Poitou Charentes, now part of Nouvelle Aquitaine, is a former region on the French Atlantic coast with Roman Renaissance and medeival history.La Rochelle and Parthenay to name but a few have the original gates to enter the fortifield old towns.Parthenay is an ancient fortified town and commune in the Deux-Sèvres department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in western France. It is sited on a rocky spur that is surrounded on two sides by the River Thouet, and is the sub-prefecture of the Parthenay arrondissement.
Poitou Charente produces it’s own delicious butter and goats cheese give it a try, you can find it in one of the many local markets or supermarkets.

La Rochelle is a coastal city in southwestern France and capital of the Charente-Maritime department. It’s been a center for fishing and trade since the 12th century, a maritime tradition that’s reflected in its Vieux Port (old harbor) and huge, modern Les Minimes marina. The old town has half-timbered medieval houses and Renaissance architecture, including passageways covered by 17th-century arches.