The 16 things to do in Charente-Maritime

Cap on the Atlantic coast and its treasures with our selection of the 16 essential things to do in Charente-Maritime!

Ideally located between Nantes and Bordeaux , the Charente-Maritime has perfect destination areas. For those who dream of island life, it is not one but four islands that you can discover. The long coasts of the department are conducive to farniente but also to water sports while the seaside resorts are full of festivals to entertain you. Visiting Charente-Maritime is a pure pleasure.

With a beautifully preserved historical heritage, the Charentes have a crazy charm and we like to stroll around the old city center. There are also some of the most beautiful museums in France. This is the case of the Arsenal of the Sea in Rochefort, whose mind is full of adventure stories.

As for the landscapes inside the land, they have to wonder with their biodiversity in addition to offering pure moments of calm in the face of the hustle of the sea. Do you want this presentation? Good because here is a selection of 16 things to do in Charente-Maritime.

1. La Rochelle

It is the city indispensable to visit in Charente-Maritime. Each of us has necessarily in mind the images of the famous 3 laps that watch its port. The city attracts many tourists every year but also new residents who are seduced for its sweetness of living. Its living environment, open both on the sea and on the countryside, is its main asset.

Among the things to see absolutely, you must of course take the time to stroll through the old town with its old houses and streets to the arcades. On the port, know that you can visit the 3 tours. The point of view from Lantern’s point of view is exceptional and you may have chills in front of the multi-secular graffiti made by the prisoners. Also in the port, science lovers can visit the France 1 ship which was that of national meteorology and is today a museum.

Another museum to be done, that of the New World which retraces the history of French parties to the conquest of the American continent. Finally, it is impossible to talk about the dynamism of La Rochelle without mentioning the extraordinary atmosphere that reigns there during the famous Francofolies festival dedicated to the French-speaking song.

2. Island of Aix

It is a very small piece of land of 3 kilometers long, accessible only by boat and without a car. If it is highly frequented during the peak of the summer season, it remains the quietest to visit in Charente-Maritime.

If you choose the timing correctly, you are not taken away by the crowd here, time stops while you walk or bike. Its small houses lined with flowers have a crazy charm while its beaches invite absolute relaxation. The fortified village of Vauban with its bridge-levis is astonishing and the Napoleon Museum recalls that the fallen emperor has passed by.

You can also visit the workshop of one of the last shipwreck artisans in France before going to relax in the woods.

3. Rochefort

There are necessarily those who will think directly to two ladies with their yellow and pink dresses. It is here, in fact, that Jacques Demy’s musical film was shot in real decors. In other words, aficionados the film will be able to get back with delight in, especially with the route concocted by the city and available on its application.

But that the refractories to this type of film reassures itself, Rochefort also has a fascinating Maritime history. First of all, it is a “new city” entirely created in the 17th century around a Maritime arsenal called the “ Versailles of the Sea”. This is the main attraction to visit and you will not be disappointed. The most beautiful building is the Royal Corderie, which is 374 m long. This is explained by its primary function: the manufacture of strings for the Marine.

Today, it is the International Centre of the Sea. Also visit the Marine Museum in the Cheusses hotel. And to end, don’t miss the city’s star, Hermione, aka the identical reconstruction of the 3 masts of Lafayette to go to America to help revolutionaries in the war of independence. It should be noted, however, that the vessel is not always there. Decidedly, Rochefort is an original city to visit in Charente-Maritime.

4. Island of Re

It is the flagship island that tourists stop visiting in Charente-Maritime. That’s why we can only recommend you to do it off-season. Of course, if it’s so popular, it’s beautiful. Its long beaches and charming houses extend over 30 kilometers long for just 5 wide.

All under a record of sunshine and in waters bathed by the Gulf Stream. All you have to do is get a bike, a king’s way of locomotion on the island with more than 100 km of trails. Among the things to see, do not miss the church of Saint-Martin in Re, at the top of which you can climb to admire the panorama. There is also impressive Baleines lighthouse , all west, and its 257 steps to climb.

To observe birds, it is in the nature reserve that you have to go. Don't miss walking in villages like Loix and swiping markets with colorful stalls.

5. L’Île d’Oléron

It is the largest of the islands of the Charente archipelago. Less popular than its neighbour of Re, Oléron is more natural and popular. Here it is always possible to walk between the small wooden houses of the oyster sites like Fort Royer and the channel of the Baudissière.

For amateurs, it is of course more than recommended to be tempted by tastings of the famous oyster of Marennes. Oléron has kept a strong fishing activity as you can see in the port of the Castle or in the Coast. Between two walks along the dunes or in the forests of the island, you will discover the citadel of Brouage or Fort Louvois among the many historical fortifications of the island.

These are not the points of view missing to make great pictures. Try the panoramas from the bell tower of Saint-Pierre de Sales or from the Chassiron lighthouse .

6. The City of the oyster

It is time to make a gastronomic stopover and for that, go to Marennes. In typical huts, the site offers you to discover all the secrets of ostericulture. The site is located in one of the richest environments in the region, in the marshes of the Seudre, on the edge of the Cayenne Channel.

So that you can, after a tasting worthy of this name in the restaurant, go for a walk and discover the fauna and flora. And as a bonus, for small and large children, activities such as initiation to the tile fishing are proposed.

7. Yesterday-Brouage

Type this name in your search engine, go to the images and it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll want to go there. This is an unusual place to visit in Charente-Maritime. It is a fortified city that came out of earth in the 17th century under the direction of Richelieu.

A view of the sky, one would believe that it has just been built with its intact bastion and its straight-line plan straight out of a geometry course. The atmosphere is all the more unusual in low-season when there is no cat in the streets. In fact, if you want to make your imagination galoperate, you can follow a guided theatrical tour. This is the perfect option to discover its buildings frozen in time.

8. Fort-Boyard

Who doesn’t remember the generic music of this TV game with the camera that wired at all speeds on the waves to this lost fort in the middle of the ocean? The bad news is that you can't visit this monument of Charente-Maritime.

The only way is to have the number of the production company of the TV game. The good news is that you can always do the full of sensations by going to see it by boat. You will learn that it is nicknamed “the fort of the useless” because it has never served. During his construction in the 19th century, he was to house a garrison.

Finally, getting him out of the sandbank has been too long and the military progress has advanced. He has become a ghost fortress but who does not end up fascinating.

9. Royan

It is the main resort to visit in Charente-Maritime and it will particularly appeal to architectural fans. The city was almost completely destroyed by the bombings of the Second World War. Some Belle Époque villas remained but most of the city was rebuilt in the style of the 1950s.

And that’s where it becomes interesting even if it’s not everyone’s taste. The roof of the covered market evokes a parachute for some. The houses with cubic shapes clearly give Jacques Tati's film air to the landscapes. And the church of Notre-Dame, all in concrete, is likely to surprise more than one.

At worst, the most refractory in style can always enjoy the great beaches and their many nautical activities that make Royan do not desease.

10. The zoo of La Palmyre

It's impossible to miss the huge posters of the zoo when you're walking around the area. And because of this, it is one of the most renowned parks in Europe, even if it is not to be forgotten that originally animals were caught in nature.

It now houses 1,600 animals, all species. He is renowned for his many monkeys, including the smallest species in the world that holds in one hand. Of course, at present, the zoo is one of several programs that act to protect endangered species.

Many births take place every year. And many shows are organized for the greatest pleasure of families.

11. The caves of Régulus

The site was named after a commander who, in the 19th century, had to defend the mouth of the Gironde against English ships. The operation had been a failure and the sailors had taken refuge in those cavities. The caves have a dizzying view of the estuary, which was of great utility to monitor the boats.

For centuries, they served as troglodyte dwellings and shelters to local populations. Today, visitors are rushing, attracted by corsary legends but also by the geological curiosity of its cavities.

12. The Château de la Roche-Courbon

Cinephiles may well recognize this castle which is one of the most admired monuments in Charente-Maritime. At the level of activities, there is a need to do so plan time to visit it. To begin with, it is a fully furnished castle and French gardens deserve a ride.

If the heart tells you, you can even book an escape game in an authentic castle room. There is also a whole course dedicated to prehistory because of the presence of caves on the site. In summary, at the outset, you will be incollable on much of the historical periods.

13. Holy

It is not necessarily the city to which one thinks first to visit in Charente-Maritime. And yet, it would be a shame to pass by his heritage treasures. If only two were to be mentioned, it would be the Roman amphitheatre and the church of Sainte-Eutrope.

The first impresses by his immensity which, according to estimates, could accommodate 15,000 spectators. We would almost expect the gladiators to land. It is also a typical example of the Roman architecture of the “ Gaule hair”. A change of time for the church which, it, is a masterpiece of the Romanesque art characteristic of the region. His crypt is particularly famous, in other words, do not forget to visit it.

14. The train of the seagulls

The train trips have been winding up for a few years. But without paying you the Orient Express, why not start with a more modest trip? We offer a ride at the rhythm of the rails along the estuary of the Seudre.

And as a bonus, this rail trip will take place with the oldest steam locomotive in France. The railway follows the old route of oyster transport and crosses a beautiful diversity of landscapes.

15. Mornac-sur-Seudre

The Seudre, this small river, is home to charming pepits among which this village classified as one of the most beautiful villages France. The title is widely deserved as the town is photogenic. On the one hand, there are the houses of fishermen and ostreiculty in coloured wood; on the other, the old stone houses velvety by the church and medieval halls.

The most part of the visit is the many art craftsmen’s workshops that jalign the streets and invite you to shopping.

16. The poitevin

We tend to forget it but the Poitevin marsh is riding on several departments. You can therefore visit it in Charente-Maritime. Here, water is queen of course with multiple channels that give birth to an exceptional biodiversity. It is also the second wetland in France.

The marsh can be found on foot and by bike along the trails. But the best way to admire it remains to do it in a boat. The shipper is that of the Bazoin locks. You can even navigate in paddle for the most sporty!

How to get to Charente-Maritime?

By plane

La Rochelle Airport is served by a few lines from Lyon and Ajaccio, but this is all for the French territory. The rest of the links are mainly for cities in the United Kingdom.

But if you’re close to one of these airports, it’s advisable to take a look at a comparison of flights like Skyscanner to book according to your desires.

By car

La Rochelle is served by the highway A10 and A83 but if you prefer to enjoy the landscapes, you can take the nationals N10 and N11 . Small reminder, the bridge of the island of Ré is paid.

By train

Thanks to the TGV that arrives in La Rochelle, you can visit the Charente-Maritime in less than 3 hours from Montparnasse. The towns of Saintes, Rochefort and Royan are served by Coral trains from Austerlitz.

Where to stay in Charente-Maritime?

The offer of tourist accommodation is very complete but you will have to pay attention to the prices if you want to visit the Charente-Maritime in high season. For example, in the summer, the island of Ré is stormed and prices fly away. Obviously, large cities like Royan, La Rochelle, Rochefort or Saintes have a more diversified offer.

If you want a good value for money, you can turn to Airbnb or campings a little more towards the land. As with many destinations, it is best to book in advance and use one a hotel comparison to see availability.