The leading English language magazine. Now covering Poitou-Charentes, Dordogne, Vendée and Haute-Vienne too!

The Vallée des Singes is one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. But what does it take to keep 350 monkeys happy? We spent a day with head keeper Jean-Pascal Guéry to find out...

For beauty and a wonderful sense of calm and tranquility wander the paths of the award-winning Les Jardins du Chaigne...

Visit the historic capital of the Haute Saintonge in the heart of the Poitou-Charentes region....

The medieval village of Mornac-sur-Seudre needs no second chance to make a good first impression. White painted houses, masses of hollyhocks and narrow inviting streets leading away from the impressive 14th century market place live up to their promise - you stop at almost every step towards the harbour to take in the surroundings.

The rural plains and valleys of central Deux-Sèvres are full of historical secrets, and one of the best is the ancient heart of Parthenay...

Labelled is 'the most 50s town in France', Royan has plenty to offer the holiday maker and local visitor. Home to 18,000 people, of which two- thirds are retired, its numbers swell to 40,000 in the summer months.

If there is one garden fair that should be on everyone’s calendar then make sure it is the “Fête des Plantes et du Jardin” in the Deux-Sèvres. Teresa Hardy meets the man who makes it happen.

Frédéric Brochet's dedication and flair have revitalised the ancient reputation of the Haut-Poitou as a fine wine producing region, and he is producing excellent organic wine from his estate in Marigny-Brizay...

Donkeys wearing trousers, tasty new potatoes, kilometres of cycle paths and beaches- these are just some of the things that the Île de Ré is well known for. But there’s more. How about beached whales, escaped prisoners and picnics in grounded boats?