From the Atlantic to the borders of Périgord via the Charente valley or the Gironde estuary, the Charentes deploy bewitching landscapes: golden cliffs, marshes populated by birds, neat rows of vines, green meadows or forests bushy succeed each other with harmony.
Embedded in this attractive setting, the villages of the region also seduce visitors.
Difficult to resist the charm of the alleys flowered with hollyhocks, the brilliance of the limestone houses, the curves and arabesques of the Romanesque churches, the nobility of the castles and fortresses but also the picturesque sea or river ports... Here are our twelve favorite villages, to shell out during an active stay in the heart of the Charentes.
To discover
Stays in France: weekends, hotels and tailor-made stays from our partners
Read alsoRoyan, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer... In the Charentes, these seaside resorts with vintage charm
The Fleet (Charente-Maritime)
This small port on the Ile de Ré enchants with its elegant quays, where shipowners' residences and white houses nestle.
As soon as the sun shines, the terraces are taken by storm;
it is then pleasant to walk along the Cours Felix-Faure, shaded by plane trees, or to dawdle in the alleys lined with low houses.
Built in 1802 and open every day of the year, the market displays medieval accents with its wooden benches and trestles.
Not far away, the Platin Museum sheds light on local history and traditions.
You can't leave the village without taking a long walk along the sea, facing the oyster beds.
How to get there ?
Accessible by a paying bridge, the Ile de Ré is 14 km from La Rochelle.
To reach La Flotte, it is then necessary to count 10 km via the D735.
From La Rochelle station, the regional bus n°3/3E provides regular connections with the village.
A salty break?
To the north of La Flotte, the
Copains Bâbord
oyster hut offers delicious oysters and seafood, to be enjoyed facing the ocean.
Les Copains Bâbord, 4 chemin du Petit-Praud, 17630 La Flotte.
Such.
: 05 46 01 35 51.
Ars-en-Re (Charente-Maritime)
Symbol of the village of Ars-en-Ré, the two-tone bell tower of the Saint-Étienne church.
Destination Ile de Ré
At the northern end of the Ile de Ré, Ars winds its narrow streets framed by houses with green shutters to an adorable little port, posted at the end of a long channel crossing the marshes.
Symbol of the village, the two-tone bell tower of the Saint-Étienne church, painted black and white, has served as a landmark for navigators for centuries;
at its feet, a delicate Romanesque portal deserves all the attention of walkers.
The destiny of Ars is linked to the salt marshes of the Fier, which extend to the north of the town.
The Cooperative des Sauniers de l'île de Ré maintains this ancestral know-how, offering fleur de sel and sea salts in its shop.
How to get there ?
Accessible by a paying bridge, the Ile de Ré is 14 km from La Rochelle.
To reach Ars, you must then drive 23 km on the D735.
From La Rochelle, the regional bus n°3/3E provides regular connections with the village.
A lunch on the go?
Opposite the Saint-Étienne church, the
La Tour du Sénéchal
café-grocery offers platters, brunches and daily specials, to be enjoyed in the cozy dining room or on the terrace.
The Seneschal Tower, 7 pl.
Carnot, 17590 Ars-en-Ré.
Such.
: 05 46 29 41 12.
Le Chateau-d'Oleron (Charente-Maritime)
The citadel of Château-d'Oléron is a military structure built from 1630 to 1704 to protect the southern part of the island of Oléron.
Alison BOISSARD / CMT;
Charentes Tourism
A 17th century stronghold subsequently redeveloped by Vauban, the Château-d'Oléron raises its imposing citadel and its ramparts facing vast marshes, where the famous Marennes-Oléron oysters mature.
The fortified gates remained intact despite the bombardments of the Second World War.
In the heart of the village, the main square hosts a covered market as well as a pretty fountain, decorated with twisted columns and sculpted dolphins.
On the oyster port, some of the colorful huts have been converted into gourmet bistros, artisan shops or designer workshops.
How to get there ?
Accessible by a free bridge, the island of Oléron is 30 km from La Rochelle.
You then reach Le Château d'Oléron in 5 km via the D734.
The regional bus n°6/6E connects the village to Rochefort, the n°7 to La Rochelle.
