Sea France Holidays

Ruffec in France Charente, Weather, And All Tourist Information

Ruffec in France Charente Geography and Transport

A town covering 13.37km², situated in the North of the Charente Department, Ruffec is the Capital of the North Charente territory.  It is bypassed by the major RN10 Motorway carrying traffic between the Regional Capital Poitiers and Angouleme and is also served by the high-speed train [TGV] on the route between Lille/Brussels and Bordeaux.  It is possible to reach Paris from here in 2h20m using the TGV.  The Charente River passes Ruffec to the East, and the town sits at an altitude of 120m.

Ruffec in France Charente Weather

The weather here is Maritime, with typically cool Winters and warm (sometimes hot Summers).  Ruffec receives around 1900 hours of sunshine per year.  The warmest months are June, July, and August (24C to 27C), but May, September and October temperatures also range between 18C and 23C.  Nighttime temperatures in Summer range from 13C to 15C.  Winter temperatures are typically 9C to 10C (day) and 3C to 4C (night).  Wettest months are Oct, Nov, and Dec (over 94mm), whilst the driest are Mar, Jun, and Aug (between 39.5mm and 52.7mm).

Tourism In Ruffec in France Charente

Activities around Ruffec focus on the outdoors, and the close proximity of the Charente River brings the opportunity for angling, kayaking and picturesque walks and cycling.  The pretty village of Verteuil-sur-Charente is nearby, and a little further is the leisure lake and beach at Villefagnan.

Ruffec in France Charente Economy

Ruffec is a historic market town and the economy is centered around agriculture, in particular, corn, grain, and timber production.  There are over 100 shops in Ruffec, and the town is the seventh most popular place for shopping in the Region (according to INSEE).  There are three industrial estates around Ruffec, and the Municipal Council offers businesses to support and incentives to be located in the town.  Two shopping malls are in development.

Education In Ruffec in France Charente

Ruffec has 1 State Nursery, 1 State Primary School, 1 State High School (College) and 1 State College (Lycee).  In addition, there is 1 private Nursery/Primary School, 1 private High School, and 1 private College.

Ruffec in France Charente Key stats

There are more females than males in Ruffec (54.3% vs 45.7%) and this is a bigger difference than for France overall (51.4% vs 48.6%).  The percentage of people below the age of 19 is lower than the national average (19.3% vs 24.6%).  There are more retired people resident here than the national average (28.8% vs 21.3%), and this is reflected in the age profile of the population, with 34.7% being aged 60 or over (against a national average of 21.3%).  85.8% of properties here are classed as main homes, with 5% of homes are classed as secondary residences.  This supports the fact that the town is popular with British buyers and Parisiens looking for a second home.

Key Facilities and Services In Ruffec in France Charente

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Royan France Tourist Information – Geography and Transport

Situated at the mouth of the Gironde Estuary, Royan is a large seaside resort town on the Atlantic Coast of Charente Maritime.  The commune covers an area of 19.3km².  The RN150 enables access north to Saintes (37km/40mins) and the A10 motorway, and the D730 takes traffic south and east towards Mirambeau.  Royan does have an airfield (Medis), but the nearest commercial airport is at Rochefort, which serves French locations.  La Rochelle is the nearest airport offering flights to the UK.  Royan is linked to the TER regional rail network.

Royan France Tourist Information – The Weather

The location of Royan on the Atlantic coast means that the climate is temperate all year round, with warm (but not excessively hot) summers, and cool (but not extremely cold) winters.  Spring and early Autumn can be warm.  In summer, daytime temperatures average 24C to 27C (13C to 15C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 11C (3C to 4C).  Wettest months are October and November (57mm to 59mm), and the driest are March, July, and August (32mm).  Royan is within an area that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Royan France Tourist Information

Royan was originally a modest fishing village but grew during the 19^th century to become a fashionable seaside resort, popular with wealthy people from Paris and Bordeaux, who came to enjoy the sea bathing on the pine backed beaches.

The town still retains some of its Belle Epoche architecture along the seafront.  A German garrison was stationed in Royan during WWII, and the town was all but flattened by allied bombs in an effort to re-take it in January 1945, with many local casualties.  The town was re-built during the 1950s and 60s, with Claude Ferret an architect from Bordeaux responsible for drawing up the new town plan.

