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Founded by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 14th century, and once a bastion of French Protestantism, this handsome old Atlantic seaport has had a turbulent history.

Today it's a lively, remarkably well-preserved city with a bustling fishing and yachting harbour, excellent shops and restaurants, and ancient streets lined by traditional 16th and 17th century vaulted arcades.

On a shore tour you can also explore by boat the serene rural waterways of the 'Green Venice' national park - or relax on one of the lovely beaches of the nearby Ile de Re.

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• Saintes & La Roche Courbon Castle (Tour E)
• La Pallice (for La Rochelle), France, France

• We begin our tour with a drive to the historic city of Saintes, which was converted to Christianity in the very early days and became a town with a strong religious vocation.

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• The Famous Cognac
• La Pallice (for La Rochelle), France, France

• Cognac, the picturesque medieval town that bears the name of the region, has been producing the fabled nectar since the 17th century.