The surrounding area in Charente-Maritime
Meschers and the surrounding area: good reasons to come!
Royan, a seaside destination par excellence
Come and discover Royan and its fine sandy beaches: La Grande Conche, famous for its emblematic beach tents, offers bathers the pleasure of a swim in the town center. Rebuilt after the Second World War, Royan is an unusual town. Its unique modern architecture will not leave you indifferent. Take a stroll through the town and discover avant-garde buildings such as the Notre-Dame church and the Central Covered Market (photo attached), both listed as Historic Monuments. Admire the Palais des Congrès and the Auditorium. Stroll along the waterfront to the marina. Visit one of the fishermen’s huts known as carrelets to sample freshly caught fish and shellfish. There’s also a casino and an 18-hole golf course.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of Royan, the museum retraces the town’s past. It’s also possible to visit the town on a little train!
La Palmyre Zoo, a preserved place to marvel at
Just 25 km away, nestled in the heart of an 18-hectare pine forest, La Palmyre Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Charente-Maritime. Every year, 600,000 visitors come to see over 1,600 mammals, birds and reptiles representing 110 different species. A visit is a must.
Talmont-sur-Gironde, one of France’s most beautiful villages
5 kms from La Palombière, on a rocky promontory overlooking the Gironde estuary, Talmont has retained its original bastide layout, built in 1284 by Edward I of Aquitaine. Dominating the village, the magnificent Sainte-Radegonde church, a symbol of the Poitou-Charentes region, is still fortified with ramparts. In the village, houses with white facades and blue shutters are revealed behind hollyhocks.
The Regulus and Matata caves
Just a stone’s throw from La Palombière, the Grottes de Régulus and Matata are a unique site that has served as a refuge for mankind for centuries. These caves are listed among the most remarkable sites in Charente-Maritime. Overlooking Europe’s largest estuary, they offer sublime views. Once you’ve discovered how people lived in the 19th century, you’ll have plenty of time to take a seat on the terrace of the crêperie.
From the Palombière to the port of Meschers
Leaving from La Palombière, take a walk along the cliffs and caves to the fishing port of Meschers, and discover the world of fishermen, their work and seafood.
Stroll along the harbor and enjoy the colorful atmosphere. Assistez au retour des bateaux et à la vente des poissons à la criée. Relax on the terrace (there are many bars and restaurants) and enjoy a seafood platter or a plate of the famous Marennes oysters with their distinctive taste, accompanied by a small glass of white wine… Ideal for tasting the iodized flavors of Meschers.
The beaches of Meschers
There are 5 beaches in Meschers sur Gironde. Les Nonnes (150 m away) is the most sporty, with a wide range of water sports on offer. The Conche de Cadet, accessible at low tide, offers superb panoramic views. Les Vergnes is more family-friendly, while Suzac is close to the forest. Last but not least, the Arnèche beach, which you can discover by walking along the coastal path, is one of the most beautiful in the area.
Une balade en bateau au départ du port permet de rejoindre le Phare de Cordouan en longeant les plages et les falaises de Meschers.
Famous limestone cliffs, troglodyte dwellings
Overlooking the Gironde estuary and carved out of limestone cliffs, the Meschers “holes” welcome you to an exceptional setting. Originally natural, the Meschers caves were enlarged by man to become troglodytic dwellings in the 19th century. A visit is a must.
A full steam ahead
« Le train des Mouettes »
The Train des Mouettes offers an authentic experience for families and friends alike!
Linking Saujon to La Tremblade, the 21 kilometers of track take you through salt marshes and oyster beds.
Both on the engine and in the carriages, the volunteers from the Trains et Traction association put their passion to good use to give you a unique experience aboard carriages from the early XXᵉ century. Le Train des Mouettes also offers themed trips: train and bike rides, market train, loupiotes train, mussel hatch train or heritage day train.
Gastronomic walk
Since 2021, a new gastronomic experience has been possible thanks to the Seudre Océan Express restaurant train. For lunch or dinner, sample the finest local produce while experiencing a rail journey along the banks of the Seudre.
The wild coast
18km from Meschers: The Côte Sauvage is the coastline of the Arvert peninsula. This long beach stretches between the mouth of the Seudre and the mouth of the Gironde. It is bordered by the Forêt de la Coubre-La Tremblade, which covers almost the entire commune of La Tremblade. To get the full picture, climb the dune ridge between the beach and the forest. At the Pointe espagnole, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the mouth of the Seudre and the island of Oléron. On the opposite side, at the Pointe de la Coubre, you can admire the Bay of Bonne Anse and the Cordouan lighthouse in the distance. It’s also an exceptional place for cycling between St Palais and Ronce-les-Bains.
L’île d’Oléron
The mild climate of the island of Oleron, the most southerly of the Atlantic coast islands, has earned it the nickname of “the island of mimosas”. But beyond its sunny nature, this piece of land has a lot to offer!
The area is renowned for its oysters, grown on oyster beds in the Marennes-Oléron basin.
The Ile d’Oléron is accessed via its famous 3 km bridge, inaugurated in 1966 and now free of charge. Between superb sandy beaches and beautiful pine forests, there are plenty of places to visit. Must-sees include the picturesque and lively fishing port of La Cotinière; the island’s former historic capital, Le Château-d’Oléron, with its citadel offering a superb view of the ramparts; the multicolored huts on the beach at Saint-Denis-d’Oléron; and the Chassiron lighthouse perched on its rocky cliff, offering a panoramic view from the top of its 46-meter-high tower.
Two beautiful beaches vie for the limelight: Plage des Saumonards, on the east coast, and the large beach at Saint-Trojan-les-Bains. The forest is also omnipresent, with some 3,000 hectares of woodland and numerous marked trails. In Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, the Musée de l’île d’Oléron introduces visitors to the island’s riches. The island’s many watersports spots are ideal for watersports enthusiasts, and sea walks allow you to get close to the mythical Fort Boyard, the star of the island.