Royan
A seaside resort overlooking the Gironde estuary and the ocean, Royan has been a renowned holiday resort since the 19th century for its fine sandy beaches and generous sunshine. Royan has many assets, in particular the quality and variety of its architecture with its Belle Epoque villas and its 1950s town planning, unique in Europe. Royan is a resort that moves, with a range of sporting and cultural activities for all generations, a thalassotherapy institute and a casino that will make you spend pleasant moments of relaxation, as well as many events throughout the year
More informations: Office de tourisme de Royan : www.royan-tourisme.com / +33(0)5 46 23 00 00
Talmont
The medieval city of Talmont-sur-Gironde stands out on a small peninsula on a rocky peak. Just after the cliffs of Meschers, located on the way to Saint Jacques de Compostela, Talmont was one of the places of passage for pilgrims crossing the Gironde. The Sainte-Radegonde church, built in 1094, remains impressive overlooking the Estuary, on a cliff side. The City hides many other curiosities, between small streets and alleys colored with its hollyhocks which contrast with the whiteness of the houses.
More informations: Office de tourisme de Talmont : www.talmont-sur-gironde.fr/office-de-tourisme / +33 (0)5 46 90 16 25
Phare de Cordouan
Built at the entry of the Gironde Estuary, 7 km out to sea, the Cordouan Lighthouse, King of lighthouses, lighthouse of Kings, is equidistant from the Gironde and Charente coasts. It is the oldest of the French lighthouses still in operation. Classified as a historical monument since 1862, its grandiose architecture, the result of a long and tormented history, has made Cordouan the "Versailles of the sea", a unique lighthouse in the world whose visit can only arouse your wonder.
More informations: www.phare-de-cordouan.fr
Fort Boyard
Located halfway between the islands of Aix and Oléron, Fort-Boyard was designed above all to protect the harbor of the island of Aix and the royal arsenal of Rochefort. Started in 1804, the construction of the Fort lasted more than 40 years. At the end of the Second Empire, it became a military prison then was abandoned at the beginning of the 20th century, prey to looters. In 1950, it was listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments. Initially acquired by an individual, it finally becomes the property of the General Council of Charente-Maritime. Completely restored, it regains its splendor before being the setting for a well-known game show.
As Fort Boyard is not accessible to the public, take advantage of a wide range of cruises departing from the island of Oléron (Port of Saint-Denis d'Oléron or Boyardville) to get closer to this majestic vessel. Stone. Through the many sea trips that will be offered to you, you can also admire the Chassiron lighthouse or make a stopover on the island of Aix.
More informations: Office de tourisme de l’Ile d’Oléron et du Bassin de Marennes : www.ile-oleron-marennes.com / +33(0)5 46 85 65 23
La Rochelle et ses tours
A city steeped in history, La Rochelle impresses with its two medieval towers guarding the entrance to the port. For 1000 years, La Rochelle “the rebel” has loved being different: a democrat well before its time, it is Protestant when the whole France is Catholic; it finds itself protected from kings when the country bends under the weight of taxes…. Throughout history, it displays its difference. Today, it remains a place of pilgrimage for many tourists.
More informations: Office de tourisme de la Rochelle : www.larochelle-tourisme.com / +33 (0)5 46 41 14 68
Rochefort
City of Art and History, Rochefort presents a unique maritime heritage in the world with the Corderie Royale, the Hermione Shipyard, the Forms of Radoubs, the Old School of Naval Medicine and the Navy Hospital or even the Garden of Returns. The National Maritime Museum, housed in the Mansion of Cheusses, allows the visitor to understand all this maritime history. Above the Charente, between Rochefort and Echillais, stands the very last Transporter Bridge in France.
More informations: Office de tourisme de Rochefort : www.rochefort-ocean.com / +33 (0)5 46 99 08 60
La Corderie Royale
A magnificent building born from the desire of Louis XIV and Colbert to build arsenals for a powerful war fleet. The construction of the first structure began in 1666 and ended in 1669. This 374-metre long building is placed on a raft of oak beams to compensate for the instability of the marshy terrain. Its great length is explained by the need to make ropes with a length of 200 meters.
More informations: www.corderie-royale.com / +33 (0)5 46 87 01 90
L'association Hermione-La Fayette
Since July 1997, the Hermione-La Fayette Association has embarked on a formidable adventure, the reconstruction of the frigate Hermione, a ship which, in 1780, enabled La Fayette to join the American insurgents fighting for their independence. A ship of more than 65 meters in overall length, with a sail area of 1,500 m2 spread over three masts, the Hermione was built according to the plans of the engineer Chevillard Aîné. Belonging to the category of so-called light frigates, characterized by their speed and maneuverability, the Hermione was equipped with 26 guns firing 12-pound cannonballs, hence its name "12-pounder frigate". It was in 2015 that the ship set off again for America, crossing the Atlantic for History in the footsteps of La Fayette with a crew of 78 people: 15 professional sailors, 56 volunteers who take part in laborers (called "gabiers"), and 7 supernumeraries (technicians, journalists, etc.).
More informations: www.hermione.com
