1 Look into the future
Futuroscope is a purpose-built family entertainment complex on the outskirts of Poitiers featuring multimedia shows, rides and entertainment on a futuristic theme. With its 3- and 4D screens, interactive experiences, shops and restaurants the theme park caters for people of all ages. Constructed in the 1980s, it has helped boost the region’s tourist industry.

2 Go island-hopping
The well-connected islands of Oloron and Re are easily accessed from the mainland by road bridges. Each with its own network of cycle-ways, both lend themselves to exploration by bike being fairly flat. Allow at least a day for getting around the sights of the much larger Oloron. These include the island capital – Le Chateau d’Oloron with its charming market – and Chassiron lighthouse at the north-western extremity. Attractions on Re include its chic capital St Martin and La Flotte. Both have lovely beaches and picturesque cottages, with hollyhocks blooming everywhere in season.

3 Sample the seafood
Watch as the catch of the day is sold on at Royan fish auction (criee), then stroll out along the quay at the neighbouring Port de Meschers, sampling the oysters for which this stretch of coast is famed at one of the many colourful stalls lining the route.

4 Visit the zoo
The zoo at La Palmyre, near Royan, claims to be one of the top zoos in France with a reputation for conservation. Established in 1966, the zoo specialises in primates and is involved with projects to protect a wide range of endangered species across the globe. Its research and education programmes contribute to this work. La Palmyre is home to 1,600 animals and welcomes 700,000 visitors a year.

5 Enjoy a punt
Discover the wildlife of the Marais Poitevin wetlands from a traditional, flat-bottomed boat. Visitors can choose to be punted around this delightful network of waterways by a guide using a long pole; alternatively a small boat or canoe can be hired. The town of Coulon is the capital of this watery world. Here, the Maison de Marais Mouilles houses a museum dedicated to the history of this fascinating area.

6 Admire the view
The old port of La Rochelle, with its twin towers guarding a bustling harbour, is a popular tourist attraction. Here, you can climb the Tour de la Lanterne to admire the view, visit museums, view the aquarium or simply soak up the atmosphere of the Vieux Port with its many shops and restaurants. Nearby is the two-mile road bridge connecting the Ile de Re with the mainland.

7 View the oyster beds
Unveil the mysteries of oyster farming at La Cite de l’Huitre in Marennes. The Marennes-Oloron basin is renowned for this delicacy, producing high-quality oysters which are sent all over France and beyond. From the top of the town’s church spire, the views over the surrounding oyster beds and associated landscape are breathtaking. To climb the 289 steps of Eglise Saint-Pierre de Sales, enquire at the town’s Tourist Information office.

8 Monkey around
At La Vallee des Singes, the monkeys and apes are free to roam in natural surroundings while visitors can enjoy their antics, with feeding times a highlight. This popular visitor attraction is located in Romagne, of the N10 road south of Poitiers.

9 Tour Cognac country
Discover the secrets of making fine cognac on a guided visit to producers in the rolling countryside of the southern Charente. Taking its name from the town of Cognac, this type of brandy is produced from wine grown in the Bordeaux area which is distilled and aged in oak barrels. Tours can be booked at local tourist offices.

10 See the light
No trip to the coast would be complete without visiting a lighthouse to experience the rigours of a keeper’s life. The offshore islands of Oloron and Re each have these towering sentinels at their tips; Chassiron (Oloron) and the Phare des Baleines (Re) are open to the public and offer panoramic views. The ocean-bound lighthouse of Cordouan, located on a sandbank in the Gironde estuary, is accessible by boat from Royan and Le Verdon and makes for a particularly fascinating trip.