A marine table?
Posted on the port of Château-d'Oléron, the cabin of
La Courtine
will delight lovers of fresh fish and seafood. Book a table on the terrace!
La Courtine, 5 av.
du Port, 17480 Le Château-d'Oléron.
Such.
: 05 46 36 00 74.
Aix (Charente Maritime)
Stranded opposite Fort Boyard, accessible only by boat and forbidden to cars, the island of Aix is a real paradise.
Jean Tiffon / Le Figaro
Stranded opposite Fort Boyard, accessible only by boat and forbidden to cars, the island of Aix is a real paradise.
The town unfolds its rectilinear streets full of flowers sheltered by impressive fortifications.
The neoclassical facade of the former Governor's House stands out among the small white houses: it was here that Napoleon I stayed just before surrendering to the English in July 1815. A museum set up inside the building brings the the Emperor's last hours on French soil through a collection of documents, objects and paintings.
On leaving, a tour of the island on foot or by bike is a must to discover beaches, foreshores and forts.
How to get there ?
The island of Aix and its town are accessible all year round by boat from Fouras, 30 km south of La Rochelle.
In season, maritime connections are provided to La Rochelle, Rochefort and the island of Oléron.
Or sleep ?
Housed in a historic residence once frequented by Georges Simenon, the Hôtel Napoléon has around twenty beautifully appointed rooms.
Night from 100 €.
Hotel Napoleon, rue Gourgaud, 17123 Ile-d'Aix.
Such.
: 05 46 84 00 77.
Read alsoFrom the island of Aix to Thiviers, freewheeling the Charente
Brouage (Charente-Maritime)
Watchtower - Citadel of Brouage.
Stephanie NADOUCE / CT;
Charentes Tourism
Citadel lost in the middle of the marshes between Rochefort and Oléron, Brouage has everything of a mirage.
It is hard to imagine that until the end of the Renaissance, it was a major port on the Atlantic coast, specializing in the salt trade.
Fortified by Richelieu, Brouage became a stronghold before falling into oblivion when the ocean receded several kilometers away.
Today, you have to walk along its long straight streets before going around the ramparts to enjoy a superb panorama of the surrounding marshes.
In the village church, stained glass windows retrace the epic of Samuel de Champlain, a native of Brouage and founder of Quebec City.
How to get there ?
The village is located 19 km from Rochefort via the D3 and the Martrou bridge (free).
Mornac-sur-Seudre (Charente Maritime)
Stroll through the cobbled streets of Mornac-sur-Seudre, a preserved village in Charente-Maritime.
Jean Tiffon / Le Figaro
A medieval village established in the heart of the Seudre marshes, Mornac prospered for a long time thanks to its salt marshes before devoting itself to oyster farming.
Its beautiful medieval hall testifies to its past importance, as does its Saint-Pierre church, built from the 11th century with beautiful stones from Saintonge.
In the main street, the fishermen's houses now house artists' studios.
Completely dry at low tide, the old port is the ideal place to enjoy a platter of oysters refined in the "claires" or taste the éclade de mussels.
How to get there ?
The village is located 12 km north of Royan via the D733.
Talmont-sur-Gironde (Charente Maritime)
Sainte-Radegonde church in Talmont-sur-Gironde.
Stéphane MORAND / CT;
Charentes Tourism
A superb Romanesque church, erected on a golden cliff facing the Gironde estuary… Talmont is certainly one of the most emblematic villages of the Charentes.
The walk on its old ramparts offers striking views of the coast and its squares, these fishing huts on stilts typical of the region.
A former bastide town, the village is made up of small white houses that line up like on parade, sometimes giving way to flower gardens.
Here too, some artists have set up their workshops in the alleys...
How to get there ?
Talmont-sur-Gironde is 20 km east of Royan via the D25.
Taste the local wine?
Planted facing the estuary, the Hauts de Talmont vines produce good Charentais wines aged biodynamically as well as cognac.
The cellar is located in the center of the village.
Les Hauts de Talmont, corner of rue du port and rue de l'église, 17120 Talmont-sur-Gironde.
Such.
: 06 61 67 17 17.
Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente (Charente Maritime)
The roofs of Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente.
