The Marennes Basin and Oléron Island offer a large number of museums. In the Basin there are 5 museums and exhibition places alike. In Brouage, "La Halle aux Vivres" hosts the european military architecture centre where exhibitions often take place. Also in Brouage
"La Maison Champlain" is an opportunity to discover history and our relations with the "Nouveau Monde".

In Saint-Just-Luzac, the "Musée Atlantrain" has 5000 classic toys ( cars, planes, boats, dolls..) originating from 18 countries ! Watching displays and demonstrations of the miniature trains is a fun experience for both kids and grown-ups. Set in the keep of Fort-Louvois in Bourcefranc-Le-Chapus, "The Oyster Museum" recalls the Marennes-Oléron's oyster history and oyster-farming process. Numerous oyster species and archaic tools are on display. The Fort's barracks holds a permanent exhibition on Charente-Maritime's fortifications and has temporary exhibitions during the summer.

To find out about traditional local costumes and houses, you should visit "La Maison Paysanne". And if you are interested in salt production or want to visit an oyster-farming hut, head to "L'Ecomusée du Port des Salines". Both are situated in Grand-Village Plage. "La Maison de l'Huître Oléronaise" in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains offers guided tours of the oyster parks. And if you should wonder how bread was made 500 years ago, you can find out in Château d'Oléron. The "Four à Pain de la Maison du Prévôt" reveals all about the traditional bread making process.

Or explore the island's origins at "Le Musée de l'Ile d'Oléron". This art and ethnography museum provides descriptions of the customs of Oléron Island's people. In this 600 square metre space, various themes are featured such as: wine making, salt production, fishing, traditional costumes, local houses... There are also: audio and video installations, kid's discovery itinerary and a scale model of salt pans. A museum experience to remember.