Brouage
A fully preserved 17th-century walled town with square ramparts, set amid salt marshes. It is the birthplace of Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec, and maintains close ties with Canada.
Brouage was once a thriving salt port, but silting pushed the coastline away and left behind an almost complete set of square walls and bastions. Its streets run straight, and craft shops and galleries are scattered throughout. Champlain was born here, and the town hosts an exhibition related to Quebec. A walk around the ramparts takes about 2 km, with views over the surrounding salt marsh wetlands. Admission is free, and it is about 45 km from La Rochelle, so it can be combined with Rochefort and Oléron on the same day.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Fort Louvois
- Citadelle du Château-d'Oléron
- Pont Transbordeur du Martrou
- Arsenal des Mers & Hermione, Rochefort
- Corderie Royale
- Île d'Aix
- Fort Boyard
- Châtelaillon-Plage