Welcome to Charente Maritime
The department of Charente Maritime is closely linked to the sea and is, in fact, the most central French region in all the Atlantic coast, offering spectacular views of the Ocean. Its territory includes islands of great importance such as Oléron or the Ile de Ré, two locations with great cultural interest.
In its capital, La Rochelle, the old port is one of the main attractions, as well as the famous aquarium, perfect for a day out with the family.
To enjoy nature, the Regional Natural Park of the Poitou Marshes is a must. And then? You can enjoy the famous fish-based gastronomy, and the traditional cognac produced in these lands.
What to see in Charente Maritime?
As we were saying, this is a region where nature acquires great importance, gathering in its territory more than 450 kilometres of coast where you can easily get lost.
But that's not all, and the combination between relaxation and more active tourism makes this French department an ideal destination for your next holiday as a couple, alone, with your family or your friends. Here there will be plans for everyone!
Enjoy a mild climate as you travel through the different cities, starting with La Rochelle which, as we said, is the capital, and continuing with two of the most populated cities, Rochefort, with its very important arsenal and the museum of the writer Pierre Loti, one of the most celebrated icons from this area; and Saintes, included in one of the stages of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
What curiosities are there?
Travelling to this department means travelling back in time through a culture that has existed for over the centuries.
What you cannot miss on your holidays is Royan, an area full of beaches and a reference point for tourism, having become a real attraction for travellers in recent years.
There are several islands like Ré, where which we recommend you to spend at least a couple of days and you will be able to travel across this island it by bicycle, stopping at its beaches and enjoying its tasty gastronomy.
Among its menus, the undisputed star is the Marennes- Oléron oysters which, according to the most sybarite of cuisine lovers, are a special delicacy. And to finish off, have a glass of cognac, which is one of the best-known liqueurs in the world and has a Controlled Denomination of Origin.
If you travel with your family, show them the Poitou Marshes, one of the largest marshes in Europe, enjoy the essence of a fishing area in the Old Port of its capital, or seize the day at the La Palmyre Zoo, which the little ones of the family will surely love!
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Where can you sleep?
The range of accommodation offered in this department is quite extensive, and covers a lot of corners in the area, which you should get to know by spending at least one night in the most striking ones.
You could start, if you want something different, with the island of Oléron, which is a very charming and quite touristy corner where you are sure to find your perfect accommodation, very close to the charming beaches. But if this is not enough for you, there is nothing like visiting the beaches in the area of Châtelaillon where you can enjoy the calmest tourism under the sun.
For those looking to explore the historical heritage of this region, Rochefort can be a good starting point as its richness value relies on its perfectly preserved art, which blends in with the more natural area at the promenade.
Saintes is another of the most popular places to stay for the night as it is surrounded by a large number of heritage and cultural sites.
These are just some examples of where you can stay to enjoy the department, but there are plenty of quiet and charming villages where you can rest during a few days off. And there is also a wide range of hotels, apartments, rural houses and hostels. What else could you ask for?
What to do in the area?
There are lots of things to do and places to visit! Whatever your idea of travel, in this department you will find a huge offer to enjoy by yourself, as well as with your partner, family or friends.
If nature and sport are your thing, Royan is one of the most visited touristic spots, along with Châtelaillon Plage, where you can enjoy a swim in the sea, and different activities related to it.
The islands of Aix and Ré are also perfect destinations to do sports, as here you can cycle around both these magnificent islands and admire the environment in a much more natural way.
But, of course, you have to learn about their history through their heritage and, with that in mind, we recommend that you visit Poitou, where you will discover the beautiful church of Aulnay-de-Saintonge, as well as the castle of La Roche-Courbon or discover the surprises that Saintes has to offer.
Finally, we recommend that you visit the largest estuary in the western part of Europe in Gironde and, while you are at it, visit also one of its most charming villages: Talmont-sur-Gironde.
What typical foods are recommended?
Due to its location and its connection to the sea, it should not come as a surprise that Charente Maritime's cuisine is based on sea products.
Hundreds of kilometres of coastline provide plenty of space. And an essential part of its culture is its gastronomy, in which the undisputed star products are the oysters and, in particular, the Marenne-Oléron variety, which are a real delight.
One of the key elements in any cuisine is salt, and if you are lucky enough to get some of the famous Fleur de Sel, then you have an almost guaranteed success. It is a product that emphasizes the flavours of some recipes like few others do, and that is not only used in savoury recipes, but also in ice cream and candies – a true delight!
To finish this gastronomic experience well, you cannot miss on trying some of the local cognac, since you are in the main production area of this liquor that will be putting the cherry on top of a unique and very typical menu. But don't forget the Pineau des Charentes wines either, especially in their white and rosé varieties.
Where are the festivities?
As in most other French departments, the festivities here are a very important part of the local folklore, in which the dances, music and typical gastronomy of the area are highlighted.
There are events that take place in most cities and towns all over the department, and last for several days. There are traditional ones, and more modern ones.
One of the most popular of them is the Francofolies, a traditional music festival held in La Rochelle that lasts several days and in which music becomes a synonym of happiness. It has become so popular that some of the most recent editions have gathered up to 8,000 people.
In October, you can see the more modern part at the Moovement de Rochefort, where a festival that celebrates urban cultures is held.
Choose your favourite theme and get ready to enjoy!
