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....

Futuroscope  Worth a visit.
Location: From the A10 autoroute take exit number 28 and this road leads directly to the park, or from the N10 take the exit signposted Futuroscope (between Poitiers and Châtellerault).
General Info: Open in 2007 from 10th Feb – 11th November, then weekends only until 22nd December - 6th January. Prices for one day - €33 adults and €24 5-16 year olds.  Tel: 05 49 49 11 12 or refer to their website for further info.
Description: The concept of the Futuroscope theme park has been developed around the moving image.  Over 2 million people a year visit to enjoy 3D cinemas, virtual reality simulator rides and the latest in communications technology.  There are evening shows (with only a few exceptions) on all days when the park is open.
Our recommendations: Entrance is rather expensive although if you compare it, for example, to EuroDisney then it is quite reasonable.  So make sure you spend a day there to get maximum value for money!
For the children: Futuroscope is made for them, especially good for the over 8s - they will have a great day out here - allow plenty of time to see all the exhibitions and get the best value for money.  Alternatively, the whole complex is vast incorporating many hotels so you can stay overnight or longer. Take advantage of special packages as shown on the website.  Not very interesting for toddlers though.

           - Aquarium at La Rochelle
           - Aqualand theme park
           - Atlantic Toboggan
           - Château des Enigmes
           - Futuroscope
           - Ile de Ré
           - Le Dune du Pilat
           - Le Marais Poitévin
           - Le Puy du Fou
           - Tepacap
           - Zoo de la Palmyre

If you're staying in the north of this region, consider a trip to the Loire or  Brittany, if you're in the Gironde area then the Dordogne is within reach.

External websites offering information on the Vendee and Charente Maritime:

- Poitou Charente Vacances
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

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

- If you are booking ahead and combining with accommodation then groups of 8 or more can get a €4 discount on an adult ticket and 2 on a children's ticket.  See the Futuroscope website for more information.
- If you have a "carte famille nombreuse" you may be entitled to a discount - we know people that got a "famille nombreuse" discount without even having the card, so it's worth asking for it.  They can only say "no"!  The "carte famille nombreuse" can be purchased from railway ticket offices and allows reduced price train travel as well as discounts at many attractions.