The region of Poitou-Charentes is located in the far west of central France. 

The capital of Poitou Charente, Poitiers is perched upon high ground, overlooking the juncture of the Clain and Boivre rivers.

The region’s cuisine places great emphasis upon seafood.  You will often find mussels on the menu, marinated in white wine or cooked in heavy cream.  Fish soup with white wine is a favorite, as are escargots prepared in wine.

The region’s most famous product is its brandy that is distilled in Cognac, west of Angoulême.

Towns including La Rochelle are laid out with straight, regular streets.  The remains of its ramparts have been converted into shady promenades and parks. 

Since its modernization, La Rochelle has become one of France’s primary fishing ports. 

The town of Rochefort lies on the right bank of the Charente River. Today, the town’s Marine Hospital, and most of its buildings, date from the 17th and 18th centuries.  The Maison de Pierre Loti houses a museum dedicated to the novelist.  

There is also a city museum of art and history and a naval museum, the Musée de la Marine, that displays replicas of all of the ships built there.  Two specialized technical schools, and an air force base, are located nearby.