Charente-Maritime

An Atlantic coastal department where the old port of La Rochelle and the islands of Ré and Oléron are favorite French holiday spots.

Charente-Maritime lies on the Atlantic coast of western France, with La Rochelle as its capital. La Rochelle's old harbor is guarded by two medieval towers, and its arcaded streets and aquarium are popular. The islands of Ré and Oléron, reached by bridge, are known for cycling, beaches and salt marshes. Rochefort has a naval arsenal and a replica of the frigate Hermione, the sea fortress of Fort Boyard is famous, inland Saintes preserves Roman remains, and oysters from Marennes-Oléron are a local specialty. Summer is peak beach season. La Rochelle has an airport and is about three hours from Paris by TGV.

Destinations

• La Rochelle
• Cognac

Itineraries

• Poitiers to Bordeaux Atlantic Family Trip – Head south from Futuroscope through the marshes, La Rochelle, Île de Ré and Cognac to Bordeaux.