Poitou-Charentes Region

This region, Poitou-Charentes, is believed to be the origin of most of the Arcadian and Cajun populations of North America. There are a number of wine producing and liqueur producing villages in the region.

The center of paper-making and the printing industry in France has been Angouleme since the 14th century. It is known for its cartoon type street art. You can find walls painted throughout the city. It is also known as the City of Festivals. In January each year, the Angouleme International Comics Festival takes place for a week. Comic book enthusiasts from around the world gather here. There are a number of other festivals during the year such as the Forum International des Technologies de l'Animation, a Gastronomades festival at Christmas, Music festivals in May and Piano de Valois in October.

Situated on the river Charente between the towns of Angouleme and Saintes is the city of Cognac. The majority of the town is built on the river's left bank, with the smaller right bank area known as the Saint Jacques District.

The town's name is given to one of the world's best-known types of brandy. Cognac must be made in certain areas around the town of Cognac and must be according to strict regulations to be granted the name.

Many unusual buildings are located on the narrow cobbled streets of the town's medieval quarter.

The city of La Rochelle has maintained its architectual heritage making it one of the most pictureque and historically rich cities on the Atlantic Coast. The area is temperate throughout the year. There is a commerical harbor and a large marina for pleasure boats is at Les Minimes. Tourists are welcome in the city. Each summer the "Franco Folies" music festival is held. It is a week of concerts and celebrations. The main attraction is the Old Harbor at the heart of the city. It is picturesque and lined with seafood restaurants.

A pleasant resort town known for its casinos and hotels is Royan. It is on the Atlantic coast. Families vacation here with their young children.

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