The most beautiful ports of Charente-Maritime

With their quays lined with terraces, the cries of seagulls, and piles of fishing nets, ports have always been lively places, imbued with authenticity. Invitations to travel, almost timeless...

A maritime destination par excellence, Charente-Maritime, with its 470 km of coastline, its 4 islands and its 4 estuaries, has no fewer than 60 ports along its coastline! Fishing port, marina, oyster port... Each port offers a very different atmosphere and character. From the north to the south of the department, here is a selection of ten of the most picturesque and unusual Charente ports ! From port to port...

The port of Marans, river charm and boat trips

Far from the hustle and bustle of the coast, the port of the small river town of Marans enjoys an exceptional geographical location between marshland and ocean. Less than ten kilometers from the Bay of Aiguillon and the Atlantic, surrounded by vast impassable marshes, Marans positioned itself as a major port in river and maritime trade from the Middle Ages until the middle of the 20th century, notably with the transport of cereals, vegetables, fruits and tiles etc. Today, the Port of Marans is a peaceful marina in the city center, ideal for strolling along the quays, admiring the sailboats, or discovering the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise by motorboat to the gates of the Marais Poitevin.

The port of Houmeau, intimate and gourmet

This little gem draws its uniqueness from its natural setting. Nestled between La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré, the small port of Plomb de l'Houmeau offers a splendid panorama of the Pertuis Breton, the Ile de Ré and the majestic curve of its bridge on the horizon. With a 3-kilometer coastline and its small pebble beach dominated by cliffs, L'Houmeau can be enjoyed through its salty and exotic walks. A small, intimate port well placed for taking photos, walks and gourmet breaks on the terraces of its fish and seafood restaurants.

The port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, enchanting and historic

The historic capital of the Île de Ré, Saint-Martin-de-Ré is surrounded by remarkable ramparts fortified by Vauban, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the heart of the village, its port, once prosperous thanks to the salt and wine trade, is today a charming marina, bustling with restaurants, shops and café terraces. Its floating dock surrounds the old sailors'quarter and forms a central island where it is pleasant to stroll to admire the alignment of old houses from the 17th and 18th centuries around the port wall. A truly beautiful stopover!

The picturesque and family-friendly port of La Flotte

Formerly a fishing village, La Flotte is an essential stopover for exploring the Ile de Ré. With its astonishing 200m long rounded jetty facing the Vendée coast, the pretty port of La Flotte, lined with small bistros, terraces and ice cream parlors. The town lives to the rhythm of the comings and goings of pleasure boats. Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", this historic village invites its visitors to take a stroll along the port, in its flowery alleys or around its medieval-inspired market. Recalling the activity of fishing sailboats, old boats or old rigging" are moored there, 5 of which are classified as Historic Monuments.

The Old Port of La Rochelle, medieval and majestic

Facing the Atlantic, the entrance to the Old Port is guarded by three imposing towers, true emblems of the city: the Tour de la Chaine, the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Lanterne, a little further away. They bear witness to the power and wealth of La Rochelle through the ages. Originally a fishing village founded in the 10th century, La Rochelle played an important role in the wine and salt trade. The port is also sadly famous for its major involvement in the slave trade.

Today, the historic heart of the city is organized around the port, which has retained its air of yesteryear and where sailors' stories are still whispered. With its pedestrian-only quays, its terraces and restaurants, the port of La Rochelle has an irresistible charm. You will appreciate the summer entertainment as much as the gentle way of life that reigns there out of season.

The port of Château d'Oléron: oyster farming and crafts

During a visit to the island of Oléron, let yourself be tempted by the enchanting setting of the port of Château-d'Oléron. Located south of the citadel, this port, built from 1790, was a very important oyster and trading port from the 19th century. Specializing in the transit of oysters , the town is one of the major components of the Marennes-Oléron basin with Marennes and La Tremblade. If the port of Château-d'Oléron today leaves an important place for pleasure boating, it nevertheless remains a very active oyster port as evidenced by the area called "le Pâté" to the west of the port. The charming, typical and colorful oyster huts house art workshops and small designer boutiques.

The Port of La Cotinière, an authentic fishing port

Over the centuries, fishing has forged the port identity of La Cotinière, in the commune of Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron. This activity still punctuates the daily ballet of the brightly colored flotilla that animates the port. On the west coast of the island, this port is the leading fishing port in Charente-Maritime and the seventh in France. The freshness and quality of the fish make it rich. Fishermen unload their cargoes of line-caught sea bass, sole, langoustines, but also cuttlefish, sea bream, red mullet, conger eel, etc. The auction is held daily (guided tours are available with the Tourist Office). Strolling along the quays, relaxing in the cool air while watching the fishermen untie their nets, watching the fish being unloaded, tasting oysters in the port, enjoying a freshly caught fish in a small restaurant, these are the simple pleasures offered by a detour to the port of La Cotinière.

The Port of Chaillevette, in the heart of the marshes

At the end of the world, on the Arvert peninsula on the left bank of the Seudre, Chaillevette is located in the middle of marshes and ripening oyster beds. A stroll through Chaillevette is a must to discover its two picturesque ports nestled in the heart of nature. The "Port de Chaillevette" and the "Port de Chatressac" perfectly embody the cliché of the Charente oyster port : rustic multi-colored wooden huts, small white houses lined with hollyhocks and the sweetness of life in a setting worthy of a postcard.

La Palmyre, marina

Renowned for its long, fine sandy beaches lined with maritime pines, the seaside resort of La Palmyre is home to a marina in the western part of the commune of Les Mathes. The first port at the mouth of the Gironde, it is located at the entrance to the famous Bonne Anse Bay, protected from the winds by the dune barrier. The marina of La Palmyre brings calm and gentleness thanks to its cove and offers a haven of relaxation to visitors wishing to enjoy a breath of fresh air during a walk or bike ride.

Mortagne sur Gironde, port of the estuary

In the Gironde estuary, a channel crossing the marshes of the Grande Roselière leads boats to the port of Mortagne-sur-Gironde. The only port with a floating dock on this part of the Charente coast welcomes beautiful sailing boats, pleasure boats and some local fishing boats which unload lampreys and elvers. With its quays lined with terraces, beautiful white stone houses and old flour mills, this picturesque port is a pleasant place to enjoy unusual landscapes. While strolling along the quay and the footpath, don't miss the splendid view of the estuary from the belvedere.

In all seasons, these typical ports reflect the maritime history of the Charente coast and can be discovered with fascination and wonder.

Article and photos (unless otherwise stated) prepared by Lesley Williamson

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