Other attractions in the basin
In addition to Marennes-Hiers-Brouage and Bourcefranc-Le Chapus, the Marennes basin also includes other communes such as Nieulle sur Seudre, Le Gua, Saint-Sorni and Saint-Just-Luzac... Cycling through these villages and towns means discovering an area with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. Hop on your bike and take advantage of the Seudre paths for a leisurely stroll through these villages and discover all their treasures.
Le Gua
Le Gua's proximity to major seaside resorts, its peaceful countryside and gentle marshes make it a great place to live. Le Gua consists of a village and several picturesque hamlets. In some parts of the marshes, you'll come across small stone shelters known as saloches, or tourettes. These would have been used to store salt, or as a supposed shelter for customs officers to monitor salt shipments.
Saint-Sornin
In the heart of this charming little village of character houses, the Romanesque church dedicated to Saint-Saturnin contains frescoes that are a must-see. From its natural promontory, the Broue tower bears witness to ancestral salt-making activities in the Brouage marshes. This sentinel offers a remarkable view of the flora and fauna. Signposted footpaths allow walkers to discover all these treasures. An old farmhouse has been restored and from April to mid-September houses an exhibition entitled "In search of white gold", about the ancient Gulf of Saintonge and the salt trade.
Saint-Just Luzac
Catholic Saint-Just and Protestant Luzac are now united in a single commune. Saint-Just Luzac is famous for its bell tower... which was never finished! Interrupted by the Wars of Religion, construction was never resumed. Several estates and châteaux still bear witness to the seigneurial domination of this salt-growing region.
In the heart of the Seudre marshes, you can admire the Moulin des Loges, one of Europe's last working tide mills. During a 45-minute guided tour, you'll discover the history of this 18th-century mill, which was restored in 2000. Your guide will reveal the mysteries of this man-made mechanism, which remains closely linked to its natural surroundings. Milling demonstrations are also offered from April to October. The surrounding area is rich in flora and fauna.
Nieulle-sur-Seudre
Nieulle-sur-Seudre, the "Neuve-Ville", seems to rest on the marshes - the same marshes that the Seudre regularly feeds. Sometimes agricultural, sometimes oyster-farming, its location makes it both land and sea, fresh and salty. Between querreux and saloches, which give the site its character, you can take the path that leads to Port Paradis, a small oyster-farming port where you'll find a few huts along the channel and Recoulaine, offering beautiful walks between the oyster beds.