Les Libellules

La Rochelle was founded in the 10th century on a rock surrounded by marshlands. La Rochelle grew from a fishing village to become a major port in the 12th century. Today La Rochelle is most famous for its three outstanding medieval towers, its old port and its massive marina, Les Minimes. The marina is well known throughout yachting circles in Europe and has moorings for up to 3,000 boats . Enjoy strolling through the long arcaded galleries and cobbled streets, and with its shops, cafes, bars and restaurants there is plenty to see and do. Take the children to explore the wonders of the sea at the " Aquarium " at La Rochelle, open from 9am until 11pm during July and August, it is truly magical at night.

About 10 minutes drive from Luzac is Brouage now surrounded by marshes: this was once a flourishing harbour famous for its salt trade. It was the main area for exporting salt, and, from the 16th century onwards, was protected by fortifications. Today, Brouage is well preserved, the citadel is visible for miles, and dominates the surrounding marshes, Brouage has become a natural listed site. Shops have opened in the renovated stables and the porte Royale and La Poudriere, which is where gunpowder was stocked, are all open to visitors. Enjoy the wonderful views across the marshes as you stroll along the two kilometers of ramparts, which surround the town, with their watch towers.

Ile d'Oleron
The largest of all the French islands after Corsica, stretches over 19 miles long and has a width of between 3 and 6 miles. Have a picnic amongst the shady pines and enjoy exploring one of the many fishing ports found on the island, or sample the delights of the sea in one of a variety of restaurants. Enjoy boat trips from the island to fort Boyard or the lovely port of La Rochelle. The little train at St Trojan that takes you through the forest to the beach at maumusson, also the Parc Adventure Forestier 3 hectares of managed forest, next to the beach, lots to do, lots of fun from tarzan jumps, giant steps, swinging rope bridges, hanging bridges, hanging circuits from 5 to 17 meters high and much more, open every day 9am to 9 pm.

Rochefort
Visit 'La Corderie Royale' a museum of rope manufactory which was created in the 17th century and is now the finest treasure of the maritime heritage park. Designed to appeal to schoolchildren on discovery classes, the rope making industry is explained clearly with both materials and tecniques which date back to Louis X1V to the present day oil driven machines. Within the building of the Corderie Royal is the headquarters for the bird protection society known as, the LPO.

Enjoy 'Le Jardin des Retours' a garden with an exotic landscape skillfully created using every day plants.

Visit L'Hermione a large 17th century ship that was La Fayette's frigate and is being rebuilt. This is a magnificent site and challenge and one day it is hoped that L'Hermione will set sail to Boston.

Royan is one of the most prestigious sea-side resorts on the Atlantic coast. There are facilities for almost all sports: tennis-squash-golf-horse riding-sailing-wind surfing-diving-parachute jumping etc. There is plenty to keep one occupied. Enjoy strolling along the sandy beaches of Royan. Just to the west of Royan is 'Zoo de La Palmyre' with 1600 animals to see, there is plenty to keep the children busy.

Next to Royan you have St Palais-sur-Mer having 4 beaches, market every morning in summer and a lake with walks mini boats mini golf tennis and fishing. St george-de-Didonne with a long stretch of beach and walks along the cliff next to the light house.Meschers-sur-Gironde has a harbour for sailing and fishing, beaches or take a tour around the caves carved into the cliffs.

La Palmyre
Famous for its 30km of beautiful long sandy beaches 8000 acres of pine forest and its zoo la palmyre one of the largest in Europe. One can hire jet skies and boats from the port, experience the Luna Park at night, go cycling along one of the maney cycle tracks and enjoy walkes and picnics in the forest of le coubre.Visit the lighthouse of the Coubre with its spectacular views.

Saintes is situated on the banks of the Charente with its aqueducts, Roman arenas, Gallo-Roman-Arc, Abbeys and Churches and holds the largest monthly fair of France, there is something for everyone to see and do.

Surfing
There are many surf beaches in the area from Royan to the Ile d'Oleron. One of the best being the Cote Savage with many access points, the beach offers many different spots depending on the sand banks, there can also be strong rips when the surf gets large.

The Ile d'Oleron offers many different surf spots from Chassiron at the far end of the island next to the Lighthouse to the long beach that stretches from Vert Bois to St Trojan, the beach curves so depending on the wind depends on how good the surf will be. If the surf gets big and windy then you can try the spots near Royan.

Sunflowers
Other places of intrest
The vineyards of the valley of Charente are famous for its production of Cognac (brandy). Another famous drink of the area is 'le Pineau des Charentes' a blend of Cognac and grape juice. One can taste and buy wine, cognac and Pineau from various Chateaux in the region.

Bordeaux
Famous for it's wines which were started by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. In the 12th century Henry II of England married Eleanor of Aquitane and gained control of the area, his fondness for the red wine helped the region gain worldwide reputation for quality wines. Visit the Chateaux and taste the wines of the region. Bordeaux also offers museums, restaurants cafes and shopping.

Blaye
Blaye was important from the Gallo-Roman times, with the Citadel constructed during the Louis X1V reign. There is a commercial harbour with a ferry to the Medoc region, also the maison du vin with it's shop representing over 200 of the Chateaux in the area.

Mornac-sur-Seudre
Is a beautiful village to walk around with the church of Saint Nicholas, the Market place and the harbour. This is also a large Oyster production area.

Beaches
There are many wonderful beaches on the islands and the mainland, the 'cote Suavage', known as the wild coast, with its fabulous Atlantic rollers is perfect for surfing, also there are lovely safe beaches at Marennes including the lagoon, and at Royan there are many beaches from St George-de-Didonne to La Palmyre. The Ile d'Oleron has endless sandy beaches on both sides calm on the east side and with the Atlantic rollers on the west, enjoy picnics amongst the pine forests, explore the many quaint fishing ports and sample excellent sea food in a variety of restaurants on the island. Also one can take boat trips to Fort Boyard and Ile d'Aix.

Golf
There are 4 good golf courses in the area Royan 18 hole , Cognac 18 hole, Saintes 18 hole and Oleron 9 hole.

The Charente Maritime is a fantastic part of the country and there are numerous sites and attractions to visit and many wonderful experiences to be enjoyed. Within a short drive you can enjoy everything from historical sights, perfect endless miles of sandy beach lined with dunes and pine forest, rolling hills, woodland, marshland, rocky coastline and also busy seaside towns with many bars and restaurants. The village called Luzac is situated on the South West Atlantic coast just 45 minutes from La Rochelle, 15 minutes from Royan and Rochefort and 10 Minutes from l’ile d'Oléron.