Charente Vendee Attractions  This area of France has a rich variety of attractions for the holidaymaker.  Of course the miles of sandy beaches draw the crowds year after year, but there are some delightful towns and villages as well, plus vineyards aplenty with the added benefit of the home of Cognac and the local speciality Pineau. Also you will find splendid theme parks such as le Puy du Fou or Futuroscope, as well as idyllic islands, fascinating geographical features....

Château des Enigmes

Location: A few hundred metres south of D732, on a very minor road (D249) on the southern edge of Pons. Pons is junction 36 of A10. Signposting is not brilliant.
General Information: Website. Château d’Usson, Route de Fléac, 17800, Pons 0(5) 46 91 09 19. Cost for adults €13 and children aged 4-12 €10. Under 4s free of charge.
Description: This is primarily an outdoor Treasure Hunt with a theme that changes each year (2011 is "The Three Musketeers"). 20 games with questions/problems to solve takes the ‘players’ around the park and gardens of the Château, as well as underground in the château itself. An English version of the clues is available and English speaking staff are on hand should the need arise. Answers are self-checked at the end using a computer and if the final puzzle is solved then certificates are awarded.
Our recommendations: Great fun with most of the action taking place outdoors, so come prepared with hats etc… in hot weather.  We are aware of another Chateau in Alsace that offers a similar concept although we haven't personally visited that one.
For the children:  Children will love it – older ones can go off on their own as it is a secure site.

        - Aquarium at La Rochelle
        - Aqualand theme park
        - Atlantic Toboggan
        - Château des Enigmes
        - Futuroscope
        - Indian Forest
        - Ile de Ré
        - Labyrinthe Vegetal
        - Le Chateau des Aventuriers
        - Le Dune du Pilat
        - Le Marais Poitévin
        - Le Puy du Fou
        - Oceanile
        - Tepacap
        - Vallée des Singes
        - Zoo de la Palmyre

Stay in a Tree House at the Château des Enigmes:

Have you ever dreamed about sleeping in a tree house ? It is now possible in Pons (Charente-Maritime) in the park of the Chateau des Enigmes.  Four tree-houses are waiting for you to come and spend an atypical night in those original accommodations. Two “special for couple” tree houses are the perfect place to spend a moment alone with your lover. Two “special for families” tree houses are also available. Your children will be exited to know that after the Chateau des Enigmes’ treasure hunt, they can spend a night in a tree-house !  The tree houses are ecological accommodations. They don’t have water or electricity but you have at your disposal composting toilets.

Find out more on: www.sur-un-arbre-perche.com.

External websites offering information on the Vendee and Charente Maritime:

- Holidays France Atlantic Website
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

     - Top Attractions in Charente / Vendee
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France