Natural spots
In order to get to know the region properly there are some preserved natural spots that are well worth the detour.
Classified as a historical monument, Cordouan is the most beautiful and oldest lighthouse in France. Standing at 67.5 metres tall, it contains six Renaissance-style floors and offers an unobstructed view on the whole Gironde estuary, the Côte d’Arvert and the top of la Courbe. Visitors can access it by boat at low tide and have a few hours to visit the monument, fish or swim.
The Vitrezay Nature Centre will help you to understand the estuary, including its fauna, flora and traditional fishing. This visit could be complemented by a visit to the Parc de l’Estuaire, which uses audiovisual techniques to introduce you to a secret and complex world. On the Suzac headland the vegetation is Mediterranean. Fans of local flora will walk along the nature trail; the Belvédère tower has a grand panorama over the beaches of the Côte de Beauté.
The final stage of this walk is along the Seudre, by the oyster centre, la Cité de l’Huître in Marennes. Accessible by foot or bicycle, a 4 kilometre waymarked path, the Chemin des Claires, passes the fauna and flora of the marsh. In the oyster farm you will learn all about the oyster and its manmade environment.
The historic spots
Following 2000 years of mystery, the important Gallo-Roman port city of Fâ in Barzan reveals it secrets and is the setting for a fun archaeological adventure for all the family. In nearby Meschers-sur-Gironde, hear the legendary stories of the troglodyte grottos.
Saintes is a very charming Gallo-Roman city situated on the edge of la Charente. You mustn’t miss out this place with its preserved edifices, for example the amphitheatre, and in particular the Arc de Germanicus but also the abbaye aux Dames and the Saint-Eutrope church.
Rochefort was immortalised in the film by Jacques Démy but also owes its notoriety to its arsenal and the Corderie Royale.
Beautiful and rebellious, La Rochelle is known for its towers, its beautiful abodes, its streets lined with archways but also its ports, its sailing boats and its Grand Pavois...