Make a holiday rental home or self-catering villa in Rochefort – Marennes area, France your home away from home

The Rochefort – Marennes area lies on the west coast of France, to the south of the Bay of Biscay. The quaint village of Marennes is famous for its oyster farming and relaxed lifestyle. The ancient fortifications in nearby Rochefort as well as the lovely scenery and friendly atmosphere of the villages and towns in the area, make the Rochefort – Marennes area an ideal holiday destination for those looking for a relaxing short holiday.

Things to do on holiday in Rochefort – Marennes area, France

There is no shortage of activities to keep you busy on a Rochefort or Marennes holiday. The coastal location of the towns and villages mean that water sports such as wind surfing, sailing and swimming are available to visitors to the area. Popular beaches in the area include Marennes beach, which has a lagoon ideal for children, the Oleron island beach, and the Cote Sauvage. Other leisure activities in the area include walking, bird watching in the marshes around Marennes, hiking in the forests, horse riding and golf. There are 3 golf courses in the area: at Saintes, Royan and on Ile d'Oleron.

Exploring the picturesque village of Marennes is a great way to spend the morning if you are renting accommodation in Rochefort or Marennes. Attractions in the village include the Saint-Pierre-de-Salles church with its impressive bell tower that can be seen kilometers away, the lovely Château de la Gataudière and Place Chasseloup-Laubat, as well as museums and galleries. In the summer there is a market in the middle of the village each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, ideal for those renting self-catering accommodation in Marennes. At the market you can buy local produce and taste the famous Marennes oysters that are farmed in the village.

Due to the carefully planned, grid pattern of the streets, navigating the town of Rochefort on foot is easy. The harbour town was once an important naval base. The town has charming promenades and ancient fortifications. Historic monuments and places of interest in Rochefort include The Corderie Royale, where you can learn about the history of the town and rope-making techniques, the maritime museum, Retours gardens as well as museums and galleries.

Places to visit on holiday in Rochefort – Marennes area, France

Ile d'Oleron is an island just of the coast of Marennes and has excellent beaches as well as bike trails around the island.

If you are looking for some evening entertainment then the seaside resort of Royan, or the town of La Rochelle is where you want to be. La Rochelle has excellent outdoor shows, live music and a variety of pubs and bars.

Weather in Rochefort – Marennes area, France

The climate in the Rochefort – Marennes area is milder than the rest of France, thanks to the moderating effect of ocean breezes. The summers are long and warm and winters mild, therefore, Rochefort – Marennes villas can be used to explore the region throughout the year.

Flights to Rochefort – Marennes area, France

The closest international airport to Rochefort – Marennes accommodation is in La Rochelle (LRH). RyanAir offers regular flights from Stansted, which take only 90 minutes. From La Rochelle visitors can hire a car and drive to their Rochefort – Marennes area villas. The Rochefort airport (RCO) is another option for visitors to the area, however there are no direct flights to Rochefort from the UK.