My 2 days in…Rochefort

A must-do stopover on the Atlantic Coast situated 35km southeast of La Rochelle, Rochefort has a rich maritime heritage. Let me take you on a visit to the Corderie Royale, the Maritime Museum or the Hermione, where everywhere you turn the world of the sea is present.

Musée de la Marine

Day 1

The National Maritime Museum

If you really want to understand the Maritime Arsenal in Rochefort your first stop should be the National Maritime Museum. Located in the “Hôtel de Cheusses” - former residence of Royal Navy Commanders - it exhibits old models of ships, machines, tools, paintings and countless testimonies and documents.

Full rate: €6,50, reduced rate: €5,50. Tel.: +33 (0)5 46 99 86 57. www.musee-marine.fr

La Corderie Royale

The Corderie Royale

In the heart of the Arsenal, the Corderie Royale is a magnificent building that stretches over 374 metres. Push the doors of this manufactory, where the ropes for the big Royal Navy ships were made, and you'll be instantly plunged into the atmosphere, probably due to the distinct odour of the vegetal fibres. In the workshops you'll discover the crafts of spinners, stranders, knot and rope tiers...

Pass Arsenal des Mers

L’Hermione et l’Accrô-mats

The Hermione and Accro-masts

The Hermione: a famous frigate used by the Marquis de La Fayette to support the American independents in 1780. Result of over seventeen years work, today the Hermione is the biggest replica of an ancient vessel ever rebuilt in France. Inspired by the experience, find out what is was like to be a deckhand at the neighbouring Accro-masts adventure park in the shape of a frigate. Acrobatic thrills and a taste of life at sea guaranteed on the ship's deck. Welcome aboard sailor!

To recover from your emotions, take a stroll through the Jardin des Retours garden that runs the length of the Corderie Royale. Designed by the landscaper Bernard Lassus it has plenty of relaxing views over the Charente river. Then why not stop for lunch in the harbour.

In the evening, take in a show at La Coupe d’Or, a superb 17th century Italian-style theatre.
Check out the programme at www.theatre-coupedor.com*

Rochefort - place Colbert

Day 2

The Bird “Sanctuary”

On the banks of the Charente, the lagoon station treats the sewage and water waste from Rochefort in an economically and environmentally-friendly way. It is also a great spot for sea birds. Take a silent walk around this 70-hectare site to discover this out-of-the-ordinary ornithological spot. Don't forget your binoculars!

Nature Space. Tel.: +33 (0)5 46 82 12 44. Full rate: €6; reduced rate : €5. Free for the under 10.

A walk around town

Built around a checkerboard plan, Rochefort took on its finished appearance thanks to Michel Bégon (Navy Intendent 1688-1710) when he organised the rebuilding of the town in cut stone. Make the most of a stroll through the streets and squares to get a full picture of the architecture and layout. Don't miss the Place Colbert, famous as the setting for cult French film “Les Demoiselles de Rochefort” by Jacques Demy, with Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac.

Enjoy a refreshing drink or a bite to eat on one of the many terraces.

In the evening, treat yourself to a night visit of local history with the Noctambulations: an entertaining and out-of-the-ordinary experience that I would highly recommend!

Noctambulations, every Tuesday in July (9.30pm) and August (9.00pm). www.rochefort-ocean.com

Rochefort 

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Camping Oléron Loisirs

For the ideal vacation with family or friends, the camp site Oléron loisirs invites you to escape to Charente-Maritime. Discover our quality infrastructure and the many services and activities provided for our campers. The whole family will benefit from a large water park covering over 700m² with a heated indoor pool, a waterslide and a telescopic shelter. The younger guests can play safely in the paddling pool. Nearby, you will not fail to discover a well-preserved natural setting. Marshes and nature reserves await you as well as forests and monuments. There are no less than 25 quiet and secure beaches to welcome you for guaranteed fun moments. For your accommodation, the camp site Oléron loisirs offers a wide range of comfortable rentals. You can choose from the rental of mobile homes, cottages or tented bungalows. For lovers of nature and traditional camping, we also offer camping pitches for your caravan, camper or tent. For sportsmen, there are plenty of activities near the campsite: surfing of course, diving, water sports ... There's something for everyone !

