... loading slideshow ...

Pons Town

Soaring 30 metres above Pons town square on its rocky outcrop, the 12th century Donjon provides an amazing platform to take in the panoramic views of the river valley and the surrounding countryside and to soak up the atmosphere of the wonderful Charente-Maritime.

Ideally situated at the heart of the Maritime Department, Pons is a perfect place to spend a few days visiting the historic Roman town of Saintes, the thermal springs of Jonzac and not least the internationally known producers of Cognac in and around the town of Cognac itself, only 25 minutes away. And as if that isn't enough, the beautiful Gironde estuary and its beaches are just 30 minutes away and the delights of Royan or La Rochelle are within an hour's drive.

With a selection of bars and restaurants, Pons offers a variety of activities during the summer months... walks through the medieval town, its walls and alleyways, or the surrounding countryside; canoeing on the river; a series of fairs and spectacles, open air swimming pool, or just relaxing and watching the world go by with a glass of wine.


The medieval city of Pons, the gateway between Aquitane and Poitou was strategically important during the 100 years' war. Today, the Donjon is all that remains of the original chateau, but myriads of small alleyways and stairways lead down to the river banks where there are still examples of the ancient commercial activities of weaving, tanning and fishing that served the local community and the pilgrims. An important stopping point on the 'pilgrims route' to Compostella, Pons boasts the beautiful Hopital des Pelerins which was adopted by UNESCO in 1998 as a world heritage site. Built in 1160 by Geoffroy III de Pons the hospital buildings and gardens open a window into the world of the pilgrim. The gardens, inspired by medieval medicine contain hundreds of plants used in treating all manner of ailments throughout the ages.

 

Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime is a department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region on the southwestern coast of France. Named after the river Charente, With its 460 kilometres of coasts, its many sunshine hours, and its important historic heritage, the Charente-Maritime appeals to both the relaxation enthusiast and the adventurer. 

 

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The region of New Aquitaine comprises twelve departments, it  enjoys a favourable location between the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrenees mountain range and the Massif Central. It benefits from a mild and sunny climate and boast a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from the famous Bordeaux vineyard to the splendid Pyrenees mountains, via the charming Dordogne Valley, the peaceful Millevaches Plateau, the mountains of Limousin, the mysterious Poitevin Marsh, the islands of Ré and Oléron or the picturesque Pays Basque.