Marennes-Hiers-Brouage
Forming a single commune with Brouage, Marennes is world-renowned for the quality of its oysters. If you want to learn all about this exquisite delicacy, head for the port of La Cayenne! You'll discover its colorful huts, as well as the Cité de l'Huître and its interpretation center. Another must-see is the church. From the top of its steeple (whose spire rises to a height of 85 metres), enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Discover the oyster-farming heritage...
If there's one place you shouldn't miss in Marennes, it's the Cayenne Channel. If you're looking for an insight into the oyster industry, you won't be disappointed. Along this kilometer-long channel, you'll come across many colorful huts. You might even come across oyster farmers at work. To better understand this profession, between the oyster beds and the huts, you'll find the Cité de l'Huître, an interpretation center devoted entirely to oyster farming. The Cité de l'Huître welcomes, entertains and introduces visitors of all ages. Immerse yourself in the heart of an exceptional profession, territory and natural environment. Through an innovative tour, you'll learn all about the famous Marennes-Oléron oyster, from its birth to its arrival on your plate.
... and its cultural heritage!
While Marennes enjoys a great reputation as the capital of oyster farming, it also boasts a rich and interesting heritage. The first thing you see in Marennes is its bell tower. It rises to a height of 85 metres! The Saint-Pierre de Sales church, long considered a landmark for sailors, now offers a superb panorama of the entire Marennes Oléron basin, including an astonishing mosaic of oyster beds. Come and climb the 289 steps of its bell tower to enjoy the view (daily in July and August, 10am - 12:30pm / 2pm - 6:30pm and on request out of season).
Marennes also boasts a magnificent château, the Château de la Gataudière. This 17th-century residence, listed as a Monument Historique, was once owned by François Fresneau. This royal engineer is also famous for having invented rubber. The château is not open to visitors, but it is home to an adventure park with a choice of activities: accrobranche, paintball, quads....
Finally, in warm weather, Marennes-Plage, facing the Ile d'Oléron, and its reservoir is the ideal place for children (and adults) to swim in complete safety. There are also several restaurants to choose from.