Whether you have chosen a Méhari, a 2CV or a Burton, get ready to travel back through the region’s history. Let the gentle purr of the engine carry you along, like a retro melody played by time itself.
Do not miss your first stop: let your gaze rise, spellbound by the airy grace of the suspension bridge at Tonnay-Charente, weaving a delicate connection between the land of Tonnay-Charente and the horizon of Saint-Hippolyte
Then, around a bend in a shaded road where light dances between the leaves, an unexpected encounter will awaken your senses. The majestic Trizay Abbey stands as a silent guardian of time, its door opening like the page of an ancient book, inviting you to embrace the past. The air, heavy with mystery, whispers the secrets of the monks who once gathered within these walls.
Turn the ignition key and head towards the citadel of Brouage, where you can lose yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of an old fortress that guards distant echoes of a vanished maritime greatness. Its ramparts whisper legends of sailors, and its cobblestones still bear the footprints of the past. Do not miss the grandeur of the Porte Royale. Soak up the atmosphere as you explore the provisions hall, and be sure to see the ice house: a shaft 4 metres deep that once stored more than 20 tonnes of ice collected in winter. Take a break on the ramparts. This walkway, 8 metres high and dotted with bastions and turrets, offers a unique view of the village, marshes and islands of Aix and Oléron. Then turn into one of the streets to discover Saint-Pierre church. After exploring every corner of this majestic citadel steeped in history, it is time to leave behind the ramparts of this place full of charm and mystery.
At its slow, steady pace, your Méhari will gently take you on to the citadel of Le Château d’Oléron. You will discover the island’s military heritage and feel the defensive spirit of earlier generations like a salty breeze from the ocean. Its walls tell a story of resilience, recalling days of glory and courage against the ravages of time. In the protective shade of these ramparts, you may discover the royal gate, a silent guardian of riddles and secrets. On one of its faces, an old fresco reveals a coat of arms that persistent rumours link to Cardinal Richelieu.
Finally, to round off your journey, you will discover the Corderie Royale, nestled in the welcoming embrace of the Charente. Its walls tell stories of the past, woven into the fabric of maritime history. Beside it, resting in its dry dock like a jewel in its case, L’Hermione lies ready to sail again. Its timbers speak to you and its sails whisper sailors’ dreams, an adventure that continues today thanks to a passionate team. Here, between past and present, the Corderie and L’Hermione form a partnership built on shared memories. But perhaps the ship has already slipped away towards other oceans, pursuing a new adventure far from our sight
The sun dips towards the horizon, but the glow of these experiences remains. It is time to return, taking these fragments of beauty, culture and history with you. Our cars, filled with memories, head back towards everyday life, but the spirit of this day endures in the hearts of those who have had the privilege of experiencing it.
Approximately 90 km, allow 8 to 9 hours including visits