In reply to mark catcher:
You might not find much on a truly spectacular scale in Western France. There is obviously the granite in Brittany, which I have never climbed on.
There's a place called Mervent between Nantes and Niort - mostly easier routes (max 6bish I think) but the rock doesn't look very nice and it's a bit like UK limestone.
However, not far off route there is some good climbing at les Eaux Claires near Angouleme, although you may be limited to early mornings and/or evening sessions if it's sunny (the summer here in France hasn't been especially good so far so you may not have any worries on that score).
I like Guignoterie, about an hour outside Poitiers. There are some excellent routes there in the 6s and 7s on great, pocketed rock. There's an ace municipal campsite with river swimming nearby in Saint Pierre de Maille and you could probably wild camp in the van near the crags if you're discrete. There is a river right under the crag to cool off and play around in, but watch out for "Aspi" snakes. We were there a few weeks ago and saw a couple. They'll avoid you once you're in and swimming but just watch where you are stepping when getting in the water.
To get much better than that you'll need to go further East. We live in the Correze and just South of here we have the Gorge du Lot, which has some good, little-known crags (Autoire, St Gery), Slightly further West, in the Dordogne Area you might like Ceou as a family place - morning shade and good across the grades. Again, great little river under the crag for swimming. Nearby, there is even some DWS at Cingles de Montfort - actually really good, with a convenient beach opposite to hang out on. Swim across the river and climb - hey presto!
Post edited at 19:42