Royan has 5 sandy beaches, the largest being the Grand Conche at 2km long.  There are also beaches nearby at Saint Palais Sur Mer and St Georges de Didonne, and the Cote Sauvage offers 20km of unspoiled coastline and protected sand dunes.

This area is popular for walking and cycling within La Coubre Forest.  There are 2 harbors in Royan, one used for fishing vessels, and the other is the third largest commercial port on the French Atlantic coast.  It is possible to take boat trips to see the 400-year-old Cordouan Lighthouse in the middle of the mouth of the Gironde Estuary, and to land at the Pointe de Grave on the southern side.

Close to Royan is the La Palmyre Zoo, where you can see around 1600 animals across a 15ha site, in spacious and well-kept enclosures.  Also nearby are the villages of La Tremblade, Marennes, and Bourcefranc, which are famous for their oyster farms.

The 18th-century oyster farming town of Mornac Sur Seudre is not far away (12km), and this is said to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.  Jardins du Monde(Gardens of the World) is a popular attraction in Royan, it is a 7.5ha floral park including giant bamboo, orchids and an English garden complete with a red telephone box.

In June Royan hosts Le Reve d’Icare (a fair and exposition of Helicopters, lasting for a week), and the Fete de la Musique, a music festival covering many genres and at a variety of venues around the town.

For 3 nights in July, the beach at Royan is transformed into a giant concert venue, where a collection of great classical musicians (85 in the orchestra) perform at ‘Un Violon Sur le Sable’ (a violin on the sand).  Each night attracts up to 40,000 people, to see orchestral and solo performances ending in a spectacular fireworks display.

Royan France Economy

Largest companies operating in Royan are STE Distribution Royannaise (goods distribution) and the water utility Eaux de Royan.  However, the economy in Royan is largely geared towards tourism and commerce.  Royan is part of the Saintonge Maritime economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 11.4%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Facilities In Royan France – Tourist Information

As you would expect from a town of this size most amenities are available including supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and a cinema.

Education In Royan France 

There are 5 state nursery schools, 5 state primary schools, and 2 state secondary schools.  There are private options available at both primary and secondary level.  The town has 3 colleges (Lycee).

Royan France Key Stats

Whilst the majority of the properties in Royan are main residences 51.6%, a large proportion (41.8%) are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (43.2% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (37.1% vs 18.2%).  15.5% of the local population is under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (44.5% vs 55.5%).

Key Facilities and Services In Royan France

Poitiers Region in France Geography and Transport

Poitiers is both the administrative capital of the Poitou Charentes Region and the Vienne department, covering a communal area of 42km² and at an altitude of 65m to 144m.  As you’d expect, Poitiers has all of the transport links you would expect for a town this size.  The A10 motorway passes the town, linking it with Saintes in the south (140km) and with Tours in the north (102km).

Other major routes are the N147 (Limoges -128km), the N149 (Parthenay – 52km), and the RN10 to Angouleme(115km).  The town has a large railway station (Poitiers Gare), which has TGV, TER, and other SNCF services.  Poitiers is a stop on two TGV lines, La Rochelle to Paris Montparnasse (1h40mins), and Bordeaux to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (2h20mins).

To the west of the town is Poitiers Biard airport, offering services to the UK (reduced in winter), as well as holiday charter flights during the summer.  The River Clain passes through the town, and the River Boivre also passes close-by.
See also:  St Benoit, Jaunay Clan

Poitiers Region in France Weather Conditions

The climate in Poitiers is driven by the Atlantic Ocean.  Average summer temperatures are between 23C and 26C (11C to 13C low), and in winter this drops to 8C to 9C (2C to 3C low).

The wettest month is normally October with 54mm, and the driest is March with 26mm.  Poitiers is part of a zone that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism In Poitiers Region in France

Poitiers is a historic town that has many impressive buildings and monuments.  The most important is the Eglise St Hilaire le Grand, a 12th-century church, a stopping-off point for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela, the site is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.  The Notre Dame de la Grande is also a 12th-century church, situated opposite the tourism office in the center of town, with its detailed Romanesque facade.

