In this new article, I take you to discover what to do in Charente-Maritime! One of the most beautiful fortified medieval cities in France is called La Rochelle and is located in a department of the South-West with many charms: Charente-Maritime. Located between Vendée, Deux-Sèvres and the Gironde estuary, this “Midi Atlantique” department offers an average sunshine duration of 2300 hours.
Are you wondering what to do in Charente-Maritime and what to see to take full advantage of the assets of the Atlantic coast as typical places inland? This little guide will help you visit the Charente-Maritime from one end to the other, without missing a thing!
Contents: What to do in Charente-Maritime?
- The Marais Poitevin
- Marans
- La Rochelle
- Salt marshes
- The Ile de Ré and the Baleine lighthouse
- Fort Boyard
- Rochefort
- The island of Oléron
- Palmyra Zoo
- Saintes
- The Paleosite of Saint-Bris-des-Bois
> Practical information for visiting Charente-Maritime
The Marais Poitevin: things to do in Charente-Maritime to recharge your batteries
There is no shortage of ideas for walks in the Marais-Poitevin: on foot, by bike, on horseback, in a rosalie and even by boat, aboard a kayak or on a paddle. Going up to Niort and Deux-Sèvres, you will find several piers, including that of the Écluses de Bazoin.
In the land of waterways, as the people of Charente call it, the fauna and flora are perfectly preserved. The vegetation is dense and the landscape authentic. If you want to learn more about preserving the environment, you can visit the nearby Center Nature du Marais Poitevin in the town of Taugon.
Marans: visit the largest town in Charente-Maritime
Here is one of the most beautiful ports in the department: the port of the Marais Poitevin, both sea and river. Certain vestiges recall the difficult times of the city and its defensive paraphernalia is still highlighted today. Equally remarkable are the buildings on both banks of the Sèvre Niortaise, such as the church and its architecture combining steel and glass, or the town hall and its gardens.
La Rochelle: capital of Aunis
City of character and coastal town renowned for its fishing port and marina, La Rochelle is the ideal vacation spot. To visit the historical and cultural sites, you have to go to the city center and plan a short walk from Place de Verdun to the old port. This route allows you to shop under the arcades while admiring the medieval architecture and leads to the rue du Palais where many artists perform in summer, especially during the Francofolies initiated by Jean-Louis Foulquier.
The visit continues with the discovery of the port and the Saint-Jean-D'acre car park to contemplate the Lantern Tower, 55 meters high. The two other emblematic towers of La Rochelle are located at the entrance to the Old Port: the Tour de la Chaîne and the Tour Saint-Nicolas, originally dedicated to the protection of the city. Nearby stretches the animal park Charles-Édouard Beltremieux, always appreciated by children and the large beach of La Rochelle: the Concurrence beach.
Visit Charente-Maritime: the salt marshes
What to do in Charente-Maritime near La Rochelle? If you were to discover only one activity typical of Charente-Maritime, it would certainly be the exploitation of salt marshes. The culture of salt is a tradition and a profession inseparable from the heritage of the department. This activity takes you to the Ile de Ré, the fourth largest island in France... About 30 salt workers share the seaside but it is to Ars-en-Ré that you have to go to visit a farm and discover the different products: coarse salt, pebbles of salt, fleur de sel, etc.
If you prefer a slightly more bucolic visit, go to a well-known island in Pertuis: Île Madame, with its unique landscapes. You will see aquaculture farms still steeped in tradition.
The Ile de Ré and its Baleine lighthouse
Are you sporty ? Climbing to the top of a lighthouse takes a bit of energy and good legs. Positioned on the western tip of the Ile de Ré, the Phare de la Baleine surprises with its octagonal shape and its height of 57 m. The staircase taken to reach the top of the tower has no less than 257 steps and if the ascent may seem difficult, it is really worth it. Once at the top, the spectacle is extraordinary.
Fort Boyard: a unique place to visit in Charente-Maritime
The easiest way to get to Fort Boyard is to schedule a mini-cruise. Many pleasure boats offer tours from the Old Port and the Minimes marina in La Rochelle.
Placed between the island of Aix, the island of Oléron and the island of Ré, Fort Boyard was first a stronghold and a prison. Famous thanks to the show of the same name, the place quickly became cult.
