Useful information : When to go...

The oceanic climate does not bring marked contrasts. In summer, the average maximum temperatures are almost identical in Poitiers and La Rochelle, the latter being cooled down by winds from the west. On the coast, don't be surprised if the weather changes suddenly, in line with the effects of the different tides. In July, La Rochelle comes to life with the international film festival and Les Francofolies music festival.
During the off season, the spring equinox tides may sometimes bring rain, but it is the season to try your hand at fishing from the shore. What is more, spring and autumn are good times to go to Futuroscope, which gets packed in summer, and to explore the Marais Poitevin, a port of call for migratory birds.
In winter, relax in one of the region's seawater therapy centres or hit the Angoulême International Comics Festival (February).