Top 5 spots to admire the fishing huts of Charente-Maritime

Inseparable from the landscapes of Charente-Maritime and the Gironde estuary, wooden cabins perched above the ocean stand along the coastline, open to the vastness of the Atlantic. A true part of Charente's heritage, these cabins suspended between sky and earth offer a dreamlike haven for fishing and admiring the breathtaking landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, these little corners of paradise, isolated from the world, are called " carrelets." Calling all lovers, photographers, epicureans, dreamers, insatiable minds, and the curious! These picturesque cabins offer superb settings for unforgettable moments. And when these moments are enhanced by a magnificent sunset, it's pure bliss! Here are the best spots to admire these iconic fishing cabins of the Charente coastline.

Top 5 places to admire the fishing huts on the Charente coast

The fishing huts of Charente-Maritime, historical and cultural heritage

Along the department's coastline, there are just over 400 fishing huts officially listed as part of Charente-Maritime's heritage since 2018. Built on wooden stilts and connected to the shore by a long jetty, the foundations of these huts are submerged in the water. As such, these cabins belong to the public maritime domain, and the State decides who can use them by issuing operating permits to the owners, renewable every five years. Some of these small fishing huts are passed down from generation to generation.

Many cabins were destroyed by the storms of 1999 and Xynthia in 2010. The former affected almost 90% of the fishing huts, nearly 600 of them being wiped out. Some were rebuilt strictly following the rule "all wood, sheet metal roof possible," while others retained only their pontoon.

Fishing with a dip net

The word "carrelet" actually refers to the square net used for fishing from these stilted structures. It is lowered and raised in the sea by a winch system that lifts the horizontally submerged net using a pulley or rope. Practiced at high tide in shallow waters, carrelet fishing involves placing bait in the middle of the net and moving it regularly to attract sole, mullet, goatfish, plaice, crabs, shrimp, and eels ! This traditional fishing method is primarily a pastime that requires a good deal of patience. Nevertheless, carrelet fishing, which generally takes place between March and October, is regulated by the Departmental Directorate of Maritime Affairs. Whether for a pleasant day out with family or a solitary escape from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, the people of Charente appreciate the peaceful atmosphere offered by the carrelets, letting themselves be lulled by the sound of the waves and enjoying the present moment.

Top 5 places to admire the fishing huts on the Charente coast

You'll find fishing huts scattered all along the coastline, on the banks of the Charente and Gironde rivers, from Rochefort to Port des Barques, on Île Madame and Île d'Oléron, from the Marais d'Yves in Fouras to Marennes-Oléron. My suggestions for picturesque spots to admire these fishing huts will delight visitors and offer the opportunity for a lovely seaside stroll.

1. Saint-Palais-sur-Mer

The fishing hut on stilts is very common on the Royan coast, and particularly in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, a charming little resort town full of Belle Époque villas. My favorite spot is undoubtedly the Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge), a natural limestone rock formation located on a peninsula in the town, on the Pierrières massif. Following the path that leads towards the Grande Côte, venture among the rocks to enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean and the Cordouan lighthouse in the distance, in the Gironde estuary.

The Devil's Bridge is a natural site popular with tourists, photographers, and fishermen, featuring several wooden fishing huts still used for catching crustaceans, shellfish, and fish in the estuary. At sunset, the spectacle is breathtaking!

2. Madame Island

Bathed by the Bay of Biscay, nestled between the Fouras peninsula and Île d'Aix to the north, and the small oyster-farming port of Port-des-Barques, Île Madame is the second smallest of the five Charente islands, listed in descending order of size: Île d'Oléron, Île de Ré, Île d'Aix, Île Madame, and Île de Nôle. Known as an ideal spot for shellfish gathering, Île Madame is connected to the mainland by a causeway of sand and pebbles approximately one kilometer long, accessible only at low tide. Check the tide times so you're not caught off guard! Numerous fishing huts on stilts (carrelets) dot its shores. Truly picture-postcard scenery!

3. Fouras-les-Bains

This little seaside resort is full of surprises! Take a stroll along the coastal path between the Baie d'Yves nature reserve and the town of Fouras to admire the many fishing huts on stilts (carrelets) along the way. My favorite spot is at the far end of the south beach, along the Source du Paradis trail. Superb carrelets are revealed in an authentic and peaceful seaside setting. Along the slightly wilder northern path of the peninsula, you'll also find magnificent examples of carrelets lined up one after the other! This walk combines breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean with a picturesque discovery of these undeniably charming huts.

4. Talmont-sur-Gironde

Between land and sea, the small village of Talmont-sur-Gironde, perched on a promontory of the Charente coast, is listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" for its rich heritage. Fishing huts on stilts (carrelets) are an integral part of this preserved culture, and you can admire superb huts in the hamlet of Le Caillaud from the port of Talmont. At low tide, several carrelets can be seen up close at the foot of the fortifications of this medieval bastide town, surrounded by ramparts. Out of season, this village exudes calm and serenity.

5. Meschers-sur-Gironde

About ten kilometers from Royan, famous for the troglodyte caves of Matata, the small village of Meschers-sur-Gironde offers a sweeping panorama of the largest wild estuary in Europe. Head to the Pointe de Meschers to admire the majestic, colorful fishing huts, superbly aligned. Take the small staircase that leads down to the rocks on which they stand proudly! The sun setting over the ocean gives the fishing huts of Meschers-sur-Gironde a romantic air.

The fishing huts are among the iconic images of the Charente-Maritime coastline and you will not resist the temptation to bring back your own photos of these symbols of freedom which embody all the sweetness of life in Charente, in harmony with nature and the ocean.

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