See & Do
Le Cerisier Charente
Charente-Maritime coast
The clear and transparent waters of the Atlantic Ocean course along the coastline of the Charente Maritime. The area has 463 km of coastline and four islands : Ré, Oléron, Aix and Madame.
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The Gironde estuary, the largest in Europe, is an area of exceptional biodiversity including the Seudre estuary's salt marshes and oyster beds. The countryside has many architectural treasures and huge areas of vineyards. Cognac and Pineau are intimately interlinked with the local heritage.
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The attraction of its beaches, its seaside ports (La Rochelle), its harbours, its towns full of art and history, its festivals and its historic sites, makes the Charente-Maritime the first tourist destination on mainland France.
La Rochelle
2hrs in the car (137 km)
La Rochelle, capital of Charente Maritime
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​With the ocean at its feet, this thousand-year-old city with a rich historical and urban heritage has been a port since the 12th century. A fortified city, La Rochelle has many defensive monuments, including the towers of the Old Port, guardians of the entrance to the city by sea. Today you can enjoy its history but also its vibrant pedestrian port with restaurants and cafés and magical illumination at night.
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Don't miss the fabulous food market with a huge selection of local and seasonal products. There is both an outside and inside market so there is no excuse if its raining and it is surrounded by cafés with outside tables to enjoy when its sunny.
Oyster experience
Very informative and fun experience - Carole is a third generation mariculture farmer and brings the history, biology and gastronomy of oysters to life in her family owned farm in L'Houmeau (14 minutes - 5.7km from La Rochelle). Visit includes on site marsh visit and tasting with local white wine. Children and adults in the group can have an alternative food and drink. Book on airbnb.
