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La Rochelle
A historic port city with atmospheric streets, excellent restaurants and impressive architecture.
Parking tip: Vieux-Port Sud
Île de Ré
A charming island with white villages, coastal cycling trails and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Parking tip: Le Belvédère + bus
Marais Poitevin
A beautiful marshland with picturesque canals, lush nature and a serene atmosphere.
Parking tip: La Grève & Saint Hilaire
“Avoir un coup de foudre.”
Explore the area around the Manoir and fall in love instantly. Even though most guests stay at the Manor for its tranquility and beauty, for the more adventurous visitor it is absolutely worth going out as well. Check out our tips below in the categories of nature, beaches and cities.
Nature
Île d'Aix
Île d'Aix
A small, car-free island accessible by boat from Fouras and Boyardville. It has beautiful beaches, scenic nature, quiet villages and historical sites, including a fort and a museum dedicated to Napoleon, who stayed here briefly in 1815. It also has good restaurants.
Île d'Oléron
Île d'Oléron
Île d’Oléron is France’s second largest island. The island is known for its vast sandy beaches, pine forests, wildlife, oyster farms and lively seaside resorts such as Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron and La Cotinière. You can reach it by bridge or by boat.
Meschers-sur-Gironde
Meschers-sur-Gironde
Caves and limestone formations at the mouth of the Gironde River. The caves in the limestone cliffs were once inhabited. A little further away, but impressive nature, culture and views. Close by you will find Royan, once the seaside resort for the royal and noble French.
Pointe Saint-Clément
Pointe Saint-Clément
Baie de l’Aiguillon and Pointe Saint-Clément are two viewpoints and a quiet bay between the sea and the marsh. Here you can hike in the rugged nature reserve or admire the most beautiful sunsets. Very popular with bird watchers because of large flocks of migratory birds.
Île de Ré
Île de Ré
Besides idyllic sandy beaches, Île de Ré has much more beautiful nature. Take the bike paths through the salt fields, forests and along deserted beaches. Or visit the nature reserve near Loix, Les Portes-en-Ré and Lilleau des Niges, where you can spot the most beautiful birds. Tip: Park the car for free in front of the bridge and take the bus for 1 euro.
Marais Poitevin
Marais Poitevin
One of the largest wetlands in Europe. Because of its fairy-tale waters that meander through nature, it is also called the Green Venice. Rent a boat (with or without a guide) from Coulon, Arçais, Maillezais or Marans. Also wonderful for hiking and biking among the willows and waterways.
Fôret de Benon
Fôret de Benon
One of the largest forests in the region, just around the corner from the Manoir. Perfect for a quiet forest walk, bike ride or picnic. Local legends and an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. With free access and several hiking trails.
Beaches
La Tranche-sur-Mer
La Tranche-sur-Mer
A large beach, with a casino and many stores. The center of the nearby town is car-free. You can park at “La Belle Henriette”, where you can then walk straight through nature with birds and fish to the beach.
De Trousse-Chemise
Plage de Trousse-Chemise
One of the most idyllic and secluded beaches in Europe. Famous thanks to Charles Aznavour’s song. It is located at the head of Île de Ré, surrounded by beautiful forests. Ideal for combining a day at the beach and a nature walk. Plage des Prises is similarly beautiful.
La Conche des Baleines
Plage de la Conche des Baleines
Miles of beach on Île de Ré. Wide, flat sloping sea, fine sand, and amazing sunsets. Known for its lighthouse and its breathtaking beauty, but less crowded than at Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
Plage des Minimes
Plage des Minimes
Without a doubt the best urban beach in La Rochelle. Very lively in summer with views of the Atlantic Ocean, the lighthouse at Les Minimes and Fort Boyard. Includes amenities such as toilet, shower and lifeguard.
Châtelaillon-Plage
Châtelaillon-Plage
The 3 km long sandy beach is pleasantly crowded with views of Fort Boyard and the island of Aix. Along the shore runs a beautiful promenade with terraces, stores and a casino.
Cities
Boyard Ville
Boyard Ville
Boyardville is a charming coastal village on the island of Île d’Oléron, overlooking the famous Fort Boyard. The village has an attractive marina, cozy terraces and a beautiful sandy beach. Boat trips depart from Boyardville every day to Fort Boyard and nearby Île d’Aix.
Port-des-Barques
Port-des-Barques
A quiet coastal village located at the mouth of the Charente River opposite Île Madame. The village is known for its fishing tradition, oyster farming and the characteristic fishing huts on stilts, the “carrelets”. At low tide, you can reach the Île Madame on foot through a natural dam, a unique experience!
Brouage
Brouage
Brouage is a medieval former fortified town surrounded by impressive ramparts and marshes. Once an important port for salt and trade shipping in the 17th century, it is now an atmospheric place full of history. All the great French nobility and kings used to go here.
Surgères
Surgères
A pleasant town with terraces and a chateau in the center, less than 15 minutes by car and also accessible by bike from the Manoir. A covered market is open every day. In addition, the market is extended outside on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Cognac
Cognac
A little more than an hour’s drive away from the Manoir, but well worth it. Especially if you are a fan of the drink of the same name. Go on a tour of the various large or small cognac houses and discover the magnificence, splendor and richness of the small town on the Charente.
Saintes
Saintes
Located on the Charente River, the city has a rich Gallo-Roman past, visible in monuments such as the amphitheater and the Triumphal Arch of Germanicus. It is also in the Cognac region, so a visit to a distillery is also a possibility.
Rochefort
Rochefort
Founded in the 17th century as a military naval base, the city now houses the impressive maritime heritage, including the rebuilt 18th-century frigate L’Hermione. Rochefort also offers charming squares, thermal baths and museums.
Niort
Niort
The city is known for its historic center with medieval fortifications, including Niort’s impressive keep. In addition, Niort is an important center for the French insurance industry and is the gateway to the Marais Poitevin marshland.
La Rochelle
La Rochelle
A historic port city with atmospheric streets, excellent restaurants and impressive architecture, including the famous Tour de la Chaîne and Tour Saint-Nicolas. La Rochelle has the oldest operating town hall in France. Lively all year round.
Bikes
Bring your bike or borrow one from us and explore the area at your own pace. With many bike paths and little difference in altitude, this is the ideal place for cycling enthusiasts. We will be happy to help you with route suggestions.
Sailing
The Marais Poitevin is the perfect place to seek tranquility on the water. Discover the beauty of nature from an authentic boat, with or without a guide. Boarding is possible in Coulon, Arçais and Maillezais. In Marans, you can rent an electric boat.
Hiking
Walk from the Manoir directly into the forests of Benon, once part of the estate. Or choose beautiful routes around the marsh or Île de Ré. We will be happy to help you on your way.