Each night during summer the Polychromies lights up the facade of the church with accompanying music after sunset.  The Baptistere St Jeanis claimed to be the oldest Christian building in France (circa 360AD), and nearby to this is the Gothic Cathedrale St Pierre.

Le Musee Saint Croix exhibits archaeological artifacts, and the Musee Rupert de Chievres hosts a collection of ornaments and furniture from the 17^th to 19^th century and a collection of 16^th and 17th-century paintings.

The town has set out three separate tours to help visitors see the key sites, these are marked out be colored lines painted on the streets.  Each route takes around 1h30mins, the blue, yellow and red tours take you on an often hilly but interesting tour of the town.  There are numerous parks and gardens in and around Poitiers, such as the Jardin aux Insectes, Jardin des Sens, and the Parc Floral de la Roseraie, with 465 varieties of roses.

The Parc de Blossac is a 9ha 18th-century park, with landscaped gardens, grotto, a small zoo, and rock garden.  There are botanical and rose gardens, and play areas for the children.  At Biard, the Grottes de la Noree is the only natural caves open to the public in the Vienne department, with 150m of chambers to explore.  The site is an important refuge for bats.  The town has a huge program of social and cultural events throughout the year.

Nearby at Jaunay Clan, is the hi-tech Parc Futuroscope, the regions flagship attraction exploring the possibilities of multi-media and the moving image.

Poitiers Region in France Facilities

Poitiers is a young and vibrant university town and has a huge range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, with excellent shopping facilities both in the town center and the surrounding areas, where there are a number of malls and industrial parks.

There are many sporting facilities here, with the Rugby, Handball and Volleyball teams playing at a high level.  There are good facilities for tennis, and the Centre Aquatique de la Pepiniere has a number of pools, spas, waterfalls, and a 76m water slide.  The population of greater Poitiers is around 120,000, and there are further facilities all around the town itself.  There is an ice rink, ten pin bowling, and a golf course along at Mignaloux Beauvoir.  Along at St Cyr is a large leisure lake with water sports.

Poitiers has a huge University Hospital (CHU) and has recently invested in a new Biopole, new facilities and support networks aimed at supporting biotechnology research, and helping bio-entrepreneurs in developing companies in cutting edge areas of science.

Poitiers Region in France Economy

Poitiers is part of the economic zone with the same name which has an unemployment rate of 7.9%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Whilst the University Hospital and the regional and departmental administration are easily the biggest employers in the town, biggest companies include Rocade Distribution (Leclerc) with 455 employees, Sorgieres (electric and gas) with 331 employees, SCAP (Chrysler and Peugeot) with 296 employees, and SEFI (industrial supplier) with 241 employees.

Education In Poitiers Region in France And The University of Poitiers France

Poitiers has 22 state nursery school (plus 6 private), 19 primary schools (plus 7 private), 8 secondary schools (College) (plus 3 private), and 10 colleges (Lycee) (plus 4 private).

The town also hosts the University of Poitiers France, established in 1431, and at the heart of higher education in Poitou Charentes.

Poitiers Region in France Key Stats

88.5% of properties here are classed as primary residences, with 2.1% classed as second homes.  There are more females as males resident here (54.7% vs 45.3%). There are fewer people aged 60 or over than the national average (17.6% vs 21.3%), and there are also fewer retired people here (14.9% vs 18.2%).  19.7% of the population is below the age of 19.

Key Facilities and Services In Poitiers Region in France

Nanteuil en Vallee Geography  and Transport

Nanteuil en Vallee is a small town (commune area of 68.85km²) situated in the north of the Charente department, 11km east of Ruffec (altitude 82m to 218m).  The town is on the D740 that links it with both Champagne Mouton (East) and Ruffec (West), the latter of which provides access to the RN10, providing a link with both Angouleme and Poitiers.  There is no rail link here, but the connection at Ruffec provides access to both the TER regional railway, and the TGV (with access to Paris in around 2h30mins).  The nearest airport is at Angouleme (49km).

