Arces-sur-Gironde combines the landscape of the Gironde estuary with history and local discoveries.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Arces-sur-Gironde can compare their own preferences with the local features described here.
Culture
The Church of Saint-Martin in Arces was built in the 12th century in the Saintonge Romanesque style and has a Latin cross-shaped floor plan.
Since 1911, the Church of Saint-Martin in Arces has been protected as a historic monument of France.
The Puyveil fountain consists of two fluted and hollowed-out column drums, probably originating from the nearby Gallo-Roman archaeological site of Fâ.
During the restoration of the Brésillas chapel, exceptional wall paintings were discovered in 2018; they probably date from the 15th or 16th century.
Arces became a stopping point on the Way of St. James because numerous pilgrims continued on to Talmont-sur-Gironde to cross the Gironde there.
Nature
Arces-sur-Gironde has a shoreline approximately one kilometre wide along the Gironde estuary and extends roughly six kilometres inland.
The ridge connecting Brézillas, Liboulas and the town centre offers views of the Gironde estuary.
The Barrails marshes are criss-crossed by ditches, covered with fields and meadows, and dotted with individual hunting huts.
Port Maran is located on a rocky headland at the Gironde estuary and is lined with traditional carrelets, the stilt fishing huts typical of Charente-Maritime. From there, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view over the estuary.
Trails
The GR® 360 long-distance hiking trail passes through Arces.
The cycling tour Le Tour Royan Atlantique par Marennes also passes through Arces.
The coastal path at Banc de Dau can be used on foot or by bicycle for an excursion along the Gironde estuary.
While walking through Arces, visitors can discover local artists and arts and crafts studios for painting and sculpture.
Local life
Ferme de chez Horry in Arces-sur-Gironde offers freshly harvested vegetables and preserves; it also traditionally keeps dairy cows and raises calves alongside their mothers.
