Spend all day by the pool, or explore a wide range of local experiences.

From charming towns and beautiful beaches, to lively markets and unforgettable day trips.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is one of the most charming cities on the Atlantic coast, known for its beautiful harbor, historic architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. The narrow streets are filled with lovely boutiques, cozy cafés, and markets that give the city a lively and authentic character. The La Rochelle Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe and offers an impressive experience with everything from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks. In the heart of the city, you’ll also find a beautiful beach where locals and visitors alike enjoy the sun and the stunning sea view – the perfect blend of culture, nature, and coastal charm.

View of historic stone towers and buildings along a waterfront with boats, under a bright blue sky.
A family of three observing marine life in an aquarium, with a large shark and other fish swimming in the tank.
A busy street scene with historic stone buildings, arched walkways, and pedestrians walking along the sidewalks, with bicycles parked nearby and holiday decorations hanging across the street on a clear day.
A city waterfront with boats docked at a marina, historic buildings with red roofs, and a prominent clock tower, under a clear blue sky.

Food Markets

  • A busy outdoor market under a large metal canopy with hanging flower baskets, colorful umbrellas, and a crowd of people.

    Surgères:

    10 min drive

    The charming town of Surgères hosts a traditional food market in the center three times per week: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Local producers offer fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, and seafood, giving visitors a chance to taste authentic regional specialties. The market is especially known for local butter and dairy products, making it a popular meeting spot for both residents and guests. Best on saturdays

  • An outdoor farmers market in front of a large glass greenhouse building with blue sky. Market stalls with striped canopies sell vegetables, flowers, and herbs. People browse and shop at the stalls.

    Niort

    25 min drive

    Les Halles de Niort is an iconic indoor food market considered a gastronomic haven in the heart of the city. Here you’ll find a wide variety of fresh products—from meat and fish to cheese, vegetables, and fruit. On Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the market expands with extra outdoor stalls, adding to the lively atmosphere. The historic, bright halls make this a must-visit stop for food lovers seeking local flavors.

  • Farmers' market stalls with people shopping, market tents, and a historic building with a clock in the background.

    La Rochelle

    35 min drive

    La Rochelle’s Central Market - the meeting place for gourmets, set in a beautiful 19th-century hall, is a lively spot where locals and visitors gather daily. Vendors offer fresh seafood, oysters, cheese, fruits, and regional specialties like Pineau des Charentes. The bustling atmosphere and outstanding selection of local products make this market a must-visit when exploring the city.

Beaches

  • Sunny beach with people, umbrellas, and a clear blue sky, with ocean waves and grassy dunes in the foreground.

    Châtelaillon-Plage

    Châtelaillon-Plage is long, sandy beach with a beautiful promenade. The beach stretches for more than three kilometers, offering plenty of space for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the sun. The town itself has a lively atmosphere with, great restaurants, and a lovely market.

  • Wooden pathway leading to a sandy beach with calm ocean water and boats, bordered by wooden fences and grassy dunes under a partly cloudy sky.

    Île de Ré

    Île de Ré is a beautiful island famous for its many lovely beaches, charming villages, and excellent seafood. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy authentic French atmosphere, and spend carefree days by the sea.

  • Beach with colorful beach huts lined up at the front, sandy shore with people relaxing and walking, blue ocean with sailboats and small boats, clear sky, and distant shoreline.

    Île d’Oléron

    Île d’Oléron is famous for its wild, natural beauty and relaxed vibe. You’ll find miles of sandy beaches, pine forests, and picturesque fishing villages.

Outdoor seaside restaurant setup with oysters on the half shell, glasses of white wine, and a small black street food cart in front of a white building with black shutters and a sign that reads 'La Cabanajam'.

The best oysters in the world

Le Cabanajam is a renowned seafood and oyster bar located just outside Saint-Martin-de-Ré, right by the sea. It’s run by the respected Gillardeau family, producers of world-famous, award-winning oysters recognized as “The Rolls-Royce of Oysters.”

On the spacious terrace with stunning ocean views, you can enjoy fresh oysters, seafood platters, and local wines straight from the region. The quality, setting, and friendly service make Le Cabanajam a must for anyone wanting to experience the authentic taste of Île de Ré.

Oyster Farm Tour

A person opening a fresh oyster on a wooden surface with a box labeled "Ré Ostrea" in the background.

Visitors can take immersive guided tours of his oyster beds to discover the full process of oyster cultivation, from the birth of oysters to their harvest, including tasting fresh oysters directly from the sea, learning to open them, and understanding the cycles and daily life of an oyster farmer. The farm experience emphasizes sustainable practices and the connection between marine stewardship

Wine Tasting & Tour at Pique Russe

Vineyard with rows of grapevines under a partly cloudy blue sky.

What drives a Parisian to abandon his career in luxury brands to become a winemaker in Charente Maritime? Yves Lageat invites you to share the passion which led him to create this estate with his friends in 2003, with the ambition of creating a fine local wine in Charentes.

Pique Russe is the name of the red- start in Charente, a small migratory bird that nests in the gardens of the region. It is also the name of the plot where the vineyards are located, next to the village of Gourvillette.
The method is simple on paper, organic, manual, traditional, sometimes daring and very different from the conventional local viticultural practices. "The local winegrowers thought we were crazy, they called me "the Parisian who'll soon be going home"," says Yves.

Today, Pique Russe owns an estate of almost 4 hectares and produces about 30,000 bottles of red, rosé and white per year which are enjoyed in the best restaurants of the region.

We invite you to meet us at the estate and discover our unique history!

45 min from the house

Wine tasting at Cave Luc Chognot

A corner building with a sign reading 'CAVE VINS' and vines growing on the wall, curbside sidewalk, and a street in a quiet European town.

In Surgeres, right next to the market, Cave Luc Chognot offers a wide selection of wine, champagne, cognac, pineau -and they offer private tastings by appointment.

10 min from the house

Paris

With high-speed TGV connections from Surgères, you can even visit Paris for a day—leave in the morning, explore the city, and return homeby evening. The combination of tranquil rural life and easy access to city adventure makes this the perfect place to experience the best of French country living.

2,5 hours with train

Panoramic view of Paris featuring the Eiffel Tower, golden-domed Invalides, and historic buildings with gray rooftops during daytime with clear sky.