Poitou-Charentes Cruises: Top 5 Sailing Tours Reviewed

Poitou-Charentes Cruises: Top 5 Sailing Tours Reviewed

Poitou-Charentes Cruises

So, you know, when people chat about France, they usually talk about Paris or maybe the South, yet, there’s this little area called Poitou-Charentes. Actually, it’s now Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Too it’s almost got some cool secrets, like hidden gems, that only pop up if you take a boat out on the water. A lot of tourists seem to agree, right?

1. Charente River Cruise: Discovering Cognac Country

Charente River

Basically, gliding down the Charente River is very different than just seeing some vineyards from a distance. As I was saying, many of these tours give you stopovers where you can, like, wander through Cognac houses. It’s a treat if you, sort of, love trying really nice brandies. We actually hopped on one a few summers ago and it totally transformed the way I look at French countryside getaways.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out: I mean, the focus on Cognac distilleries is rather unique, it sets it apart from, in short, typical river cruises. Instead, they often have tastings and visits to family-run estates. Also, they aren’t trying to jam in too many activities, meaning it’s rather slow paced. So, a total plus if you just want to unwind.

Highlights:

  • Visits to authentic Cognac houses, which may, by the way, be exclusive to the tour.
  • Leisurely sailing on traditional Gabare boats, as a matter of fact they have very comfy decks.
  • Gourmet meals featuring local produce, as a matter of fact even on board.

2. La Rochelle Sailing Trip: Coastal Fortresses and Island Hopping

La Rochelle Fortresses

Okay, La Rochelle has a totally different vibe from the river cruises, basically its coastal. And, well, you’ve got these impressive old fortresses guarding the harbor and there is something rather amazing about seeing that view from the sea. Like, this area is fantastic for exploring nearby islands like Île de Ré. It is known for the awesome beaches too!

What Makes This Tour Stand Out: In fact, I can share that, that a couple times the crew let us, well, helped us with the sailing. Basically, it felt pretty cool learning to actually navigate the boat even though it wasn’t always pretty.

Highlights:

  • Sailing past the historic towers of La Rochelle, as a matter of fact very photographable.
  • Exploring the charming villages and salt marshes of Île de Ré, basically this should definitely be explored.
  • Opportunity to participate in sailing activities, instead its quite interactive.

3. Île d’Oléron Cruise: Wildlife and Oyster Tasting

Île d’Oléron

At the end of the day Île d’Oléron is kinda France’s largest island after Corsica and it provides like different sailing experience, in that case wildlife spotting gets a little boost. Actually, there’s so much birdlife plus oyster farms, by the way, which means plenty of chances to see some of the cool wildlife and sample very fresh seafood, too, I think?

What Makes This Tour Stand Out: Anyway, a big draw, is that tours often incorporate stops at local oyster farms, you know, where you get a really good view on oyster farming. Really its great way to kinda understand this regional product first hand and I’m a big fan for seafood. That is known here as claires oysters as you may already know.

Highlights:

  • Visiting oyster farms and tasting fresh oysters, just for an example there is delicious options.
  • Observing migratory birds in the Marais aux Oiseaux, for example like bird sanctuary.
  • Enjoying the unspoiled beaches and coastal landscapes of the island, just so its an easy vacation.

4. Rochefort and the Île d’Aix: Maritime History and Napoleonic Forts

Rochefort Maritime

I mean, Rochefort has this super significant maritime history. It turns out there’s actually an old naval dockyard which could be explored. Besides Île d’Aix is totally intriguing because Napoleon hung out there for a hot minute before getting shipped off to Saint Helena, at the end of the day this piece of the France coast and islands is rich.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out: Anyway, what a lot of folks mention is how well these tours do with really diving into France’s naval past, and that its presented really in a relatable and understandable way. Alright, some people I knew went because of the history specifically, it really changed their opinion on traditional touring, you know?

Highlights:

  • Exploring the historic naval dockyard in Rochefort, and such dockyards aren’t just anywhere.
  • Visiting the Napoleon museum on Île d’Aix, you might be able to spend half a day in this area.
  • Cruising around Fort Boyard, so there might be cool views.

5. Marais Poitevin Cruise: The Green Venice

Marais Poitevin Venice

So, alright, picture this: calm, slow-moving waterways that’s actually called “Green Venice”. Seriously this region is gorgeous. It’s very calm, a different cruise experience, and, well, they take place in almost silent boats that really enhance, like, experiencing nature without distraction. And, stuff.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out: You see it’s pretty exceptional if you are considering to unplug and relax because what tends to be cool here are the serenity and connection to nature in an eco-friendly kind of way. It doesn’t blast information towards people its just there in the experience, really?

Highlights:

  • Drifting through the tranquil canals on a traditional flat-bottomed boat, or so it has seemed in photos.
  • Observing the unique flora and fauna of the marshlands, just to illustrate this is special, too.
  • Learning about the local culture and history of the Marais Poitevin, more or less, the most amazing experience.