What’s new in Poitiers this spring…

Poitou-Charentes is a diverse region which ranges from the vineyards of Cognac to the beaches on the Atlantic Coast, in the West of France. With mouth-watering gastronomy, interesting history and monuments, new technologies at Futuroscope theme park and picturesque landscape, Poitou-Charentes has the ingredients for a enjoyable trip.

Futuroscope
Eight kilometers from Poitiers and with more than 30 fascinating experiences to choose from, Futuroscope is a leading tourist attraction in the Poitou-Charentes region. Futuroscope, which opened to the public in 1987, today has the most sophisticated technologies available including giant screens, 3D cinemas and cinemas-in-the-round.

From April 2008, Futuroscope is introducing a new experience: “The Future is Wild.” Visitors can join an interactive safari to the future and meet animals that might inhabit our planet in 5, 100 and 200 million years from now.

New attractions
Castle of Giddiness (‘Citadelle du Vertige’): Hurl yourself into a vertiginous journey while keeping your balance.
Lapland Express (‘Laponie Express’): Fly around the Arctic Circle at high speed.
Dinosaurs: Get very close to these gigantic creatures of the lost world. 

From here and elsewhere’ music festival in Vivonne (www.vienneifo.ord/vivonne/festival)
This is a songs and music festival presenting various cultures and styles, with exhibitions, handicraft, concerts and bands from across the globe.

Les Francofolies in La Rochelle (www.francofolies.fr)
In mid July, for those who like French music, discover the famous Francofolies in La Rochelle, one of the main music festivals in France.

Circuit des Remparts in Angoulême (www.circuit-des-remparts.com)
In September, Angoulême’s annual Circuit des Remparts hits the city for one glorious weekend the streets of the old town are transformed to a full-blown Monaco-style race track.

Roc-aux-sociers (www.roc-aux-sorciers.com)
From March 21, 2008, in Angles sur l’Anglin (Vienne), one of the most beautiful villages in France, a 15,000 year old sculpted, painted and engraved frieze is to be opened to the public. Since it was discovered in 1950, Roc-aux-Sorciers has been being conserved and not open to public viewing.

Cycling
With more than 2,000 km of cycle tracks, hundreds of signposted mountain bike trails and thousands of tree-lined country roads, the Poitou-Charentes region is ideal for those who enjoy cycling. In Charente-Maritime, the Island of Ré (www.iledere.com) is a paradise for cyclists with more than 100 kilometres of cycle paths through salt marshes, vineyards and nature reserves.

Normandoux
This 16th and 17th century manor in Tercé, near Poitiers, opened its doors in September 2007. Today Normandoux has 28 apartments and villas, and is soon to open 17 more. With its gardens, swimming pools and equipment for children’s activities, Normandoux is a charming and relaxing place to stay. In June 2008, a concert theatre and well-being centre are opening their doors.

This is the perfect family holiday destination with a wealth of well run campsites, B&B’s, hotels and gîtes to choose from together with wide open spaces to enjoy activities which range from golf to water-sports.

For further information on all of the above, visit: www.poitou-charentes-vacances.com.

By Chitra Mogul