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A
unique position on the Atlantic coast of continental Europe |
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The
region which extends from the South of the Vendee to the estuary of the
Gironde, occupies a unique position on the Atlantic coast of continental
Europe, between the 45th and 46th parallels.
This situation ensures a
mild and sunny climate. The period of sunshine (2600 hours a year) is
comparable to that of the Côte d’azur.
To help
organise your walks, it will be helpful to refer to some easily
recognisable landmarks on maps which are widely illustrated in the
tourist brochures.
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The river
Charente flows through the towns of Jarnac, Cognac, Saintes,
Rochefort and comes out into the sea level with the island of Oléron,
with Port-des-Barques and the Madam island on the left bank and Fouras
and the peninsula of La fumée on the right bank.
The impressive
viaduct of the Charente, downstream from Rochefort, put into service
in 1991, appreciably reduces the driving time between Royan and La
Rochelle.
The river Seudre, a small coastal river
with its source in the South of Charente-Maritime, flows through
Saujon before forming an estuary which constitutes the main artery of
Marennes-Oléron's oyster area. From the river Seudre, channels flow
which feed ponds called "claires" with sea water.
Looking from the
bridge of the river Seudre which connects Marennes to La Tremblade,
there are beautiful views to be seen, each very different, depending
upon the tide, of oysterbeds and the "claires" ponds where oysters
mature.
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The Ré island, off La
Rochelle. The bridge - viaduct is very easily accessible from the
north by-pass road after La Pallice. This very beautiful curved
bridge, about three kilometres long, is a magnificent entrance to
the island.
The island of Aix, famous because of
Napoleon's sojourn, is accessible from the pier of the Pointe de la
Fumée.
The peninsula of Fouras, situated on the
right-hand side of the mouth of the river Charente. From the pointe
de la Fumée, you have a clear view of Fouras, the Madam island, the
island of Oléron, the Boyard fortress, the island of Aix, the
island of Ré and the coast of La Rochelle and La Pallice.
The
Madam island, on the West of Port-des-Barques and on
the left bank of the mouth of the river Charente,is linked to the
shore by a road named ‘la Passe-aux-Bœufs’, which can only be
used at low tide.
The island of Oléron, linked to the
continent by a bridge - viaduct with free access, built in 1966. It
looks like the continuation of the peninsula of Arvert and is the
largest island of the region with a length of around thirty
kilometres, from Saint-Trojan-les-Bains to the Chassiron lighthouse.
The peninsula of Arvert, south of the island
of Oléron, has a boundary which stretches from the coast from Royan
to the Pointe de la Coubre, the Côte Sauvage up to the Pointe
Espagnole and the estuary of the river Seudre.
The coastline has
large sandy beaches exposed to the waves with rocky shores but there
are also well sheltered beaches called ‘conches’.
The national
forest of la Coubre extends from Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to
Ronce-les-bains, on both sides of the D25 road. Walking routes are
offered by the national Forests Office.
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Sponsored Links |
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Eldapi Vacances
Quiet and family campsite at Saint-Augustin-sur-Mer, between
Saint-Palais and La Palmyre. |
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Activ' Loisirs Les Pins
Campsite at
Ronce-les-Bains, pine forest and beaches, between island of Oléron and
Royan. |
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Hôtel Foncillon
Overlooking
the bay of Royan, 50 meters away
from the beach,
ideally located : cafés, restaurants, shops, port at immediate proximity. |
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Hôtel Miramar Pontaillac
Exceptional setting
overlooking the beach of Pontaillac, Royan. Open all year long. |
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Hôtel Atlantis Royan
Hotel Atlantis is a charming hotel next to the main beach of
Royan in a quiet area of the town centre. |
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Hôtel Résidence de Rohan
Charming house,
3 kms away from Royan in a unique environment.
By the sea,
direct access to
the beach
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Château des Salles
Guest House, B&B,
welcome to this friendly and elegant family home,
enjoy "La vie de Château".
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Ma Maison de Mer
Guest House, B&B,
situated in a fantastic location, 150m from the beach and 200m
from the town center. Open all year |
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Bonne Anse Chalets
Extensive hire fleet in 35 acres of
pine
forest,
4-star facilities, direct
access
to the
beach. |
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Palmyre Loisirs
Campsite, 4 stars. Universe of
sports and games, in a sunny pine forest. |
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Parc Club Les Charmettes
Everything on this Haven-owned park
has been prepared to make your holiday as enjoyable and as
relaxing as possible. |
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Palmyr Oceana
Campsite between the beaches of La Palmyre and La Grande Côte, and the
town centre of La Palmyre. |
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Dry dock
"Le Port sur la Rive" at Mortagne-sur-Gironde, estuary of
Gironde, between Royan and Bordeaux.
Storage and relaunching, long
term storage, equipment and
facilities. |
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Blue Sturgeon
Guest House on the port of Saint-Seurin d'Uzet, "the village of caviar"
on the estuary of
Gironde. |
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