Weather in Nanteuil en Vallee France

The weather averages show that Nanteuil en Vallee receives summer temperatures average 24C to 27C (13C to 15C night), and winter temperatures are between 9C to 11C (3C to 4C night).  Driest months are March, July, and August (32mm), while the wettest months are October and November (57 to 59mm).  Spring and autumn temperatures here can be warm (19C to 23C).  Nanteuil en Valle is part of a zone which receives between 1750 and 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism In Nanteuil en Vallee – France

Nanteuil en Vallee is famous for its Abbey (Notre Dame de Nanteuil) which was founded in around 780AD.  Other registered historic sites include the Parish Church of Saint Jean Baptiste, and the nearby manor house of d’Aizecq.  The town has a beautiful garden called l’Arboretum, on the bank of the River Argent-Or, complete with water features.  There are other activities along at Ruffec such as angling, kayaking and picturesque walks and cycling.  The pretty village of Verteuil-sur-Charente is nearby, and a little further is the leisure lake and beach at Villefagnan.

Nanteuil en Vallee – France Economy

Nanteuil en Vallee is part of the Haute Charente economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 7%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Facilities In Nanteuil en Vallee – France

Nanteuil en Vallee has some amenities, however for other facilities including supermarkets and a swimming pool you will need to travel to Ruffec.

Education In Nanteuil en Vallee – France

There is a primary school here, and further away at Champagne Mouton are state school options at nursery, primary and secondary school levels.  The nearest college (Lycee) is at Ruffec (11km).

Nanteuil en Vallee – France Key Stats

There are more females than males in Ruffec (50.3% vs 49.7%) and the percentage of people below the age of 19 is below the national average (20% vs 24.6%).  There are more retired people resident here than the national average (31.9% vs 21.3%), and this is reflected in the age profile of the population, with 38.4% being aged 60 or over (against a national average of 21.3%).  66.6% of properties here are classed as main homes, with a huge 22.4% of homes classed as secondary residences.

Key Facilities and Services In Nanteuil en Vallee – France

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Melle, Deux Sevres France Geography and Transport Links

Melle is a small town (commune area 9.76km²) southeast of Niort in the Deux Sevres department of Poitou Charentes.  It is by-passed by the D948 which links to Niort and Civray (and the RN10).  The A10 Motorway can be reached towards Niort, and carries traffic between Saintes (97km) and Poitiers (59km).  The nearest commercial airport is Poitiers Biard (58km) for seasonal services to the UK, and Angouleme-Cognac airport presents another option at 61km away.  The La Beronne River passes the town to the west.

Melle, Deux Sevres France Climate

The weather here is driven by the Atlantic Ocean and is therefore temperate year-round.  Average summer temperatures are 24C to 27C (13C to 15C low), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (3C to 4C low).  Wettest months are Oct, Nov, and Dec (94mm), whilst June is the driest month with 39mm.  Melle is within an area that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism In Melle, Deux Sevres France

Melle is a medieval town with a number of important and ancient buildings and is home to the oldest silver mine in Europe.  Les Mines d’Argent de Rois Francs was for a time used as the French Mint and was active between 602 and 995AD.  This is the biggest tourist draw in the town and offers a museum and guided tours.  The town has a notable architecture in its three Romanesque style churches, Saint Pierre, Saint Savinien, and St Hilaire.  Saint Hilaire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the Routes to Santiago de Compostella.

The Arboretum is a 6km walk (Chemin de la Decouverte) lined with around 1000 species of trees, and 100 species of roses and the Carolingian Garden next to the silver mine is a botanical garden with over 100 forgotten plants.  In a joint project with Celles Sur Belle, the town converted an old railway into a pathway between the two towns.  The Chemin Blanc is a 9km picturesque trail for walking or cycling.  Every year the town hosts Le Concours-Exposition d’Avril, an art competition held during the month of April, with art and craft sales.  In July, there is a Jazz Festival offering free concerts and events.

Facilities In Melle, Deux Sevres France

The town has plenty of commerce on offer, from boutiques and shops to larger supermarkets and other enterprises.  There are a Cinema and Media Center, indoor and outdoor swimming facilities, a tennis center and a variety of sports halls that cater to the numerous clubs and associations around the town.  Melle offers municipal camping and caters for motor homes.  There is also a music school sited in the town.

Melle, Deux Sevres France Economy

Melle is part of the Sud Deux Sevres economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 7.1%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Education In Melle, Deux Sevres France

There are 2 state nurseries (plus 1 private), 2 state primary schools (plus 1 private) and 1 secondary school (plus 1 private).  There is a college (lycee), and 2 agricultural colleges.

