La Route des Saveurs Maritimes: An iodized road-trip to Marennes - Oléron

This weekend, we're off to Marennes-Oleron for a gourmet road-trip. With your hair blowing in the wind and a good address in your rear-view mirror, you're all set for the vacations. We've selected 7 unmissable spots along the Route des Saveurs Maritimes, for a weekend mop-up that smells of the ocean.

Stage 1: Tour of the Cocollos oyster production site

First stop at Bourcefranc - Le Chapus, just before the viaduct leading to the island of Oléron. Here, discover a rather unusual oyster production site. Halfway between Marennes-Oleron and Ireland, Jacques and Yvonne Cocollos offer you oysters from these two great maritime terroirs! Take a stroll through the oyster beds and follow the different stages of maturation developed by this family-run business. All that's left for you to do is get down to the Cocollos shack and try out a plate of this fine seafood from across the Channel.

Stage 2: A stroll along the oyster route and its cabins

All aboard, Simone! We're driving with our windows open, in the direction of the famous oyster route. We're off for a drive along the wild, unspoilt west coast of the Ile d'Oléron, the historic oyster-growing route of the region. One of our favorite places to stroll and take a deep breath of Oleron air. Stop off at the Port de La Baudissière and stroll past the colorful oyster huts. Today, local artisans have given them a new lease of life, displaying their made-in-Oleron creations.

Stage 3: Visit to the Fort Royer site

Continue due north towards the La Perrotine channel, on the site of Fort Royer. Let yourself be charmed by the authenticity of this small, traditional oyster-farming village, right in the heart of the Moëze - Oléron nature reserve! Led by passionate volunteers, you'll be immersed in the world of oyster farming. Stroll among the oyster beds, learn to recognize the environment that shapes Marennes - Oléron oysters... You'll learn all their secrets!

Stage 4: Visit the port of La Cotinière and its fish auction

The largest port in Charente-Maritime, La Cotinière is THE seafood capital of Marennes-Oleron. Twice a day, the port comes alive with fishmongers' stalls filled with nearly 90 different species of fish, depending on the season! Once you've filled your basket, you can meet up along the harbor for a coffee with friends, and enjoy the infectious effervescence of the fishermen and merchants who bring this pretty fishing port to life. Don't miss our guided tour of the area for an authentic and intimate discovery.

Stage 5: Share an éclade with friends

Before putting the brakes on your journey, don't miss the traditional éclades at the pretty Bord à Bord hut in Boyardville! For those long summer evenings, this typically Olivetan recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or family. How does it work? Cleverly arranged in regular circles, the mussels are then covered with a thick coat of pine thorns, which are then flambéed, giving them an incomparable taste. All that's left for you to do is settle in, enjoy the serenity of the setting, and remake the world with a drink in hand!

Feel like setting sail again? Discover all our good addresses on the Route des Saveurs Maritimes!

Download itinerary