Charlotte BARRIERE / CT;
Charentes Tourism
In the heart of Saintonge and in a bend of the Charente, this village rising on a gentle hill was a very active port for the trade in salt, stone and cognac.
During its golden age, the famous barges criss-crossed the river here in all directions.
If its quays lined with fishermen's houses are not lacking in style, take the time to climb into the upper town to discover the old castle and the Romanesque church as well as some troglodyte houses.
How to get there ?
The village is located 34 km from Rochefort via the D739 and 19 km from Saintes via the D114.
Villebois-Lavalette (Charente)
In the town, you cannot miss the superb hall, built in the 17th century.
Jean Tiffon / Le Figaro
Arriving at the outskirts of this village established on the hilly slopes of the South Charente, it is impossible to miss its imposing castle which dominates the whole region.
Built on a Roman oppidum, the fortress has retained its seven medieval towers and its 17th century dwelling, fitted out by the Duke of Navailles, a Marshal of France close to Mazarin.
Today, the castle is patiently restored by a private owner who unearthed a buried room from the 12th century.
In the town, you cannot miss the superb hall, built in the 17th century.
It comes alive every Saturday on the occasion of a lively local market.
How to get there ?
The village is located 24 km south of Angoulême via the D81.
Want some sweetness?
Villebois is proud of its cornuelles, triangular shortbread decorated with small pink anise pearls.
You can find it at the baker
Philippe Jean
.
Bakery Philippe and Sandrine Jean, 2 Grand-Rue, 16320 Villebois-Lavalette.
Such.
: 05 45 64 71 49.
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (Charente)
The streets of the town all climb towards the pretty Place Ludovic-Trarieux, invaded by shaded terraces.
Jean Tiffon / Le Figaro
At the gates of Périgord, perched on a limestone cliff overlooking the Dronne valley, this village cannot leave anyone indifferent.
Its history is at least a thousand years old, as evidenced by the astonishing underground church of Saint-Jean or that of Saint-Jacques, with its Romanesque portal carved with oriental motifs.
The streets of the town all climb towards the pretty Place Ludovic-Trarieux, invaded by shaded terraces.
If the 15th century castle is not accessible, we take pleasure in discovering the beautiful historic residences of the village as well as its old washhouse.
Antique shops and artisan workshops liven up the streets in summer.
How to get there ?
The village is located 50 km south of Angoulême via the D674 and 53 km from Périgueux via the D710.
An aperitif with friends?
Located on the most beautiful square in Aubeterre,
Au Vin d'Abord
is the perfect place to have a drink in the sun in a warm atmosphere.
Large selection of wines and charcuterie or cheese platters.
Au Vin d'Abord, 2 pl.
Ludovic-Trarieux, 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.
Such.
: 05 45 78 88 05.
Tusson (Charente)
Along the flowery streets of Tusson, the walker also discovers a beautiful variety of old houses.
Jean Tiffon / Le Figaro
The village developed thanks to the presence of an important abbey where Marguerite d'Angoulême, sister of François I, stayed.
You can still see the remains around the Logis du Prior.
The elegant Heritage House, built in the Renaissance, hides harmonious interior courtyards which open onto a fragrant herb garden.
Along the flowery streets of Tusson, the walker also discovers a fine variety of old houses, sometimes equipped with turrets or large porches typical of Charente wine-growing architecture.
How to get there ?
The village is located 43 km north of Angoulême via the N10 then the D737.
Verteuil-sur-Charente (Charente)
Built on the banks of the Charente, this bucolic village is dominated by an imposing castle.
Jean Tiffon / Le Figaro
Built on the banks of the Charente, this bucolic village is dominated by an imposing castle which belonged to the La Rochefoucauld family for more than a millennium.
It is also here that François, the most famous of the family, wrote many of his
Maxims
around 1664. A walk in the alleys of the village allows you to review a whole ancient heritage such as a pretty mill, the old Cordeliers convent, a Renaissance seneschalry or a 12th century church, housing a rare terracotta Entombment... And of course, to enjoy superb views of the castle, which unfortunately can no longer be visited.
How to get there ?
The village is 42 km north of Angoulême via the N10 then the D31.