OVERVIEW

Revel in the serenity and natural beauty of the Ile de Ré, a lengthy but narrow island known for its beautiful coastline, succulent oysters and sophisticated capital of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. While crossing the two-mile bridge that links the island with La Rochelle, you will notice that the Ile de Ré is low-lying and wonderfully undeveloped. As you will discover, pine forests and vineyards, especially along the northern shore, are abundant. Even so, the highlight may well be Saint-Martin-de-Ré, which you will explore on a guided walk and on your own. The 17th-century, star-shaped fortification there earned a UNESCO World Heritage site designation and is remarkably preserved because it was never attacked. Many of the other buildings around the harbor are from same time period and have also changed little. While meandering through the atmospheric streets, you might browse the high-end shops and take in the gorgeous views from atop the church’s iconic bell tower.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a panoramic drive past the salt marshes and vineyards that blanket bucolic Ile de Ré.
• See the ramparts of a 17th-century fort that UNESCO deemed a World Heritage site.
• Spend free time as you please in the island’s elegant capital, Saint-Martin-de-Ré.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the beguiling town of La Rochelle’s picture-postcard harbor, medieval fortifications and pristine Renaissance heritage during this illuminating walking tour. Set off on a scenic drive along La Rochelle’s waterfront, viewing the elegant gardens of Le Mail and two of the Old Port’s magnificent towers, Tour de la Chaîne and Tour Saint-Nicolas. Learn these astonishing fortified landmarks were erected in the 14th century to safely close off the harbor at night. Begin your guided walking tour of the Old Quarter at the soaring Great Clock Tower, making your way down cobbled streets spanned by medieval arcades that once sheltered 16th-century craftsmen. Marvel at quaint Renaissance half-timbered houses, the splendid 18th-century Hôtel de la Bourse, the Corinthian façade of the Law Courts and the 1555 Henry II House. You’ll revel in the impressive Town Hall, which features a Renaissance lodge in the courtyard and a monumental staircase. After your walking tour, enjoy time at your leisure to stroll the narrow, atmospheric streets. Returning on your coach, you’ll pass a former WWII submarine base and beautiful gardens established on the city’s ancient ramparts, reminders that enthralling La Rochelle’s gifts are countless.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Admire the 14th-century fortress-like towers bracketing La Rochelle’s port.
• Study the outstanding Great Clock Tower as you embark on a walking tour of the city’s Old Quarter.
• Roam evocative arcaded streets lined with Renaissance workshops.
• See grand public buildings and half-timbered residences straight from a French fairy tale.
• View lovely gardens and a submarine base from WWII during the coach portions of your tour.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Revel in a visit to quaint Île de Ré and explore the coastal city of La Rochelle on this approximately two-hour panoramic coach tour with time on your own. Travel to Île de Ré, a picturesque island connected to the mainland by an elegantly constructed, arc-shaped bridge that is nearly two miles long. You’ll delve into the idyllic charm of the island, which includes expansive beaches, maritime pine forests and quintessentially French villages. View the southern coast towns of La Couarde-sur-Mer and Le Bois-Plage, and enjoy time at your leisure to stroll in the beautiful village of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. After departing Île de Ré, experience the historical heart of La Rochelle. Among its many notable sights, admire the Old Port’s three stunning towers, Tour de la Lanterne, Tour de la Chaîne and Tour Saint-Nicolas. You’ll pass the remarkable Town Hall, the superb Great Clock Tower and the city’s elegant cathedral. From its intimate island villages to its magnificent public buildings, revel in the irresistible allure of the Charentes-Maritimes region.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Traverse a feat of engineering, the nearly two-mile-long bridge to scenic Île de Ré.
• Drive through marvelous beachfront communities on the pine-tree-blanketed island.
• Enjoy time on your own in the dazzling fishing village of Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
• Gaze in awe at the three imposing 14th- and 15th-century towers watching over La Rochelle’s port.
