The Charente Maritime coastline is cradled by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The department boasts 463 km of coastline and is surrounded by an archipelago of islands that bring you the sweetness of life: the islands of Oléron, Ré, Aix, and Madame.
Discovering our beautiful region
Alongside La Rochelle and its old port, the royal rope factory of Rochefort and its arsenal from where the Hermione sails towards America, Saintes and its arenas, the ancient fortifications of Vauban, several sites are listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO: The citadel of Saint Martin de Ré, the Saint-Eutrope basilica of Saintes, the Pilgrims' Hospital of Pons and the Church of Saint Pierre de la Tour d'Aulnay.
The Seudre estuary invites you to its salt marshes and oyster farms. Its hinterland overflows with numerous architectural treasures and sprawls with vineyards: Cognac and Pineau accompany the region. On the gastronomic podium, the region blends seafood and local produce.
To the west, its immense oyster basin has made the department famous for its fine, special claire oysters, known worldwide, best enjoyed with Surgères butter. Its mussels raised on bouchots, its famous potato with a hint of iodine, the salt harvested in the salt marshes, and its specialty cheese, La Jonche, made from curdled cow's milk placed on a rush mat from the marshes. As a condiment, in vinegar, or raw, the samphire (Samphire) is a marsh plant.
Charente Maritime is an ideal playground for sports and nature lovers. At sea, you can enjoy several water sports: sailing, surfing, sea kayaking, and paddleboarding. The 50 km coastal path is ideal for hiking, as are the inland areas and forests. Haute Saintonge offers numerous trails for horseback riding. The marshes are a vast fishing area, as are the rivers and seaside banks.
The department is marked by dominant sunshine and light rain: ideal weather for successful holidays or weekends.