Charente-Maritime Travel Guide

A complete travel guide to Charente-Maritime, France, featuring a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, local food and drinks, accommodation options, and travel logistics.


Introduction to Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime is a picturesque department located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. Situated on the Atlantic coast, it boasts a mild climate and abundant natural beauty. The department is renowned for its architecture, history, and culture, and attracts visitors from all over the world. With its charming villages, stunning beaches, and rich gastronomy, Charente-Maritime is a must-see destination for any traveler.

List of Places to Visit in Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime has a wide range of attractions to suit every type of traveler. Here is a list of some of the must-visit places in the area.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • La Rochelle: A beautiful coastal city with a rich history and stunning architecture, including the Old Port, Gothic towers, and 17th-century arcaded streets.
  • Saintes: An ancient Gallo-Roman city with a rich history, including the Arch of Germanicus, Amphitheatre, and Archaeological Museum.
  • Fort Boyard: An iconic fort located in the middle of the sea, famous for its appearance in the television show of the same name.

Natural Attractions of Charente-Maritime: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ile de Ré: A picturesque island famous for its sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages, and bike-friendly paths.
  • Rochefort: A beautiful coastal town, home to the famous Corderie Royale (Royal Ropery), built by Louis XIV.
  • Marais Poitevin: A unique marshland area with numerous canals, green landscapes, and charming villages.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime offers many hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The following are some of the best:

  • Vélodyssée: A 1,200km bike trail that runs from Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye in the Basque Country, passing through Charente-Maritime along the way.
  • Sentier des Douaniers: A 200km coastal trail from La Rochelle to Royan, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • La Vélodyssée du littoral: A 150km bike trail along the coast, starting from La Rochelle and ending at the Pointe de Grave.

Best Things to Do in Charente-Maritime: Activities and Tours

Charente-Maritime offers a variety of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best:

  • Wine tasting: Charente-Maritime is home to numerous vineyards producing cognac, pineau and wine, including the famous Cognac and Saint-Emilion appellations.
  • Water sports: Visitors can engage in surfing, kite-surfing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding at the numerous beaches and coastal areas.
  • Boat tours: Take a boat tour from Royan to Cordouan lighthouse, which is a classified historical monument that dates back to the 17th century.

Week-Long Itinerary for Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime is the perfect place to spend a week exploring. Here is a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit the historical city of La Rochelle and explore its iconic sites, such as the Old Port and the Aquarium.
  • Day 2: Explore the beautiful Île de Ré, enjoying the island’s scenery, beaches, and peaceful lifestyle.
  • Day 3: Take a boat trip from Royan to Cordouan Lighthouse, visit Talmont-sur-Gironde and the beautiful wild coast of the ‘Côtes Sauvages.’
  • Day 4: Stroll around the fortified village of Brouage before heading to the gorgeous town of Rochefort, home to the Corderie Royale.
  • Day 5: Visit Marennes and try the famous oysters before heading to Saintes and exploring the city’s fascinating Gallo-Roman ruins.
  • Day 6: Discover the Marais Poitevin, also know as the ‘Green Venice,’ by boat or bike.
  • Day 7: Enjoy the beaches of Royan and its beautiful surroundings. Visit the 1950s seaside resort of Pontaillac and the Palmyre Zoo before heading back.

Food and Drink Scene of Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime has a rich gastronomy, featuring the freshest seafood, locally grown vegetables, and delicious cheese. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mouclade: A dish made with mussels cooked in a creamy sauce with white wine.
  • Pineau des Charentes: A fortified wine made of grape juice and Cognac eau-de-vie.
  • Galette Charentaise: A traditional crepe made with flour, eggs, sugar, and butter.

Local Beverages

  • Cognac: A famous brandy distilled from wine produced in the Cognac region.
  • Charentais Wine: Red, white, and rosé wines produced in the region around Saintes.
  • Beer: Charente-Maritime has numerous local breweries producing artisanal beer.

Where to Stay in Charente-Maritime: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Charente-Maritime offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some suggestions:

  • Luxury: Hôtel de Toiras in Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
  • Mid-Range: Hotel de la Plage in Royan.
  • Budget: Auberge de Jeunesse, Hostel & Hotel in La Rochelle.

What to Buy in Charente-Maritime: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Charente-Maritime can bring back a variety of souvenirs and local products, including:

  • Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, and Charentais wine.
  • Oysters and sea salt.
  • Soaps and cosmetics made from local ingredients such as donkey milk, honey, and almond oil.

Local Culture and Customs of Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime has a proud history and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions and customs by:

  • Attending a ‘fête’ or festival in one of the local towns, such as the ‘Fête du Coquillage’ in Marennes or the ‘Festival de Musique de Royan.’
  • Visiting local markets and sampling the fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handicrafts.
  • Exploring the local museums and galleries to learn more about the area’s history and art.

Best Time to Visit Charente-Maritime

The best time to visit Charente-Maritime is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are in full swing. However, visitors can also enjoy the area in the off-season (October to May), which offers fewer crowds and lower prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Charente-Maritime

Do:

  • Try the local food and drinks.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the cities and natural landscapes.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local environment.
  • Ignore local laws and regulations.
  • Take photographs of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime is a relatively safe area with low crime rates. However, visitors should still exercise caution and common sense, such as locking doors and not leaving valuables unattended in public places.

Health in Charente-Maritime

France has an excellent healthcare system, and visitors to Charente-Maritime can access medical care if needed. It is recommended that travelers have comprehensive travel insurance and familiarize themselves with the local emergency services.

Getting to Charente-Maritime: Transportation Options and Logistics

Charente-Maritime is a well-connected area with numerous transportation options and logistics. Here are some suggestions:

Airports Near Charente-Maritime

  • La Rochelle - Île de Ré airport (30km from La Rochelle).
  • Bordeaux-Mérignac airport (130km from Charente-Maritime).

Bus Stations Near Charente-Maritime

  • Flixbus Bus Station in La Rochelle.
  • Eurolines Bus Station in Bordeaux.

Other Options

  • Train: Charente-Maritime has numerous train stations connecting it to cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, and Nantes.
  • Car Hire: Visitors can hire cars from the many car rental companies located in the area.

How to Get Around in Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime has an excellent public transportation system, including trains, buses, and taxis. Visitors can also hire bicycles and explore the area at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Charente-Maritime: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Charente-Maritime is located in a beautiful region of France, and visitors can continue to discover the area by visiting nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some suggestions:

  • Bordeaux: A beautiful city renowned for its wine and architecture.
  • Cognac: A charming town located in the heart of the cognac-producing region.
  • Dordogne: A picturesque region famous for its castles, medieval villages, and stunning landscapes.

Conclusion

Charente-Maritime is a beautiful and culturally rich department, offering visitors a wide range of activities, attractions, and experiences. From its stunning beaches to its historic towns, visitors to Charente-Maritime are sure to be enchanted by its beauty and charm.

Roman amphitheatre, Saintes Roman amphitheatre, Saintes


    La Tremblade
    Saintes