Places to visit in Bourcefranc-Le Chapus,

in Marennes Oléron and Charente-Maritime...

Bourcefranc-Le Chapus

An ideal spot in the heart of an oyster city

Located at the foot of the bridge of the Oléron island, facing the island of light (Oléron island), Bourcefranc-Le Chapus has a unique position in the Marennes region.
Facing the sea, this small town of 3500 inhabitants is the 1st oyster port of the county.
The Fort Louvois, built by Vauban, is a must-see.
Its position is ideal to discover the area : on one side, the Oléron island, with its long sandy beaches and forests, and on the other side, the Marennes, where the marshes constitute the main element of the landscape.

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Its oyster marshes, its ligned stilt huts, its Fort erected in the middle of the oyster parks make Bourcefranc-Le Chapus probably the most beautiful oyster site in the Marennes - Oléron region.
The beach of Bourcefranc is a calm spot on the Pertuis sea, facing the south of the Oléron island and the Arvert peninsula.
At low tide, you can fish by foot. You can walk alongside the front of the sea and enjoy the breathtaking views.
For enthusiastic walkers, the GR 4 and local walks are nearby.

Places to visit in Bourcefranc-Le Chapus

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The Fort Louvois The Fort Louvois by night Interior court of the Fort Louvois

The Fort Louvois

Built following orders of Louis XIV to defend the coast of the Charente, the Fort Louvois is linked to the port of Chapus by a 400 m paved walkway only accessible at low tide. Its construction, decided by Louvois, took place between 1691 and 1691, following Vaubans’ designs. Listed building "Monument Historique", the Fort Louvois open its doors for a unique and surprising visit (guided tours available).

To see : exhibitions, models, oyster museum, panoramic view.

Opening hours : July-August opens every day from 10h30 to 18h30 (free boat transfer in high tide); June, September and school holidays: opens at low tide (more details at the tourist office)

Fort Louvois website : www.Fort-Louvois.com

Webcam of Fort Louvois

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Fishing port Daire channel and its huts

The fishing port of Bourcefranc

Formerly, the port was used by boats for the transportation of travellers and goods (wine, oysters, salt) between Oléron and the continent, before transfers were put in place (1946-47) which were replaced by the bridge in 1966. The port of Bourcefranc is today the 1st oyster port in the Marennes - Oléron region. Excursions to Fort Boyard and the Aix island will leave from this port.

To see : the non-stop spectacle of boats leaving with the tide towards the oyster parcs in "malines" tides (big high tides).

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Lanes of the Old Chapus Unusual house of the Old Chapus

The Old Chapus

At the bottom of the Chapus bay, you will find the old port, dating from from the Middle-Age, with its dock used for salt and fishing trades. The lanes of the Vieux Chapus invite you to discover this picturesque district.

To see : the wells hiden within the alleys, covered of roses. Ask for the route "Discovery the Old Chapus" at the Tourist Office - Tel. + 33 (0)5 46 85 07 00.