Things To Do...
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There's loads to do in and around the Charente Maritime. The glorious beaches, idyllic towns with their regional produce, to children's entertainment and tourist attractions - the Charente-Maritime has something for everyone. Below is a selection of some of the activities we have enjoyed as a family.
Le Chateau des Enigmes www.chateau-enigmes.com
Situated in Pons, this is great family afternoon out. Within the grounds of the castle, young and old alike solve puzzles and play games with the ultimate result of setting free Pirate Willy. This is a great way to spend 3 hours. Our kids (10 & 7), loved every minute - and so did we. Take a picnic though, the grounds are a wonderful backdrop for a lunchtime visit. Great for English too, we found that all the staff we met speak English - and the games have English translations.
Les Antilles de Jonzac www.lesantillesdejonzac.com
Situated in Jonzac, this is an indoor/outdoor pool. There are 3 areas to this pool complex. Inside includes a man-made 'beach', the pool has a wave machine and otehr attractions - there is also an outside area open in the summer. For additional payment you can enter the warm pool, with relaxing therma waters - great for all the family.
Escape Castle http://www.escape-game-17.com/#_=_
Kids are desperate to go here - but we ran out of time this year. Will update next year when we get there! It seems that you need to book early though - it seems to get booked quite quickly.
Indian Forest Adventure http://www.indianforest17.fr
170 games over 14 courses/activities for a 3 hours of family fun! This is a "climb in the trees" adventure. Our kids had a great time here - there's also alot of shady cover under the trees! All instructors speak English and it was really well organised and extremely safe.
Talmont Sur Girond http://www.talmont-sur-gironde.fr/
Talmont is the most wonderful village - full of boutique shops and ice-cream parlours, hosting magnificent views across the estuary. The village lies about 15 km (9.3 mi) south of Royan, on a small promontory which dominates the Gironde estuary. It appears to be ‘perched’ on this rocky outcrop, in the way that it occupies every square millimetre of space. We have whiled away many hours here - just taking in the atmosphere and stopping for a coffee!
Family Fun Park https://www.familyfunpark.fr/
Bowling, trampolines, climbing laser quest and good food. This is great for a rainy day or when you just want to tire the kids out - set them loose on the trampoline and sit quietly with a cup of coffee. Our kids love it here. The french tend to join activities in the late afternoon/evening - so our advice is go along just after lunch and then book in activities if you plan to stay later. Also, for a kids entertainment place, we found the food surprisingly good and value for money.
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Jonzac: market Tuesday & Saturday
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Pons: market Wednesday and Saturday
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Montendre: market Thursday
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Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire: market Tuesday & Friday & Saturday
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Cognac market Tuesday & Friday
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Jarnac: market every day except Monday
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Cozes: market Wednesday
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Cavignac: market Thursday
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Blaye: market Wednesday & Saturday
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Houses: Monday market
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Saujon: market every day except Monday and Friday
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Meschers-sur-Gironde: market Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - seasonal market only
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Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire: market Tuesday & Saturday & Friday
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Saint Georges de Didonne: market all days exc. Thursday - seasonal market only
Markets are a popular way of shopping in France - and there are many. In summer you will find touristic night markets in many of the towns - and during the day markets are full of fabulous local produce and artefacts, not forgetting the Brocante's which pop up often.... Below is a list of the daily markets which we have found - however this list is not necessarily correct all year round and it would be worth checking with the local tourist offices for more detailed information.