Port-des-Barques and Île Madame are part of the Grand Site de France “Estuaire de la Charente – Arsenal de Rochefort”. Those who have chosen Port-des-Barques as their destination may want to rent a holiday apartment.
Nature
The redesigned Pointe de Port-des-Barques includes a three-kilometre coastal path. It also features a restored dune fringe; almost two hectares have been returned to the area’s characteristic local vegetation. Île Madame is a classified natural area.
Water
Leisure fishing in freshwater is possible at Lac des Rouches in Port-des-Barques. At the Passe aux filles on Île Madame in Port-des-Barques, a guided introduction to recreational mudflat fishing is offered. It includes observing marine animals as well as responsible practices that protect biodiversity.
Plage des Anses has a pool that allows swimming regardless of the tide. On Île Madame, Ferme Aquacole offers oyster tastings and guided tours of the facility.
History and culture
Fort de l’Île Madame was built at the beginning of the 18th century to help defend the Arsenal de Rochefort. The rooftop terrace of Fort de l’Île Madame is accessible as part of a guided tour and offers a viewpoint over the Charente estuary and the Pertuis Sea.
Les Cabanes de l’Estuaire is an ecomuseum in a former oyster hut within an active oyster-farming operation in Port-des-Barques. The Chapelle Notre Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse was completed in 1948 using stones from the Arsenal de Rochefort, which was destroyed in 1944, and opened for worship.
More local pages: Saint-Léger, Nuaillé-Sur-Boutonne, Foulerot, Rochefort, Mosnac, Epargnes, Gémozac, Trizay
