What to do in Charente Maritime in winter?

We've put together a program of fun and original activities to make your winter stay in Charente-Maritime unforgettable! Charente-Maritime is popular for its beaches and Atlantic coastline, its archipelago of islands, the picturesque villages along its estuary, the Poitevin marsh and its Aunis region, Saintonge and its wine-growing region... These beautiful territories offer numerous activities in all seasons. Whether you're a fan of old buildings, history, culture, or more of a sports enthusiast, a gourmet, or just a curious visitor, you'll love it.

Opening photo: © tunach17 / Adobe Stock

Visit a typical monument of maritime heritage: lighthouses

In Charente-Maritime, there are many lighthouses to visit, whether on the islands, at sea, or along the coast. Here are our "Top 3 Lighthouses":

• The Baleines lighthouse is located on the Ile de Ré and offers a lovely walk along the coastal path to La Conche beach, a chance to climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy a 360° panoramic view and to learn about maritime buoyage in the museum.

• On the island of Oléron, the Chassiron lighthouse offers a beautiful view, particularly of Fort Boyard. The museum tells the story of the life of the people of Oléron, between land and sea. At its foot, there is a beautiful garden in the shape of a compass rose to visit.

• In La Tremblade, the Coubre lighthouse is open from February to November. You'll enjoy a magnificent view of the Gironde estuary . You can learn about the history of the lighthouse in its museum.

Discover the history of the region through its castles

The region has been highly coveted throughout its long history: the Romans, the Franks, the Bretons and especially the English! You will discover a very varied range of fortifications , from the very first in the Middle Ages to the most modern ones according to Vauban 's plans...

• The Château de la Roche-Courbon offers you, in addition to the guided tour of this “ Historic Monument ” and the walk in its “ Remarkable Gardens ”, numerous activities: Castle game, Préhistozen, old games, courses for children, etc.

• Dampierre-sur-Boutonne Castle has a long history to tell. It's a vibrant castle where events and unique tours regularly take place.

• The medieval town of Pons offers many points of interest. We'll take you on a Discovery Tour of Pons and its historical treasures. The tourist office offers a " Pons Street Tour ," and you can book guided tours there.
  

Satisfying your curiosity in museums

Inhabited since prehistoric times, this territory has a long and tumultuous history, which has given rise to numerous traditions, left a rich heritage and inspired artists... Here is something to learn and cultivate in the region's museums :

• Environment and nature : Salt Marsh Ecomuseum, in Loix on the Isle of Ré.

• History : The "Bunker" Museum in La Rochelle is a real bunker built in the city center during the Second World War and left intact for 70 years! A very unusual visit awaits you.

• Ancient trades and traditions of yesteryear : Museum of old-fashioned trades, in Rochefort.

• Around the sea : the Aquarium of La Rochelle.

• Arts : Museum of Fine Arts of La Rochelle.

• Sciences : Natural History Museum, in La Rochelle.

• Games and leisure : Museum of Automata and scale models in La Rochelle.

Explore the picturesque villages of Charente-Maritime

Are you a fan of old buildings? There's no doubt about it, you'll be spoiled for choice in Charente-Maritime. There are so many, it's going to be difficult to choose. So, we've put together a small selection of the must-sees:

• Talmont-sur-Gironde, a fortified town on the banks of the Gironde estuary.

• Brouage, another strategic and fortified place, between the coast and the marshes.

• Mornac-sur-Seudre, in the heart of the estuary.

• The oyster port of La Tremblade.

• The typical and authentic port of Houmeau.

If you miss the city, La Rochelle has many facets, many monuments and museums to visit and the tourist office offers fascinating guided tours.

Taste local products and regional specialties

For gourmets, we give you some ideas for tasting the local gastronomy, through its many local and seafood products and its warm and friendly cuisine.

First, you need good local products ! We offer you an overview of the region's gourmet flavors between land and sea. And to find them, several options are available to you:

• Take a tour of the village markets or the central market of Royan or a producers' market, such as the Ferme des producteurs Ré-unis, in Bois-Plage-en-Ré, which brings together many producers on the Ile de Ré.

• Visit local producers. Among others, for the Isle of Ré: the Saltworkers of the Isle of Ré ; the Algae of the Isle of Ré ; the oysters of Réostréa. Charente-Maritime also produces kiwis, notably the Kiwis of Meux.

Then, you need a good recipe and to get cooking! Otherwise, we offer you addresses of restaurants and oyster bars that will delight you without tiring you out!

And to accompany all these regional specialties, we will introduce you to the wine-growing region of Charente-Maritime. Right now, it is the Cognac distillation season, a good opportunity to do some wine tourism and visit the vineyards of Charente-Maritime.

Practicing a sport in the great outdoors

In winter, we tend to shut ourselves indoors. But in this region, the ocean brings us a little warmth and it rarely gets very cold. In addition, the sea air is so invigorating that it's a joy to do a little sport, especially after all those good meals. We suggest you admire the panoramas of the coast and the beaches, with this exceptional winter light, or explore the Charente hinterland. Here are our most beautiful walks:

• Discover the carrelets, an original heritage at the water’s edge…

• Take a romantic walk at the end of the day to enjoy the sunsets on the Ile de Ré.

• Get off the beaten track during an unusual winter walk on the Isle of Ré.

• Take a tour of the blue lakes of Touvérac.

• Hike in the Double Saintongeaise forest and feast your eyes on the 50 shades of blue of Lake Guizengeard.

If you're more of a cyclist, we've compiled a list of the great cycling routes in Charente-Maritime for you. If you'd like to find out more, don't hesitate to visit the tourist office's website and its " by bike " section: Infiniment Charente.

Didn't bring your equipment? No worries, go to a rental agency.

Relax in wellness centers

After sport, comfort... It's high time to take care of yourself and recharge your batteries to fill up on energy! Here are the addresses of balneotherapy centers, hammams, saunas...

For a relaxing and well-being stay , we recommend a vacation at the Gîtes et Spa La Charmaie in Aigrefeuille-d'Aunis.

We hope that these few ideas have inspired you for your next winter vacation in Charente-Maritime.

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Charente Maritime Guide.