Things to do and see on a rainy day
So it’s raining, you’re feeling grumpy and the kids are getting fractious! Relax! While it’s frustrating not to be able to play out in the sun, there are plenty of indoor things to see and do in the Poitou-Charentes on rainy days. Here are some ideas:
La Rochelle Aquarium, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
The Aquarium boasts 12,000 marine animals, with 70 different aquaria within the complex, including a shark tank over three levels. Ideal for rainy days! More info ….
Centre International de la Mer, Rochefort, Charente-Maritime
The centre houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions on the sea and seafaring. Read more …
Halles aux Vivres, Brouage citadel, Charente-Maritime
The museum in the Brouage citadel, not far from Rochefort. It covers the history of the Brouage citadel, as well as military history with temporary exhibitions about the area, its history and culture. Read more.
Cognac Tour, Cognac, Charente
Take a tour at one of the big-name cognac houses in and around the town of Cognac in the Charente. Read more …
Planete des Crocodiles, Civaux, Vienne
It has a collection of around 200 reptiles from eight different species of crocodile and alligator.
Espace Mendès France, Poitiers, Vienne
A centre designed to popularise the worlds of science and technology with permanent and temporary exhibitions and a planetarium.
CIBDI, Angoulême, Charente
The comic strip museum that’s the Louvre for comics, with a collection of more than 8,000 original drawings and over 110,000 magazines and comic books. Read more …
The Abbey of Saint-Savin sur-Gartempe, Gartempe, Vienne
Famed for its 11th century paintings that have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before or after have lunch in one of the restaurants in the town.
Musée Angoulême, Angoulême, Charente
Formerly the Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Angoulême, has collections of African and Oceanic art and the history of the Charente, from geological times, through prehistoric humans to the Middle Ages. Read more …
The town of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Charente
Officially designated one of the most beautiful in France. The underground church here carved out of cliff face back in the 12th century. Read more …
The Natural History Museum, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
It has an eclectic collection of more than 10,000 objects from Africa, America and Oceania. More information …
Maritime Museum, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime
The exhibits at the Maritime Museum, La Rochelle, are housed on three ships, each of which is classed as an historic monument. Read more …
Château de la Roche Courbon, Charente-Maritime
Known as Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Take an umbrella so you can also walk around the gardens. Learn more …
Maison Pierre Loti, Rochefort, Charente-Maritime
The utterly flamboyant home of romance write Pierre Loti.
And when you’re done there head over to the:
Musée des Commerces d’autrefois, Rochefort, Charente-Maritime
Here you can see 20 superb replicas of shops from the turn of the last century. Read more …
Chocolaterie Letuffe, Trois Palis, Charente
Learn how to make delicious chocolate goodies. Founded in 1873, it still uses artisanal methods of making chocolate.
Les Antilles Water Park, Jonzac, Charente-Maritime
You can still splash around in the water at Les Antilles Water Park. It is one of the largest of its type in Europe, offering swimming plus slides, water toboggans, indoor beaches, beauty and fitness centres, tropical surroundings and great eating too. Read more …
Nautilis, Angoulême, Charente
A large indoor/outdoor water park, with pools, slides and diving boards for the children aged from six years old, and a whirlpools, sauna and solarium for their parents! There is also an ice rink. Opening hours vary. Learn more.
Centre Aquatique Atlantys, St Jean-d’Angely, Charente-Maritime
There’s a pool, a huge slide and diving boards, plus a paddling pool for young children. There is also a sauna for adults. There is a café too. Opening hours vary depending on what you want to do. Read more …
Chouette Land, Smarves, Vienne
A great place for young children as they can have fun on giant inflatable slides, forts animals and more. They need to wear socks! There is a bar serving sandwiches, ice-creams and hot and cold drinks. Indoor and outdoor.
Royal Kids, Niort, Deux-Sevres and Poitiers, Vienne
They are indoor play areas with lots of active games for children aged up to 12 years old. There is restaurant serving light meals. Oh yes, socks must be worn!
Images 1,3, by juseliushausammann.com; Image 2 libres de droits © Aquarium La Rochelle SAS et Corniche des requins Les nautiles Zanclus Requin taurus © Lanceau/Aquarium La Rochelle SAS