Melle, Deux Sevres France Key Stats

Most of the properties in Melle are main residences 90.9%, and 4.1% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (29.9% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (25.4% vs 18.2%).  21.6% of the local population is under 19.  There are fewer females than males resident here (47.4% vs 52.6%).

Key Facilities and Services In Melle, Deux Sevres France

Montmorillon, Vienne, France

Montmorillon, Vienne, France Geography and Transport Links

Montmorillon is a Medieval town situated in the South-Eastern corner of the Vienne Department (commune area 57km²), close to the borders with Haute Vienne (Limousin) and Indre (Centre), at an altitude from 82m to 168m.  It is close to the RN147 that runs between the Regional Capital Poitiers and Limoges.  There is a regional rail link here, and further services (such as the TGV) can be reached through Poitiers Gare (45mins).  The picturesque Gartempe River runs through the town.  The nearest commercial airport is at Poitiers Biard (60km) with seasonal flights to the UK.  Limoges Bellegarde airport is also an option (82km) with a wider range of year-round services.
See also: Lathus-St Remy

Montmorillon, Vienne, France Climate

The weather here is maritime, and therefore temperate with clearly defined seasons.  Average Summer temperatures are between 23C to 26C (11C-13C night), and in Winter this drops to 8C to 9C (2C night).  As with much of Poitou Charentes, the Autumn can be warm, with average temperatures in Sept of 22C and Oct 17C.  However, October and November are usually the wettest months.  Montmorillon is within an area that receives between 1750 and 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism In Montmorillon, Vienne, France

Known as the Cite de l’Ecrit [City of Writing], Montmorillon prides itself as a ‘book town’ and hosts a bi-annual Selon du Livre [Book Festival].  The old Brouard quarter of the town was restored in 2000, and the medieval buildings let out to booksellers, craftsmen, artists and experts in ancient books.  A key historical site to visit is La Maison Dieu, an 11^th Century Hospital Monastery including  Chapelle Saint-Laurent and L’Octagone the 12^th Century funerary crypt.  Nearby at Lathus, the Centre du Plein Air offers fishing, kayaking, horse riding, and orienteering.  Also close by is the L’Isle aux Serpents [Snakes Island], the Val de Vienne racing circuit.  The town is home to the macaroon biscuit [with almonds), and there are a museum and shop dedicated to the subject at the Rannou-Metivier House.   There is a huge market at nearby Les Herolles on the 29^th of each month.

Montmorillon, Vienne, France Economy

Montmorillon is part of the Montmorillon economic zone, which has an unemployment rate of 6.7%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).  The biggest businesses in Montmorillon are SUVIGA (Hyper U supermarkets) and COVIMO (abbatoir).

Montmorillon, Vienne, France Facilities

The town has an indoor swimming pool, and other facilities include tennis and gymnastics.  The local football club (UESM) has teams for all ages (6+ to Veterans).  Not far away at Lathus is a large equestrian center, and at Civaux is an aquatic center.  There are over 10 restaurants in the town and a Cinema (La Majestic).  The town has 2 libraries, 4 pharmacies and a choice of over 9 Doctors.

Education In Montmorillon, Vienne, France

There is a choice of 3 state Nursery/Primary schools, 1 state High School (College), and 1 state College (Lycee).  In addition, there is a private option up to High School age, through the Catholic Institution Saint-Martial.  There are a number of options at the Lycée level, with a number of professional (such as agricultural) colleges available.

Montmorillon, Vienne, France Key Stats

84.1% of properties here are classed as primary residences, with 4.4% classed as second homes.  There are more females than males resident here (52.9%), and there are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (28.7% vs 21.3%).  There are more retired people here than against the national average (24.9% vs 18.2%).  22.4% of the population is below the age of 19.

Key Facilities and Services In Montmorillon, Vienne, France

Lathus Saint Remy Geography and Transport

Lathus Saint Remy is a village (commune area 98.28km²) located in the southeastern corner of the Vienne department (altitude 94m to 228m), not far from the border with Indre (Centre) and Haute Vienne (Limousin).  The village is not located on a major route, and the nearest is the N147 which passes to the west carrying traffic between Poitiers (63km) and Limoges (87km).