lieu dit "La Jousselinière" 17190 Saint-Georges-d'Oléron
Du 08/04/2023 au 17/09/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Camping Ostréa

By the sea, on the most typical coast of the island of Oléron, campsite Ostrea **** is known for calm, cleanliness and warm welcome. Swimingpool covered and heated to 28° all season. On site, many services will be offered: Animation for adults and children, shop, snack bar, barbecue, gas supply, babysiiting, laundry, bike rental, rent caravans and mobilhomes, campsite tents, caravans and Camping-car ... Discover Oléron Island with its natural land, its many attractions without forgetting the tasting of oysters Oléron Marennes !

Route des Huîtres 17550 Dolus-d'Oléron
Du 08/04/2023 au 22/10/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Camping La Brande

Ile d'Oléron: 2.5 km from Chateau d'Oleron on the "Oyster Road" and 300m from a small high tide beach, Bird-watching. The campsite and the covered and heated swimming pool are open from April The 2nd to October the 31st. direct access to bicycle paths. Electric vehicle charging and Tesla on site. A personalized welcome to enjoy an ideal experience and setting, on a landscaped park of 5.8 hectares with 199 spaces. Free WiFi hotspot. For the well-being of campers but also for the respect of nature, the environmental commitment of camping La Brande has been rewarded with the European Ecolabel. Also selected by the charters: Quality Tourism, Tourism and Disability and Family Plus, we offer you the rental of chalets, mobile homes or free pitches.

Route des Huîtres 17480 Le Château-d'Oléron
Du 07/04/2023 au 30/06/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Fort Boyard

The Fort Boyard is a key element of the Naval Dockyard of Rochefort which extends all along the estuary of the Charente.
Visits to the interior of the fort are not permitted.
If the construction of this fortification on the "Longe of Boyard" was considered as early as the seventeenth century, the project only really started in the course of the 19th century. Built with the aim of protecting the harbor, the mouth of the Charente and especially the large dockayrd of Rochefort from the assaults of the English navy, the Fort was transformed into a prison a few years after its completion.

The Fort has been classified as an historic monument since 1950.

The Fort is 68 metres long on 31 metres large, for a total surface area of 2689 square metres. The surrounding walls peak at 20 metres. The fort is also built on a sandbak called "Longe of Boyard" which gave its name to the Fort itself.

Since 1990, Fort Boyard has been the location of a television game of the same name.

Located between the islands of Aix and Oléron, the Fort Boyard is part of the territory of Rochefort-Océan. Many departures of cruises are possible to bypass the Fort (from Port-des-Barques, Fouras-les-Bains or the Island of Aix).

There is a charge for the boat tour of the fort.

Longe de Boyard 17123 Île-d'Aix
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Cercle Nautique de l'Ile d'Aix : sailing school

French Sailing School.
The "Cercle Nautique de l'Ile d'Aix" is a sailing club welcoming you to a wide range of sailing activities!
-> First trip: an introduction to sailing of all kinds with an instructor
-> Sailing courses for ages 5 and over
-> Trimaran trip for 5 to 6 people (including instructor)
-> Introduction to the sea world: an educational visit to the foreshore
-> Groups welcome
-> Standup paddleboard, single or double kayak, Catamaran F1 rentals
Have fun with your family or friends.
The CNIA now has a MEGA SUP AIR (paddleboard for several people), available for rent from Monday to Saturday.

Fort de la rade 17123 Île-d'Aix
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Beach of Anse de la Croix

Ideal beach for sunbathing or swimming in the sea.
Overlooking the lighthouse of the island of Aix, this charming beach is located near the pier. Its intimate looks and its panorama of Fort Boyard make it a pleasant place to swim. Sandy beach, accessible to any tide, with a unique view of Fort Boyard.

Anse de la Croix 17123 Île-d'Aix
Du 29/08/2022 au 30/06/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -