sightseeing - places & attractions

Here are just a few of the attractions that you will find within an hour's drive of Les Bets:

Marais Poitevin National Park: known as 'Venise Verte' ('Green Venice'), it is France's largest collection of man-made waterways, covered with waterlilies and irises. Rather than gondolas, the transport of choice here is the 'platte', a flat-bottomed boat. You can hire them, motor boats or canoes to explore the network of canals and parklands.

Puy du Fou: An amazing theme park, based on history and featuring many spectacular shows must not be missed. A massive medieval fort is the stage for battles, siege warfare and incredible special effects. In the Grand Parc you'll see falconry displays, a water theatre and faithfully recreated Renaissance gardens and 18th century village life. A 6,000-seat Roman amphitheatre resounds to the thrills of the Roman games - real, live chariot races, gladiator fights and wild animal displays are just the beginning.
The highlight is the Cinéscénie, a thrilling evening pageant unfolding 700 years of history. A cast of hundreds using sword fights, fireworks, floodlights, and computerised water jets create 'La plus grande nuit d'Europe'!

La Rochelle: This historic port is a must for any visitor to the region. Its sea food restaurants are famous throughout Europe and its range of fashionable boutiques, sheltering under the famous arcades, are some of the finest outside Paris. Time should be found to visit the aquarium, the market and the famous towers which surround the old port.

Ile de Ré: This wonderful island is a short distance from La Rochelle, linked to the mainland by a stunning curved bridge (a toll is charged). It offers miles of sandy beaches, pinewoods and the old world charm of St Martin. It is the summer playground for many French politicians and stars of the entertainment world.

Les Sables d'Olonne: The long beach, bustling seafront and chic shops are some of the attractions of Les Sables d'Olonne. It has also become famous in yachting circles for the bi-annual Vendee Globe round the world sailing race. There is a zoo which is compact but well run and children really enjoy it. On the off-chance that there is rain at some point on your holiday, there is a motor museum, which will keep everyone entertained for a couple of hours until the sun comes out again.

Futuroscope: Situated just north of Poitiers and perhaps slightly over the hour's drive, it is the largest cinematic theme park in Europe. There are no rollercoasters, but the combination of state-of-the-art technology with some of the largest and most amazing cinema screens anywhere in the world results in a series of realistic adventures including 'Adrenaline Rush', 'Magic Carpet', 'Space Station' and 'The Challenge of Atlantis'. At dusk a spectacular laser show adds the finishing touch to a great day out.

La Palmyre Zoo: At Royan, which is south of La Rochelle, this zoo is a very popular attraction. It is big and so if you want to visit, it will take you a good part of a day to see everything.