Rochefort is a naval town located on the Charente estuary, 16km (10 miles) from the coast. Attractions include the National Marine Museum, The Museum of Naval Aviation, and the Hermione, a replica of the frigate that carried General Lafayette to fight in the American Revolution against the British in 1779. Made from 400,000 individual pieces of wood and taking 17 years to complete, in 2015 it retraced General Lafayette’s journey to America before returning to Rochefort.
The Charente estuary has multiple marked hiking and cycling trails. The area is also the largest oyster cultivation area in all of Europe. More than 100 oyster farms can be found on either side of the Charente river. Bon appétit!
Royan’s sandy beaches and quiet bay make it an ideal seaside town. Up until the 1940s, it was a favorite of artists and authors, including Picasso and Zola. During WWII, the town was heavily bombed by Allied forces. Fortunately, many of the Belle Epoque villas from the 1800s remained undamaged, and they line the beautiful walking and cycling path across from the main beach, La Grande Conche.
Besides the stunning ocean views, one of the first sites visitors will notice is the silhouette of the brutalist cathedral, Notre Dame de Royan, built entirely of raw concrete in the 1950s.
La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente-Maritime and was one of France’s greatest port cities from the 14th – 17th centuries. Known as La Ville Blanche for its beautiful limestone buildings, the city boasts fine examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture.
Visitors should not miss the Vieux Port, whether to dine at its seafood restaurants, admire the picturesque views, or catch a boat to the neighboring islands. La Rochelle has no shortage of attractions, from museums to the Parc Charruyer to outdoor shopping arcades to the aquarium.