The label "Villages de Pierres et d'Eau" (Stone and Water Villages) distinguishes towns of character in the Charente Maritime department whose built heritage and history are inseparable from water: island, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, in the heart of the marshes, between two rivers or on an estuary, they will charm you with their authenticity, their historical heritage and the density of remarkable sites that you will discover.
The network of Stone and Water Villages is an invitation to stroll through the picturesque streets of rural villages, to relax and enjoy nature walks in varied and preserved environments, or to discover markets and traditional festivals by the sea.
13 villages are at the origin of this network: Ars en Ré, Ile d'Aix, Brouage, Clion sur Seugne, Crazannes, La Flotte, Mornac sur Seudre, Mortagne sur Gironde, Port d'Envaux, Saint Savinien, Saint Sauvant, Saint Trojan les Bains, Talmont sur Gironde
So come and succumb to the charm of the villages of Charente-Maritime with their preserved architecture and typical character during your family vacations on the Atlantic coast.
Mornac sur Seudre
10 minutes from the Tahiti Village campsite in Saint Palais sur mer, one of the most beautiful campsites around Royan. Start your discovery by a magnificent village. Classified as "the most beautiful village in France", Mornac-sur-Seudre is the ideal place to stroll through its peaceful and flowery streets, where white houses with green and blue shutters line up.
The medieval village of Mornac-sur-Seudre is located on the left bank of the Seudre estuary, in the hinterland of Royanne, in the heart of the oyster basin. Its activity revolves around oyster farming and salt marshes.
Talmont sur Gironde
15 km south of Royan, on a rocky promontory overlooking the Gironde estuary, Talmont-sur-Gironde has kept its original bastide plan, built in 1284 by Edward I of Aquitaine. Overlooking the village, the magnificent church of Sainte-Radegonde, a jewel of Romanesque art, is still fortified with ramparts. In the village, houses with white facades and blue shutters are revealed behind the hollyhocks.
Classified as the "Most beautiful village in France", Talmont sur Gironde is the guarantee of a successful trip!
Other villages, on the coast as well as on the islands of Charente, are worth a visit. We will mention among others Châtelaillon plage, le Bois Plage in Ré and Saint Georges d'Oléron in the Poitou Charentes region. And of course, don't forget the cruise to Fort Boyard!