The village has a TER regional rail link, that connects with Montmorillon and the major station of Poitiers Gare, where there is a TGV connection.  The nearest commercial airport is Limoges Bellegarde (70km), offering year-round flights to the UK, but Poitiers Biard is also an option at 72km.  Lathus Saint Remy is close to the Gartempe River.

Weather In Lathus Saint Remy

The climate here is maritime, and therefore temperate with clearly defined seasons.  Average Summer temperatures are between 23C to 26C (11C-13C night), and in Winter this drops to 8C to 9C (2C night).  As with much of Poitou Charentes, the Autumn can be warm, with average temperatures in Sept of 22C and Oct 17C.  However, October and November are usually the wettest months.  Lathus Saint Remy is within an area that receives between 1750 and 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism In Lathus Saint Remy

Lathus Saint Remy is home to the Centre de Plein Air, run by a non-profit organization.  The center has a huge range of outdoor activities available across a range of sites around the area.

Les Portes d’Enfer is a climbing facility set in a protected environment which is also home to rare and protected species of plants.  There are canoeing and kayaking on the River Gartempe, and nearby is the centers teaching farm, which focuses on the breeding of local breeds of goats, donkeys, etc.

The center takes in a riding school, a large lake for water sports and sailing, and offers activities as diverse as orienteering, caving, archery and mountain biking, and there is also a circus school sited here.  The center offers residential visits to children of all ages, and there is a camping facility located close to the farm.  One of the departments fishing schools is also based here.

Lathus Saint Remy Facilities

Lathus has basic shopping facilities, and for larger supermarkets, the nearest is at Montmorillon 15km away.

Lathus Saint Remy Economy

Lathus is part of the Montmorillon economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 6.7%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Education In Lathus Saint Remy

There is a state nursery and primary school in Lathus Saint Remy.  The nearest secondary school (College) and college (Lycee) are in Montmorillon (15km).

Lathus Saint Remy Key Stats

73.5% of properties here are classed as primary residences, with 18.3% classed as second homes.  There are more females than males resident here (50.2% vs 49.8%). There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (38.2% vs 21.3%), and there are more retired people here also (29.6% vs 18.2%).  17.3% of the population is below the age of 19.

Key Facilities and Services In Lathus Saint Remy

Le Bois Plage en Re, Ile de Re, Charente Maritime

Le Bois Plage en Re, Ile de Re Geography and Transport

Le Bois-Plage-en-Re is a small seaside town located on the southern side of the Ile de Re, off the Atlantic coast of La Rochelle.  The commune covers an area of 12.18km².  The town sits on the D201 that heads west towards La Couarde Sur Mer.

The island is accessible via a 3km toll bridge (cost from 9 euro to 16.50 return) from La Rochelle, and there are motorways towards Niort (N11) and Rochefort (N137).  Ile de Re can still be reached by boat, with the company Inter-Iles from the old port in La Rochelle, and also from a new facility (2008) at La Tranche Sur Mer (Vendee).  Timetables can vary in both days and times of travel depending on the season.

There is no rail link from the island, but La Rochelle does provide access to both regional rail (TER) and the TGV, which links with Paris (Montparnasse) in a shade over 3 hours.  The nearest airport is La Rochelle, and this offers flights to a variety of UK destinations with the major budget carriers.

Le Bois Plage en Re, Ile de Re Climate

The climate here is mild courtesy of the position of the village on the Atlantic coast.  This has the effect of keeping summer temperatures warm (but not excessively hot) whilst keeping winters mild.  Average summer temperatures are between 22C and 24C (14C to 17C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (4C to 5C night).

Spring and Autumn can be warm with May averaging 19C (12C), and September 22C (14C).  Wettest months are Oct and Nov with 65mm and 62mm respectively, and the driest months are June and Aug with 24mm and 29mm respectively.  This part of Charente Maritime receives over 2000 hours of sunshine annually.

Tourism And Camping In Le Bois Plage en Re, Ile de Re

There are a number of beaches to choose from along the 5km of coastline here, with conditions ideal for water sports.  The beaches are gently shelving and bordered by pine forests, and two of them are manned by lifeguards in the peak season.

