Places not to be missed: 1. La Rochelle Vieux Port: A must-see with its medieval towers and maritime atmosphere. You can stroll along the quays, have a coffee or visit the Musée Maritim to find out more about the history of the town and the sea. The Towers of La Rochelle: These three medieval towers (Tour Saint-Nicolas, Tour de la Chaîne and Tour de la Lanterne) are emblematic of the city and offer a magnificent view of the port and the ocean. La Rochelle Aquarium: One of the largest private aquariums in Europe, ideal for discovering local marine life. 2. Fort Boyard Of course it's the iconic fort known for the TV game show, but it's also a fascinating historical site. You can take a boat from La Rochelle, Ile d'Aix or Ile d'Oléron to see this impressive monument. 3. Île de Ré Perfect for nature and history lovers. The island is famous for its charming villages, beaches, cycle paths and salt marshes. Don't miss Saint-Martin-de-Ré, with its UNESCO World Heritage port and fortifications. Phare des Baleines: An iconic lighthouse with a breathtaking view over the ocean. 4. Ile d'Oléron Wilder and less crowded than the Ile de Ré, Oléron is perfect for nature lovers. You can visit Fort Louvois, a maritime fort, or take a bike ride to discover the local flora and fauna. Oléron beaches: Ideal for lazing around or practising water sports. 5. Cognac If you love spirits, Cognac is a must. Visit distilleries such as Hennessy and Rémy Martin, where you can learn about the process of making the famous cognac and, of course, taste it. 6. Royan Dynamic seaside resort with a beautiful beach, the Cordouan lighthouse to visit (accessible by boat), and interesting architecture. The town also has a lively covered market and art galleries. 7. Marais Poitevin Nicknamed the "Green Venice", the Marais Poitevin is a magical place to take a traditional boat trip through its canals. You can also hike or cycle through this protected area. Sports activities : 1. Water sports Windsurfing / Kitesurfing: The beaches of Charente-Maritime are perfect for these sports. Popular spots include the Île de Ré, Île d'Oléron and the coast around La Rochelle. Surfing: The region offers superb waves, particularly at Châtelaillon-Plage and around the Ile d'Oléron. Jet-skiing, canoeing and paddling: Ideal for discovering the coast in a different way. The marshes of the Ile de Ré or the calmer waters around La Rochelle are perfect for canoeing or paddling. 2. Hiking and cycling Cycling on Ile de Ré and Ile d'Oléron: These islands are a cyclist's paradise, with cycle paths linking villages and beaches. Hiking : The Marais Poitevin or the trails around La Rochelle are perfect for hiking enthusiasts, with magnificent landscapes to discover. 3. Adventure trails and tree climbing In Royan or on the Ile de Ré, you'll find adventure courses and accrobranches for a fun and sporting experience in the heart of nature. 4. Climbing Although the Charente-Maritime is not particularly well known for mountain climbing, some sites such as the Côte Sauvage near Royan offer interesting spots for bouldering and cliff climbing. 5. Golf The region offers several golf courses, including Golf de La Rochelle and Golf de l'île de Ré, with magnificent ocean views. 6. Scuba diving If you're keen on diving, you can explore the marine life around the Ile d'Oléron or Ile de Ré. Several diving centres offer sea outings to discover the seabed. 7. Water skiing and wakeboarding Go water skiing on some lakes or in the sea near the islands.

L'escale de Mortagne is a charming place located in the commune of Mortagne-sur-Gironde, in Charente-Maritime, not far from Royan. To get there by car from Bordeaux or Nantes, here are the most direct routes. 1. From Bordeaux (about 1h30 drive) Here is the most direct route: Take the A10 motorway towards Paris. Exit at junction 37 (Saintes) to join the D730. Continue on the D730 towards Royan. Once in Saintes, continue on the D730 towards Royan. You will pass through small villages such as Saint-Sever-de-Saintonge and Epargnes. Continue on the D730 to Mortagne-sur-Gironde. Follow the signs for L'Escale de Mortagne or Le port de Mortagne once in the village. Then simply follow the local signs to the seaside stopover. 2. From Nantes (approx. 2h30 drive) Here's the route from Nantes: Take the A83 motorway towards Niort. Then follow the N11 towards La Rochelle. At Fontenay-le-Comte, take the D743 towards Saintes. In Saintes, take the D730 towards Royan. Continue on the D730, passing through villages such as Saint-Sever-de-Saintonge and Epargnes, and follow the road to Mortagne-sur-Gironde. Once in Mortagne, follow the signs for l'Escale de Mortagne.