Book your excursion from La Rochelle to Fort Boyard
Rochefort and maritime tradition
Rochefort, or Rochefort-sur-Mer, is not necessarily a very attractive city at first glance, yet it is home to a rare cultural heritage. Hermione's home port, the town of Colbert is also home to the Corderie Royale, the “Versailles of the Sea”. For three centuries, this factory supplied the royal ships and vessels, then the city's maritime arsenal.
Also worth seeing in Rochefort: the National Maritime Museum, the Naval Aeronautics Museum and the museum of the first naval medical school in the world, which appeared in the XNUMXth century.
The island of Oléron: beautiful waves and splendid sunsets
The island of Oléron is the island of surfers. Several spots are recommended including Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, ideal for beginners, or the Pointe des Boulassiers, perfect for the pros. The large swells in winter attract dozens of enthusiasts.
In summer, holidaymakers cycle or walk to the more or less wild beaches of the island. One of the most pleasant is Vert-Bois beach for its proximity to the pine forest and its panoramic view of the ocean. Many take the opportunity to eat some seafood a little further away in the shade of a hut or to stop at the oyster bar and treat themselves to a little tasting.
La Palmyre Zoo: a fun and stimulating nature site
Located near Royan, another wealthy seaside resort to visit in Charente-Maritime, the Zoo de la Palmyre covers 18 hectares. Get ready for a total change of scenery! From the entrance, the pink flamingos put color in the eyes of young and old. More than 110 different species and 1600 mammals are housed in enclosures that faithfully reproduce their natural habitat.
With the La Rochelle aquarium bringing together species from all continents, the Zoo de la Palmyre is undoubtedly the best-rated animal site in New Aquitaine.
Saintes: between Bordeaux and Royan
Saintes is well known for its markets and its small streets in the city center where it is good to stroll. The art of living of the saintais is legion and you cannot spend a few days in Charente-Maritime without tasting the local products: the cagouille (the snail), the buttered cabbage, the mogette (a large white bean), Charentaise galette, cognac and Pineau (always in moderation of course).
The city has no shortage of historical sites and a whole day can be spent visiting the Ladies' Abbey, the amphitheater dating from 40 AD and the Arch of Garmanicus.
The Paleosite of Saint-Bris-des-Bois: a site dedicated to prehistory
Located in the district of Saintes, the Paléosite extends over 6 hectares and promises great adventures. The visit allows a return in the past of 35 years to the discovery of Neanderthal man.
The children are invited to make tools in playful and entertaining workshops while the parents try their hand at shooting the rocket.
Practical information for visiting Charente-Maritime
- When to visit Charente-Maritime?
- How to come to Charente-Maritime?
- Where to stay in Charente-Maritime?
- Activities to book in Charente-Maritime
When to visit Charente-Maritime?
Due to its geographical location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Charente-Maritime benefits from a particularly pleasant and mild climate throughout the year. Indeed the temperatures will vary between 6 and 15 degrees from October to May; and 17 to 23 degrees during the summer months, therefore between June and September.
It is between the months of June and September that you will have the least rainfall and the highest rate of sunshine. These summer months are therefore the best time to visit Charente-Maritime, even if the rest of the year is also very pleasant.
How to come to Charente-Maritime?
Several options are possible to get to Charente-Maritime:
- By train :
The easiest way to reach Charente-Maritime by train is to take a direct train between Paris and La Rochelle station. If you come from a city other than Paris or if you want to go to another station (Saintes for example), you will then have to change trains during your journey. Compare trains for Charente-Maritime - By plane :
If you want to come to Charente-Maritime by air, the easiest way will be to arrive in Bordeaux and then join Charente-Maritime by train or by renting a car. Find a flight to Charente-Maritime - By car :
You can also go to Charente-Maritime by car, thanks to the A10 motorway linking Paris to Bordeaux; or rent a car. If you want to opt for a car rental, I recommend a tool that we also use: a price comparison. You will be able to choose the best car at the best price. Rent a car
Where to stay in Charente-Maritime?
It is very likely that your stay in Charente-Maritime will last several days and will require you to book accommodation. Again, different choices will be possible in different cities. Whether you are staying in La Rochelle, Saintes, Rochefort or on islands such as Île de Ré or Île d'Oléron, here are some practical sites that will be of use to you for sure:
Find accommodation on Booking.com Or opt for an Airbnb Are you more of an unusual accommodation? Click here !Activities to book in Charente-Maritime
In order to take full advantage of your stay, you can book certain activities a few days in advance, such as the excursion to Fort Boyard.
Other historical and tourist sites are to be visited in the region. To not miss anything, take a look at these two sites offering many activities in the region:
