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I think you may need to be a bit more specific - the Poitou Charentes region is over 160 miles long and 100 miles wide. 

Also, being that much further south than where you are in Northern Brittany, we get a lot less rainfall, so the "what to do on rainy days" question is not such a problem. We were over working on our house the week before Christmas and our neighbours invited us over for lunch which we ate outside in the sunshine.  I just couldn't believe it was the middle of December!

Sasha

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Sounds lovely can't wait enjoy that warmer weather, if we do definately decide to make the move. We are realising now just how large the charente area is which is making it very difficult to know which area to move to. Am I right in thinking poitou charente is not part of charente maritime and there is also Deux-Sevres and Vienne. Any advice on the main differences between these areas would be really appreciated. We have heard that Venice Vert is very nice to live and a friend has heard Fontenay La Compte is meant to be nice, although I think this comes under the Vendee.

Steve

 

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Steve

I live on the edge of Venice Verte and I can tell you that it is absolutely a delight.

Think of 'Wind in the Willows' and then Imagine your own bungalow beside the Canal (there is hundreds of them) and your getting there.

But, you really have to 'go there' to get it. I'm here and I don't believe it still. But like all good things there is a down side. A lot of other people go there in Summer as well. Colon is the most popular centre along with Arcais. Fontenay la Compte is pretty but its on the edge as well. I live in Marans which is the last port on the Canals before the sea. Also on the main route South from Nante. This region has more sunshine hours than any where else in France after the Cote d Azur.

If you want to come down for a look the Bele Mere runs a really nice Gite (4 star)(see Gite D' France for Marans). and its a good base to patrol the Poitiu Charante. Charante Maratime is very large and runs for more than 100 km south of here. Vendee and Deux-Sevres are also really nice.

Generally the place is flat with very few trees. But its very peaceful. Come have a look.

If you need some help let me know.

 

Andrew

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[quote]Sounds lovely can't wait enjoy that warmer weather, if we do definately decide to make the move. We are realising now just how large the charente area is which is making it very difficult to know whic...[/quote]

The region Poitou Charente consists of the following departments Charente,Charente Maritime,Deux Sevres and Vienne all of which are different  
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Hello

We are not far from the Charente-Charente Maritime borders and have 2 kids too.  In the Charente, there is a skating rink in Cognac, or just north of Poitiers (Vienne 86) there is Futuroscope, or if the weather not too bad, Monkey Valley.

Over in Charente Maritime, there are 2 modern aquacomplexes (indoor swimming pools).  The one in Jonzac is very good (Les Antilles) and also close to a casino with regular shows etc, and there is another in St Jean D'Angely.  Then there is the Chateau D'Enigmes at Pons, with lots to do for children.

Further details at this site:

www.poitou-charentes-vacances.com

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just a couple of other ideas for outings for children in the Charente-Maritime;there's an Aquarium at la Rochelle and Ten-Pin bowling at Saintes.

Weather is generally warmer than the U.K. and Brittany but there was a little snow last year and just like other places it does rain in the Winter.

Gill

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Some great suggestions here, but am I alone in thinking there might be a bit too much paid for stimulation going on in the Charentes?.

It's flipping freezing here today, with the odd blast of horizontal sleet. What came to my mind more than once as this thread progressed was this: what's wrong with saying at home, with books, games, (I wish I had 'frustration' here), the old Blue Peter box of toilet roll tubes, paper, paints etc? Do we really all have to constantly take chidren out to entertain them. Can't we/they have fun at home when it's like this?

tresco (17)

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absolutely Tresco and I couldn't agree more but the original question asked what there was in the way of places to visit and ways to occupy young children when the weather is wet. Visiting in Winter often means being indoors (due to lousy weather) and therefore paid activity.

BTW no comment at all from the original poster so maybe he / she has thought better of the idea. I even sent a PM and suggested they could rent a gite for a holiday to try out the region but again NIL response.

 

Gill

 

 

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Hi, yes it is always a bit unsettling when someone just disappears isn't it?

Visits, yes, I take your point. I would have posted myself but as was initially pointed out the given area was so huge, then others posted the places I know about.

I also accept that for very young children, especially, dare I say it, boys, a certain amount of very physical activity might be needed, to wear them out  entertain them, but this morning, a well wrapped up child could have been 'pacified' for the day after a 10 minute walk

It's also difficult if there is only one nipper in the family, I know, but I get an impression, from friends and family, that their children are on a pretty constant whirl of planned, paid for activities, and that the children expect them too.

tresco

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi

We're near La Trimouille in the Vienne and have two boys aged 10 and 8.

I've just added a brief tourist guide to the area on our website, including average temperatures. If you'd like a look it's at

http://www.unique-crafts-from-france.com/la_trimouille_vienne.htm

There's plenty more to do (including bowling by the nuclear power station!) I just haven't got round to putting it all on yet.

Good Luck

Paul

http://www.unique-crafts-from-france.com/

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