near Saintes in the Charente Maritime

Out & About

Chaniers - 4kms by road or 2kms by footpath and ferry

Chaniers is the nearest village with shops. There is a post office, 2 ATMs, pharmacy, 2 bakers, florist, mini-market, café, 2 restaurants, newsagent and 2 hairdressers.

Picture a sunny Sunday morning: take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Charente, cross to Chaniers via the “bac”( a small two car ferry ) free of charge, buy some fresh bread and oysters then have a cool beer before retracing you steps home!(before noon, of course). Life doesn't get any better! Chaniers.

Saintes - 12kms

The beautiful market town of Saintes, which used to be the Region's administrative capital before La Rochelle, is right on your doorstep!

There has been a town on this site since the days of the great Roman Empire and some of the magnificent structures from this era are still to be seen. The Germanicus Arch which was one of the gateways into the town and the Amphitheatre a spectacular concert venue in the summer months; the Roman Baths and an Aqueduct.

During Medieval times three magnificent edifices were built, Abbey aux Dames, Eglise St Eutrope, and Cathédrale St Pierre, all are open to the public. Many other buildings from different periods are now Museums and Art Galleries.

Saintes' town centre has a pedestrian shopping precinct which encompasses the old town where the narrow “ruelles” (alleyways) and well worn steps lead you between the boutiques and the many and varied restaurants.

Every morning (except Mondays) ‘till approximately 13.00hrs there is a big fresh food market in Saintes where you can browse for and buy the best in local produce: fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, flowers, bread, cheese, confectionery, preserves, pineau and wine !

The beautiful slow flowing River Charente runs through the centre of Saintes. You can enjoy sitting on its banks for a picnic lunch, make an excursion on one of the big river boats or take a shorter trip in one the small motor boats, as you wish !

On the outskirts of Saintes are the larger supermarkets, modern superstores and a cinema complex ! Office of tourism - Saintes

Pons - 19kms

The river Seugne runs through this lovely small town with a medeval history. Pons has an imposing keep, built on a rocky outcrop, and was a “stopping” place for the pilgrims on their way to St Jacques de Compostelle. There are several places in and around Pons which offer leisure activities.
The Intermarché at Pons is the nearest big supermarket open on a Sunday! It is only open in the morning and you have to be in the shop before 11.45am. Office of tourism - Pons

Cognac - 17km

A short drive will take you to the fantastic old town of Cognac. For those with an interest in the produce of the vine, here you will find all the big Cognac houses that open their doors to edifying tours and, of course, "tastings". As well as the large Cognac houses there are many small local viticulturists who also give tastings in a much less formal environment. There is some very impressive architecture in the town and a visit to Chateau des Valois is recommended. Office of Tourism - Cognac

Martell, Hennessy, Remy

La Rochelle - 70km

After a 45mins drive the historic port city of La Rochelle can be found. La Rochelle is the "prefecture" (capital) of the Charente Maritime region. The harbour ramparts are an impressive backdrop to the city square with its many bars and cafes. Access to the nearby islands of Ile de Re and Oleron can be gained by taking the 3km toll bridge from La Pallice, a suburb of La Rochelle. Ile de Re is famous for it's oyster production and magnificent sandy beaches. The famous Fort Boyard is also just along the coast. There is also a fantastic aquarium that is well worth a visit.
Office of Tourism - La Rochelle

BEACHES and ISLANDS

The Atlantic coast is a minimum of half an hour away!
The coast from St Georges de Didonne to La Rochelle and beyond has wonderful beaches! These vary from wide, flat resort beaches to small sandy coves to the magnificent sand-dune backed “Cotes Sauvages” which as the name suggests has wilder seas that support water sports such as surfing and kite surfing. The water here is not as warm as the Mediterranean but even I will swim in it !

ST GEORGES DE DIDONNE and ROYAN

These beaches are almost adjacent and almost identical! They are wide flat beaches with shallow water, safe and ideal for small children. All sorts of water sports are available here. At both are sailing schools where you can learn to sail, kayak, water ski, windsurf or hire the equipment if you are already proficient. Royan and St Georges are both busy seaside resorts marking the end of the Gironde Estuary. There are restaurants and boutiques a plenty! Office of Tourism Royan,
Further north along the coast are sheltered coves/bays and picturesque seaside villages e.g. St Pallais -sur-Mer and Vaux-sur-Mer.
Still further north is the “Grande Cote” - miles of sandy beaches backed by sand dunes and pine forests. There is good parking and many sea food restaurants along this stretch.

LA PALMYRE

La Palmyre is another busy seaside resort with many tourist attractions and activities.
To the north of La Palmyre is the “Cote Sauvage”, a magnificent stretch of beach where the seas are wilder and less safe for small children . There are designated swimming areas which are patrolled by “beach rescue”.
The french love to go to the beach but luckily for you they prefer to go later in the day – make an early start and the beach is yours !

ILE D'OLERON

This is the largest french island, second only to Corsica. It is accessed by a bridge between Marennes and Rochefort. On the island, which has a rule that all shutters and doors must be painted blue ( you won't believe how many shades of blue there are), are vineyards, oyster beds and “blue flag” beaches. It takes about an hour to get there, but be warned that there can be long queues at the bridge! Office of Tourism - Ile d'oleron

ILE DE RE

This island is a few miles north of Oleron and here the shutters are all green! It is accessed by a bridge from La Rochelle and is the island of choice for many of the french rich and famous for their holiday homes, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis have a house here!! Beaches are fabulous. Office of Tourism - Ile de Re

ILE D'AIX

Truly a “get away from it all”place. The island is small enough to walk round and just as well as no cars are allowed! You get there by boat from near Rochefort. There are beaches, restaurants and some shops. Enjoy the tranquility! Office of Tourism

Contact Details

Maureen Robertson

8 Chem du Barrage
Chez Gallet
Courcoury
17100
France

E-Mail

Contact me direct maureen@lacagouillegite.com

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