12 Must-See Sites in Les Deux Charentes

Explore the best attractions, historic sites and architectural delights Charente and Charente-Maritime have to offer.

1. TRANSPORTER BRIDGE, ROCHEFORT

Glide across the river Victorian- style in this moving platform, hanging by cables from a bridge above it. It was designed to allow large ships to pass. €3.20 for a return trip.

2. AQUARIUM LA ROCHELLE

Founded in 1970, it is one of the largest private aquaria in Europe, home to 12,000 creatures in three million litres of water. Residents include jellyfish, turtles and some very impressive sharks. €17.50 for adults and €12.50 for kids.

3. MUSÉE MARITIME, LA ROCHELLE

Step on board the various boats moored in the Bassin des Chalutiers, including ocean weather ship France I and fishing trawler the Angoumois, for an insight into life on the waves.

4. ARÈNES GALLO- ROMAINES, SAINTES

One of the most stunning Roman amphitheatres in France, this venue dates from 40 AD and was once used for gladiator fights. €4 entry fee, but free for those aged 19 and under.

5. ARC DE GERMANICUS, SAINTES

On the bank of the Charente, this 15m-high Roman triumphal arch was built in 19AD and dedicated to the emperor Tiberius, his son Drusus Julius Caesar and his nephew Germanicus.

6. BANDE DESSINÉE, ANGOULÊME

Famous for its annual comic book festival, Angoulême is home to La Cité internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image, dedicated to the art form with a museum, library, bookshop and cinema.

7. LA PALMYRE ZOO

Open 365 days a year, this zoo in Les Mathes is home to more than 1,600 mammals, birds and reptiles, including lions, hippos, giraffes, chimps, cheetahs, orangutans, leopards, rhinos and elephants. Allow four hours for a visit. €19.

8. BASILIQUE SAINT-EUTROPE, SAINTES

This Romanesque beauty, featuring an 80m-tall Gothic bell tower and one of the largest crypts in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Work on it started in the 11th century.

9. LES LAPIDIALES

“They have given their souls, their sweat, their emotion, their talent,” say the owners of this open-air sculpture park of the 100 or so artists who have carved works into this disused stone quarry near Saintes. Free to visit.

10. ABBAYE DE TRIZAY

Dating back to the 11th century, this Romanesque abbey was restored in 1990, and now boasts stunning modern stained-glass windows. Look out for the frescoes in the monks’ dormitories and the medieval-inspired garden.

11. COGNAC HOUSES

Altogether there are 280 or so Cognac houses in the Charente. Maison Hennessy offers five tours, ranging from €25 to €500 for a four-hour master class plus tasting with hors d’oeuvres by a Michelin-starred chef.

12. TOWERS OF LA ROCHELLE

Part of the medieval fortifications that once protected this city, there are three towers in La Rochelle: Tour Saint-Nicolas, Tour de la Chaîne and Tour de la Lanteme. €9.50 gets you access to all three.

From France Today Magazine