• View captivating landmarks including La Rochelle Cathedral and the soaring Great Clock Tower.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Choose the road less traveled and relish an oyster tasting on this journey to the villages of Brouage and Marennes. Relax on a scenic one-hour drive to Brouage, once a port city guarded by a 17th-century fortress that fell into ruin after its harbor silted up and the town suddenly found itself nearly two miles from the sea, deep in the marshes. You’ll discover the area has since been repopulated and the land reclaimed into lush meadows where cattle graze happily. During your approximately one-hour visit, hear wonderful tales held by the city’s ancient walls which tell of Brouage-born Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec, and the love story of Marie Mancini and Louise XIV. Travel to captivating Marennes, a magnet for gourmets thanks to the village’s renowned oyster-farming basin. On your visit to a farm specializing in this delicacy, you’ll observe the fascinating methods employed in growing these coveted mollusks. You’ll savor a tasting of six delectable oysters accompanied with bread, butter and quintessentially French white wine as you celebrate the succulent charms of La Belle France.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Uncover the fascinating history of Brouage, once a port city that is now inland after the sea receded.
• Learn of Brouage’s storied citizens, including Quebec’s founder Samuel de Champlain.
• Visit an oyster producer and see how the mouthwatering mollusks are farmed in the foodie paradise of Marennes.
• Sample six savory oysters paired with local buttered bread and white wine.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Find serenity along the intertwining waterways and marshes of Green Venice, a haven for nature lovers. You’ll board a touring boat for an approximately one-hour journey inside the marshlands of Poitou-Charentes, affectionally called Green Venice. You’ll understand this appellation as you glide beneath arcing trees on a vibrant emerald carpet created by the shimmering layer of duckweed resting on the water’s surface. Experience the outdoors as it might have appeared three centuries ago, perhaps spotting plovers, swans, snipes, pewits and ashen or crimson herons resting along the banks. In complete tranquility, sail through tunnels of ash trees and poplars past verdant fields and tiny hamlets dotting the fabulous landscape, the chirping of birds and gentle parting of the waters the only sounds breaking the calming silence. You’ll disembark in the diminutive village of Coulon, nestled on the bank of the La Sèvre River and a quiet respite from the bustle of larger towns. Relish time at your leisure to stroll and soak in the quaint ambiance of this utterly enchanting corner of glorious France.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Immerse yourself in one of France’s most stirring landscapes, the tranquil waterways known as Green Venice.
• Glide on a boat over green-carpeted waters and under the shade of age-old trees.
• Seek out an array of birds that include graceful swans and dignified ashen or crimson herons.
• Appreciate time on your own to roam the delightfully unspoiled hamlet of Coulon.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore the Roman and medieval treasures of Saintes and the Baron Otard cellars in storied Cognac. Relish a panoramic drive through La Rochelle before settling in for an approximately one-hour journey to Saintes, during which you’ll enjoy scenic views of verdant vineyards and quaint villages. In Saintes, a captivating town situated on the banks of the Charente River, embark on a panoramic & walking tour that showcases the stately Triumphal Arch, the 19th-century Abbaye aux Dames and the Romanesque Saint-Eutrope Church, which features a 12th-century crypt. Appreciate time at your leisure to wander in Saintes before proceeding to Cognac, where you’ll stop in a local restaurant for a relaxing lunch. Rejoice in a tour of the Baron Otard, where you’ll view the cellars and savor the nuances of fine brandy during a special tasting. Hear your enlightening guide detail the grand traditions of Cognac creation, such as the swan’s-neck-shaped alembic stills used to distill the caramel-hued libation. Raise your glass of Baron Otard in a toast to your wonderful day of discovery.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Travel along beautiful byways lined with flourishing vineyards and photogenic villages.
• Tour the classical and Romanesque landmarks of magnificent Saintes.
• Revel in free time to delve further into Saintes’ atmospheric streets and squares.
• Experience the birth of Cognac at Baron Otard cellars during a guided tour.
• Savor a sampling of sublime Cognac crafted with age-old techniques.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.