In Échillais, the Église Notre-Dame and the Pont Transbordeur represent two different historical facets of the town. The Église Notre-Dame d'Échillais was built in the 12th century on the remains of a 9th-century structure and is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque art in the Saintonge. Its richly decorated façade features sculpted modillions and a capital depicting the Grand Goule. According to the 1840 list, the Église Notre-Dame in Échillais is protected as a historic monument.
Those considering Échillais as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture
The Pont Transbordeur was built in 1900 by Ferdinand Arnodin to connect Rochefort on the right bank with Échillais on the left bank without obstructing navigation on the Charente. The transporter bridge allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Charente and is the last remaining transporter bridge in France.
On the Échillais side is the Maison du Transbordeur, a free interpretation centre dedicated to the history of the bridge. Independent visits to the Maison du Transbordeur are free for everyone.
La Limoise is associated with the writer Pierre Loti's childhood stays; his memories of them are recounted in the books “Le Roman d’un enfant” and “Prime jeunesse”. La Limoise includes the Bois de La Limoise, with an oak grove known regionally as “Châgnée”. The house of La Limoise was built in 1763 and has preserved its original appearance.
The Fosses de la Gardette are a 40-hectare natural and historical site with basins built for watering almost 2,000 ship masts and inaugurated in 1853.
Nature
The Bois du Chay is a type 1 continental ZNIEFF natural area in Échillais covering 50.58 hectares. It is home to thermo-Atlantic mixed forests with downy and holm oaks. There are also significant populations of daffodils, as well as broad-leaved phillyrea near its northern distribution limit in France.
The Fosses aux Mâts is a site of remarkable biodiversity, with year-round water in the basins, grazing areas and a tranquil setting.
Paths and Leisure
The cycle route “Parcours cyclable 2: En longeant la Bridoire” in Échillais is an easy 22.4 km mountain biking route with a stated duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The walking trail from the Église Notre-Dame to the Charente-Seudre Canal runs along the Bois du Chay and follows in Pierre Loti's footsteps.
The leisure area at the Cabane du Canal in Échillais offers picnic facilities, fishing and walking opportunities.
