Marennes walks

A walk between land and sea, following in the footsteps of the ghost trains of an old railway line.

A circular starting from the citadel of Brouage takes you through the marsh to Hiers.If you are quiet enough along the route, you will be able to see herons, egrets, nutria and, in summer, storks up close.Most of the route follows tarmaced marsh roads that are very quiet.

Set off to explore Brouage!

Circular through the former salt marshes of Saint-Just-Luzac

You will be walking between points (2) and (7), running close to the boundary of a private hunting reserve. With a bit of luck, you may spot some large game, but of course you cannot enter the reserve. At the Tour du Gardour, a former navigation mark, you can enjoy a view of the ocean; a little further on, there is a lovely panorama of the southern tip of Île d’Oléron and the Pertuis de Maumusson.

A circular walk that takes you from the village of Saint-Trojan to explore the national forest, the wild Atlantic coast with the impressive Maumusson channel, and Gatseau Bay. A complete panorama to discover this southern tip of the Île d’Oléron, far from the cars and crowds on the beaches.Please note: To walk easily on the hard sand between (4) and (5), you must check the tide times (see the Practical Information section)

Walk around the village of Ors, its oyster channel and Grésillon. Ors was the arrival and departure point for tourists during the heyday of the ferry (1945–1966) until the viaduct was built (1966). Traffic jams are guaranteed in the narrow, winding streets! Stunning views of the Oléron viaduct and the old Ors jetty, which linked the mainland to the port of Chapus in Bourcefranc.

The commune of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is located at the south-western tip of the Île d'Oléron, bathed by the Pertuis de Maumusson and the Coureau d'Oléron. Its large sandy beaches, pine forest, mimosa trees and mild climate make Saint-Trojan-les-Bains a very popular seaside resort.

The first part of the hike is on the beach, along the edge of a shifting dune, sometimes on old sections of the Coubre coastal forest, returning via a path through the undergrowth.The Visorando app is highly recommended (to locate (2) in particular).

This short 5 km circular takes you around Pointe de Gatseau, the southernmost point of the Île d'Oléron, and allows you to discover the wild Pertuis de Maumusson (passage between the island and the mainland), which is only accessible on foot or by mini train during the season

A short walk for birdwatchers and other nature lovers.

A short walk in the heart of a protected natural environment, where you can encounter many species of birds and enjoy a guaranteed change of scenery.

An easy hike between the marshes of Château, La Chevalerie, Grésillon, Le Fief de la Gombaudière, Le Riveau and La Renisière. Please note that this hike is not possible in winter, as some paths are impassable when wet. From April to October, no problem.

Circular coastal loop on the west coast of Île d'Oléron. The first part is in the Saint-Trojan National Forest, followed by a long walk on the beach, before a final stretch in the forest. Visorando app recommended.

When the Broue tower was built, it was reflected in the waters of the Gulf of Santons. The sea is now so far away that it can no longer be seen from the tower's terrace. But from the heights of Saint-Jean-d'Angle, you can still imagine the boats that once sailed here and brought wealth to the port and the village.

Near the coast and the Brouage Marsh, a circular route runs along the Massonnerie Nature Reserve and around the large ponds of the Cadeuil sandpit.

A round trip walk from the carrelets of Port-les-Barques to those of Île Madame. Please note: only possible at low tide.

A pleasant walk passing by the Passe aux boeufs causeway, then around an island steeped in history. Numerous and varied views of the surrounding islands and coastline.

Starting from Échillais, you can first admire the beautiful 12th-century façade of the church. Then you will pass in front of "La Limoise". This residence is described at length by Pierre Loti in "Le Roman d'un Enfant" (A Child's Novel). This house belonged to the Duplais family, friends of the Viaud family (Julien Viaud being Pierre Loti's real name). He would spend his Thursdays there, walking from his house in Rochefort (now Pierre Loti's house) to La Limoise, crossing the Charente by ferry. There was no transporter bridge at the time. The Seudre Canal to the Charente (also known as the Bridoire Canal) is 27 km long and was dug in the 19th century from Saint-Hippolyte to Marennes. You will also cross Île Maurice, although it is much smaller than the one we usually think of.

A delightful, easy walk to discover the marshes surrounding the picturesque village of Mornac-sur-Seudre.

Discover a typical oyster-farming village on a trail lined with numerous information panels, allowing you to stroll through the village, then walk alongside the many colourful oyster farmers' huts to finally reach the Seudre.

Many forts were built in the Charente estuary. They defended access to Rochefort, a military arsenal. Fort Lupin was one of them. As for the Fontaine Lupin, it allowed ships coming from Rochefort to take on water before setting sail. Tree trunks were placed in the Fosse aux Mâts to harden them before they were fitted to the ships.

From the transporter bridge to the port of Rochefort, a journey back in time. Rochefort was chosen by Louis XIV to re-establish his maritime power. On this route, which runs close to the water in its first section, there is no shortage of reminders of this era: dry docks, the Corderie Royale rope factory, the arsenal and, with a bit of luck, the Hermione...

Do you enjoy nature and history? You'll love this walk!

This circular loop around the Coubre Lighthouse on the Tremblade coast offers varied landscapes: walking along the Côte Sauvage beach, between the dunes and Bonne Anse Bay, and in the Coubre Forest. The Visorando app is recommended.