Charente Maritime is cradled in its coastal facade by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The department is drawn by 463 km of coastline and embraced by an archipelago of islands that bring you the sweetness of life: the island of Oléron, Ré, Aix and Madame.
Heritage of the Charente coast
Discovering our beautiful region
Alongside La Rochelle and its old port, the royal rope factory of Rochefort and its arsenal from where the Hermione sets sail for 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 extends its vineyards: Cognac and Pineau accompany the territory.
To the west, its immense oyster basin has made the department famous for its fine and special claire oysters, known throughout the world, to be enjoyed with Surgères butter.
Charente Maritime is an ideal playground for sports and nature lovers.
