About the Area
 


The Charente Maritime region has something for everyone; sun, sand, sea, history, culture, countryside, wildlife…… the list is endless. With the historic cities and towns of La Rochelle, Saintes and Royan, glorious beaches (calm family spots as well as magnificent surfing waves), beautiful countryside and fascinating islands, a holiday here is an opportunity and experience not to be missed.

Throughout the summer months there are markets, festivals and street theatre. Leisure parks, nature reserves and wildlife parks are open most of the year and the majority of museums, art galleries places of historic interest are also open throughout the year. Whether you want a sight seeing trip, a relaxing holiday or a mixture of both, the Charante Maritime region can cater for you, as we can!

Surgeres.

Surgeres is the nearest town just under 10 minutes away. It has a 17th century chateau, a romanesque church, a busy market Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. There is also a few cafe bars and 3 or 4 restaurants.

La Rochelle

With its massive marina (Les Minimes ), the old port, the new aquarium, the impressive sea defences and refined facades, colonnades and arcades, La Rochelle is an exhilarating start to a sight seeing tour. Visit the portside cafes and restaurants, experience the street theatre and stroll along the quayside on a summer's evening where the late night market has much to offer. A few kilometres south of La Rochelle lies Chatelaillon Plage with its lovely sandy beaches.

Saintes

Steeped in history and culture Saintes is a must for the tourist; the Roman amphitheatre, the river, the Porte Germanicus and the Musee d'Archeologie, which houses a small part of Saintes' enormous collection of Roman finds.

Royan

The town of Royan itself has a unique blend of architecture; its centre, which was entirely rebuilt after World War 11, contains some remarkable monuments including the church of Notre Dame where its spire rises to a height of 80 metres. The port is a pleasant place to visit as is the Grande Conche, the town's main beach with over 2 km of fine sand and facing the sea the Parc neighbourhood of beautiful, elegant stone villas which was spared in the 1945 bombings.

Ile de Re

Lying offshore from La Rochelle the island is accessible by a toll bridge. Explore the beaches, fishing ports and sleepy villages; cyclists can enjoy 90 km of cycle paths wending their way through pine forests, vineyards, nature reserves and salt marshes. Along the coast go to St. Martin, the island's 'capital' where the citadel walls are still intact. Visit the chiq Parisian style boutiques and chocolate shops or take the 257 steps to the top of the lighthouse (phare des Baleines) for a breathtaking view.

Ile de Oleron

The island is linked to the main land by a 3 km viaduct. Explore the beautiful sandy beaches, visit the harbour, bird sanctuary and nature reserve or take the tourist train going to places that are inaccessible by road. Every morning and evening during the summer season there are open-air markets in which to enjoy mouth watering local flavours.

Rochefort

A naval base and arsenal, the town is still rich in naval history. Visit the naval museum, the Hermione boatyard and the Royal Ropewalk. Just outside Rochefort is the seaside resort of Fouras facing out to the island of Aix and Fort Boyard. With boat trips to the island, four beautiful beaches and tours of the fortifications and oyster parks there is much to see and do here.

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