On offer are swimming, windsurfing, surfing, cycle tracks, and fishing.  For local produce, the local winemakers cooperative offers tasting and sales of cognacs, and sparkling and still wines produced on the island.  Also on offer at the Cooperative Maraichere are the local potatoes (Appellation Origin Controlee – AOC), available during May and June.

Le Bois Plage en Re, Ile de Re Facilities

There is a daily market during summer (9am to 1pm) and out of season, this is restricted to Wed, Thu, Sat, and Sun.  This is said to be the biggest market on the island.  There is municipal camping here, and other local facilities and clubs include the Islands handball and tennis clubs, and there are other sports available such as badminton, boxing, dance, football, gymnastics, and volleyball.

Le Bois Plage en Re, Ile de Re Economy

The biggest business in Le Bois Plage is SDRM who sell plumbing and heating equipment.  However, local produce, commerce, and construction constitute the biggest part of the economy. The town is part of the La Rochelle economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 9.8%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Education In Le Bois Plage en Re, Ile de Re

There is one state nursery school and primary school in Le Bois Plage.  The nearest secondary school is at St Martin de Re (4 km).  For colleges (Lycee) level there are options at La Rochelle.

Le Bois Plage en Re, Ile de Re – Key Stats

Just 41% of homes here are main homes, with 53.7% of properties are classed as second homes. There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (29.9% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (27.4% vs 18.2%).  21.5% of the local population is under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (48.9% vs 51.1%).  Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Ile de Re during peak times, but the population of the whole island is normally around 16,500.

Key Facilities and Services In Le Bois Plage en Re, Ile de Re

La Rochelle France Geography and Transport

La Rochelle is the capital city of the Charente Maritime, located in the northwestern corner of the department.  The commune covers an area of 28.43km2.  By road, access is good with the N137 motorway connecting the city with Rochefort, and the N11 taking traffic north east towards Niort and beyond.  The city has a thriving airport, offering routes to a number of UK destinations, with a variety of different budget airlines.  The TGV is built in the area (Aytre), and so it’s no surprise that the city has a TGV connection which can have you in Paris in just over 3 hours.  La Rochelle is a port town, and there are boat services to the islands of Re, Oleron, and Aix from the old port.  Commercial and fishing activities are run from the port at La Pallice.  There is also a huge yachting marina situates at Les Minimes.

La Rochelle France Weather

The climate here is driven by the gulf stream, and therefore summers are warm (but not excessively hot) and winters are temperate.  Average summer temperatures are between 22C to 25C (14C to 17C night), and that drops to 9C to 10C in winter (4C to 5C night).  Wettest months here are October and November (62-65mm) and the driest June and August with 24mm and 29mm respectively. Late spring and early autumn can also be warm.  La Rochelle is within an area that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism In France La Rochelle, Charente Maritime

La Rochelle originally existed as a village of farmers and salt-makers but became a port during the 12^th century.  The phrase ‘La Rochelle, Belle at Rebelle’ (a beauty and a rebel) refers to its conversion to Protestantism at a time when the whole of France was Catholic.  Cardinal Richelieu and Louis XIII famously laid siege to the town in 1627/8 for 14 months, with 22,000 from a population of 27,000 dying from starvation and disease.  The port became a departure point for Canada (Nouvelle France), and also played its part in the slave trade.  During WW2, La Rochelle was a German stronghold and was home to a submarine naval base (at La Pallice).

France La Rochelle, Charente Maritime

La Rochelle is the third most visited city in France, with an estimated 3m visitors a year.  The fortified harbor of the Vieux Port offers a variety of restaurants and cafes and is surrounded by handsome 18th-century streets.  There are beaches nearby at Plage de la Concurrence and Plage des Minimes, and a little further away is the large beach at Chatelaillon Plage.  The beaches on the Ile de Re are also easily accessible via a 3km road bridge.

• La Rochelle Aquarium

Les Minimes is the largest marina in Europe (for pleasure boats), and close to here is the famous (and large) aquarium, featuring a 1.5m liter shark tank.

Region La Rochelle

Courtesy of some brave decisions in the 1970s, the town is now largely traffic free, being at the vanguard of green transport.  The Velos Jaunes (yellow bikes) are provided by the town and can be used free of charge for up to 2 hours.

