this is the biggest zoo in Europe
    Written December 2, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DC.
    Clogheen, Ireland1,245 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    With some pre-planning, a little luck and a large dash of curiosity, La Rochelle reveals itself as a real gem for food enthusiasts. At the heart of this charming seaside city’s vibrant culinary scene lies the central market, a bustling hub that offers an authentic taste of regional flavours and traditions. French markets are more than shopping destinations, every stall tells a story, showcasing time honoured artisanal craftsmanship. Here, glistening oysters from Île de Ré are displayed alongside bottles of Pineau des Charentes, while the renowned Challans chickens and the creamy, golden butter of Poitou-Charentes stand out as symbols of the region’s gastronomic excellence. Artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and the distinctive Marans red eggs form a colourful tapestry, creating a feast for the eyes and the palate alike, making the market an irresistible prelude to exploring the city’s restaurants. Starting here La Rochelle promises a sensory adventure like very few others on the French Atlantic coast.
    Written February 4, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MuckiDuck
    Greater Perth, Australia125 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Lighthouse is a wonderful example of a live-in Lighthouse. 265 steps to the top with wonderful views when you get there. We visited on a wet day when there were not a lot of people visiting.
    The shop on entry was one of the best we have seen. The grounds around the Lighthouse are green and pleasant.
    Before you get to the Lighthouse there is a collection of shops and restaurants which was to us rather strange. There are limited toilet facilities.
    Written October 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Debbie
    Dorset, UK2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic - well worth a visit! One note to consider, I you have a child who is 135cm tall, it might be worth waiting until they are 140cm tall so that they can access all the slides. Though even if they are not 140cm, it is still amazing and they will have a great time as there is so much to experience there. All the staff we encountered were really helpful and improtantly for us, it was really clean!
    Written August 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ksarman
    Oaxaca, Mexico8,982 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a nice visit
    Located by the Charente River shore , right on the Cognac City Center this castle is , of course, historical place and also an Cognac House producer
    The historical background is impressive , the visit is interesting at the end you ll have an degustation
    So pleasant.
    Nice moment
    Written December 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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