France: Heading for the Atlantic islands
Main advantages of the travel
- The Corderie Royale and the Rochefort Arsenal, witnesses to the maritime engineering of the Grand Siècle
- The islands of Ré, Oléron and Aix, true jewels of the Atlantic
- A guided cruise on the Charente, with a view of the mythical Fort Boyard
- Fortified villages and UNESCO-listed sites, including Saint-Martin-de-Ré
- Discover oyster farming and salt marshes, emblems of the Charente coastline
- Cultural visits and walks by the sea, combining nature, heritage and relaxation
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An exceptional tour of the Atlantic coast
Leave for a unique 5-day trip organized by our volunteers from Île-de-France, between ports steeped in history, luminous islands and maritime fortifications. This tour off the coast of Charente offers you an authentic immersion in the heart of France's oceanic heritage, discovering a coastline that's rich, lively and full of charm.
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A journey between sea and history
Your stay begins in Rochefort, former city of Colbert, symbol of the maritime power of the French kingdom. You'll visit the impressive Corderie Royale and the naval arsenal, true testaments to 17th-century naval know-how. Then head for La Rochelle, an emblematic port city where medieval towers, arcades and narrow streets recall the city's trading and strategic past.
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Islands with unique characters
This tour takes you to discover three emblematic islands: Ré, Oléron and Aix. Each offers a different face of the Atlantic.
On the island of Ré, salt marshes, white villages and Vauban's UNESCO-listed fortifications immerse you in a soothing, unspoilt setting.
L'île d'Oléron, nicknamed "la Lumineuse", seduces with its colorful oyster ports, its wild nature and its Chassiron lighthouse offering an exceptional panorama of the ocean.
As for l'île d'Aix, accessible only by boat, it invites you to stroll between Napoleonic fortifications, beaches and alleys lined with hollyhocks. -
Cultural and maritime immersion
From fort to fort, island to island, this journey is a plunge into the heart of France's maritime heritage. You'll discover shipbuilding in Rochefort, the history of coastal fortifications, and admire the famous Fort Boyard during a commented cruise on the Charente. Guided tours, museums and local encounters will give you a better understanding of the close link between the locals and the sea.
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Nature, tradition and delicacies
Each stopover holds its own flavors and surprises: oyster tastings, discovery of salt marshes and oyster-farming villages, strolls through lively ports and convivial lunches facing the sea. This tour combines pleasure, culture and authenticity, in an exceptional natural setting.
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A complete and unforgettable itinerary
Between heritage, seascapes and local know-how, this trip to the Atlantic coast promises a total escape. You'll leave with lasting memories, from the panorama of the Chassiron lighthouse to the narrow streets of La Rochelle, via the golden beaches and endless horizons of the Atlantic.