A popular attraction is the Musee Automate and the Musee Models Reduite which are situated beside each other on La Rue Desiree.  Here you can view around 300 robots, a model naval battle, and a moving model railway.

As you’d expect, there are many events and spectacles throughout the year here.  The largest and most famous is the Francofolies, which is a music festival and celebration of French music and songs.  Concerts are held at various venues across the city for 6 days during July.

Also during July (14^th) is Bastille Day, with food markets, live music, and after dark, there are fireworks at the old port.  Grand Pavois is an international nautical exhibition held at the Salon Nautique in the Port des Minimes every September, with over 600 exhibitors.

October hosts ‘Jazz between the two towers’, a vibrant jazz festival covering 30 venues and 120 musicians over 9 days.  In November, the La Rochelle Marathon takes place, with 5000 competitors this is the most important marathon after Paris and Medoc.  In May, ‘Cavalcade’ is 2 days of fanfare, parades, and music in the streets, with the highlight being a night parade with floats.

France La Rochelle, Charente Maritime Facilities

La Rochelle has a huge variety of shops and restaurants, including a two Michelin-starred restaurant Richard and Christopher Coutanceau, at the Plage de la Concurrence.  The key sports in the city are Rugby and Sailing.  The local Rugby team Atlantique Stade Rochelaise plays in the 2^nd tier of French rugby, Pro division 2.

France La Rochelle, Charente Maritime Economy

Whilst Alstom down at Aytre is a big employer here, key enterprises in the town are JCMI (Car Dealers), Rhodia (Chemical Group), LARA (Peugeot Dealers) and Delphi (fuel injection systems).  Also present is Dufour Yachts (manufacture of pleasure craft).   La Rochelle is part of the economic zone with the same name which has an unemployment rate of 9.8%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).

Education In France La Rochelle, Charente Maritime

There are 23 state nurseries (plus 1 Private), 22 state primary schools (plus 1 private) and 6 secondary schools (plus 2 private).  There is a choice of 10 colleges (plus 2 Private) and a University.

France La Rochelle, Charente Maritime Key Stats

Most of the properties in La Rochelle are main residences 87.2%, and 5.9% of properties are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (24.1% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (20.5% vs 18.2%).  21.2% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (46.6% vs 53.4%).

Key Facilities and Services In France La Rochelle, Charente Maritime

Aquarium de La Rochelle Description:

Located at the heart of the town and inaugurated in 2001. Come for a two-hour journey into the deep seas. Encounter some 10000 creatures from the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Tropics…in 3 million liters of seawater. Free exhibitions in the entrance hall and activities for children during school holidays. Certified “Tourisme et Handicap”.

Restaurant with panoramic view on the second floor. New tanks and new scents: a new rich aquarium! Discover the mangrove, a swamp typical of coastlines in tropical areas and a habitat for flora and fauna: the touloulous (a kind of crab) hide in the rocks and under the red mangroves…Now before the shark tank, an aquarium is dedicated to coral reproduction.

End the tour in the tropical greenhouse for a walk along the scented trail: Benjamin, vanilla plant and cinnamon tree. And for children, the brochure contains lots of riddles to solve during the visit!

The Aquarium de La Rochelle is open every day of the year:

– October to March: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

– April to June and September: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

– July and August: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm

Aquarium de La Rochelle Tariffs:

Regular visit

Adult: 13 €
• 3 to 17 years (and students with student card): 10 €
• Under 3 years: free

Narrated visit (with audio guide)
• Adult: 16,50 €
• 3 to 17 years: 13,50 €

Audio guides are very simple to use and work at your own pace. Full of fascinating facts and strange stories about the marine creatures you meet, audio guides are suited to all ages. Available in French, English, German and Spanish.

Aquarium de La Rochelle France Address

Quai Louis Prunier –
BP4 – 17002 La Rochelle CEDEX 1
Tel: 05 46 34 00 00 – Fax: 05 46 45 35 71

Galerie Rochelaise Address:

36, Quai Duperré

Phone : 05 46 41 61 50 – Fax : 05 46 07 73 07

Galerie Rochelaise DAYS AND OPENING HOURS

1^st June to 30^th September

10am – 12 noon

2pm to 5pm

VISIT IS FREE OF CHARGE.